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Before Cardi B ascended to the heights of global stardom as a rap icon, reality TV personality, and social media powerhouse, she was simply a determined young woman from the Bronx. Born as Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar in 1992, she was raised in a working-class environment, grappling with financial hardships and the dynamic challenges of her vibrant neighborhood. Long before her Grammy awards and chart-topping hits, Cardi was hustling in the streets, showcasing her bold persona on Instagram and eventually on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York. With her enormous success, she has opened up about her perspective on the fortune she has amassed, attributing it to a divine purpose. Here’s what she shared.
Cardi B explained why God chose her to have extreme wealth
Cardi B’s transformation from a social media figure to a rap sensation has been nothing less than extraordinary. Her rise began with her candid humor and fierce personality capturing the attention of Instagram users, which soon translated to a significant impact on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York. Fans were quickly drawn to her authentic and unfiltered charm. The year 2017 marked a pivotal point when her breakout hit “Bodak Yellow” soared to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first solo female rapper in nearly two decades to achieve this. Since then, Cardi has consistently expanded her influence, releasing hit albums, collaborating with international stars, and emerging as a fashion and cultural trendsetter.
In 2024, Cardi B spoke with Complex about her thoughts on her wealth and the legacy she hopes to leave behind. She revealed her belief that her financial success is a blessing intended to aid her family.
During the conversation, she expressed, “My mom’s side of the family is currently facing a very tough situation,” she confessed. “But, I am incredibly grateful. I feel that God has blessed me so I can support my family through these challenges. I become the go-to person when things are serious, or when people are just fooling around.”
Though she is pleased to offer assistance, she acknowledged feeling as if her relatives sometimes take her generosity for granted. “However, there are specific circumstances—like the one my family is dealing with right now—that are very severe,” Cardi explained. “It’s overwhelming, but this is why I believe I have been blessed with wealth—to handle situations like these.”
While she’s happy to help, she noted that she sometimes felt like her family members “play too much” when it comes to her wealth. “But, there are certain situations — like, right now, what me and my family are going through — it’s like, very serious,” Cardi said. “It’s a lot. But, this is why God blessed me with money, for this type of situation.”
Cardi B recalled what she did when she was ‘broke’
Cardi B’s talent has allowed her to grow a massive net worth. While speaking to Complex, she recalled her humble roots as a dancer and noted what she “never” did when she didn’t have any money.
“I remember when I was broke, I was never outside,” she said. “I just saw you buy some designers. Even when I was a stripper, and I had times that I struggled, I was not buying none of that s***. When I feel like I’m being played with, it’s like, alright, don’t play with it.”
Despite her frustrations, Cardi says she “barely” ever tells those around her that she can’t help them.
The rapper previously said that she’s only ‘sometimes’ happier now that she’s rich
Money doesn’t necessarily buy happiness, and Cardi B knows this firsthand. In an interview with DJ Vlad in 2017, she said she only “sometimes” feels happier now that she’s rich.
“It’s a sometime thing,” she clarified. “It makes me happy that I’m able to afford what I want. And it makes me happy that I get to treat my family. But, I feel like the way that I have money kind of took away a lot of my happiness.”
Cardi recalled how, back when she was an exotic dancer, she could “do whatever” she wanted without the prying eyes of the public. “Sometimes I feel depressed, because it’s like, I could have a good day, and you never know when someone makes a meme out of you, clowning you, that might put you down,” she said. “Or, there’s somebody that’s talking about my family member. It’s a 50/50 thing, to be honest with you.”
