When you think of superstar rapper Cardi B, the first things that come to mind are her chart-topping songs, outspoken personality, and larger-than-life presence. But behind her success is a family story filled with humility, hard work, and cultural pride. At the heart of that story is her father, Carlos Alman, a man who has always kept himself away from the spotlight while playing an important role in shaping Cardi B’s life. Though Cardi’s fame has brought attention to her family, Carlos continues to live a private and modest lifestyle in New York City. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who Carlos Alman is, his roots, career, family life, and his relationship with his famous daughter.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: Carlos Almanzar
Known As: Carlos Alman
Date Of Birth: March 19, 1958
Age: 67 Years Old (As Of 2025)
Place Of Birth: Dominican Republic
Nationality: Dominican-American
Ethnicity: Mixed (Dominican With Caribbean Influence)
Profession: Former Taxi Driver
Mother: Esperanza Almanzar
Ex-Wife: Clara Almanzar
Children: 8 (Including Cardi B And Hennessy Carolina)
Current Residence: New York City, United States
Key Takeaways
Carlos Alman is best known as the father of rapper Cardi B. He is of Dominican descent, worked as a taxi driver in New York City for nearly a decade, and has a large family, including eight children. Despite his daughter’s fame, he has chosen to maintain a low profile and avoid the public eye, which has made fans even more curious about him.
People Also Read: Jasper Breckenridge Johnson: Everything to Know About Don Johnson’s Son
Who Is Carlos Alman?
Carlos Alman, whose full name is Carlos Almanzar, is best known as the father of Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar. Though his daughter has achieved global recognition, Carlos has remained someone who values his privacy. Unlike many celebrity parents who embrace fame, Carlos has deliberately stayed away from the cameras. In 2019, Cardi B even called out a media outlet for trying to film her with her father, warning them not to put him on television since he does not have security like she does. This moment showed just how protective Cardi is of her dad and how much he prefers to live quietly.
Is Carlos Alman Dominican?
Yes, Carlos Alman is Dominican by birth. He was born in the Dominican Republic and later moved to New York City in 1990. His Dominican background plays an important role in Cardi B’s identity as she often celebrates her heritage. Cardi has publicly embraced being Afro-Latina, as her father is Dominican and her mother, Clara, is from Trinidad and Tobago with both African and Spanish ancestry. This mix of cultures influenced Cardi B’s upbringing and is often reflected in her music, personality, and pride in her roots.
What Does Carlos Alman Do For A Living?
Carlos Alman worked as a New York City taxi driver for nearly nine years. His job was demanding, but it provided for his family at a time when opportunities were limited. Driving a cab in New York was never easy, with long hours and financial pressures, but Carlos did it with persistence. He eventually retired around the time Cardi B’s career started to take off. Interestingly, even after retiring, he remained connected to the struggles of taxi drivers. Cardi herself mentioned on social media that her father still supports campaigns to bring attention to the unfair financial conditions drivers face, such as high fees and debt from city requirements.
Carlos Alman’s Family Life
Carlos Alman is a family-oriented man, though not much is publicly known about his extended family. His mother, Esperanza Almanzar, is the only relative widely recognized in public records. Unlike his famous daughter, he is not active in the media and keeps details about his siblings and wider family private. What is known, however, is that Carlos built a large family of his own, balancing his responsibilities as a father across different marriages.
Marriage To Clara Almanzar
Carlos married Clara Almanzar in 1991. Clara, who originally came from Trinidad and Tobago, worked as a cashier in a supermarket and often took on extra side jobs to support her household. The couple built a modest life together in New York, raising their children in challenging but loving circumstances. Their marriage, however, did not last. In 2005, when Cardi B was about 13 years old, Carlos and Clara separated. Later, Cardi revealed that she wasn’t deeply saddened by the divorce because she felt she gained more freedom as a teenager, though she remained close to both parents. After the divorce, Clara eventually remarried and is believed to live in the Dominican Republic with her new husband.
Does Carlos Alman Have Children?
Yes, Carlos Alman is the father of eight children. With Clara, he has two daughters who are both well known: Cardi B, born in 1992, and Hennessy Carolina, born in 1995. Both sisters have spoken about their close bond and how they protected one another while growing up. Apart from them, Carlos has six children from a previous marriage. Among them are Maciel Almanzar, Nicauly Villalona, and Fernando Almanzar, with three others whose names are less known publicly. This large family shows that Carlos has had an active and complex family life beyond the fame of his two younger daughters.
Relationship With Cardi B
Carlos Alman shares a strong bond with Cardi B. She often describes him as her “personality twin” and posts heartfelt tributes on occasions like Father’s Day. Beyond just being her father, Carlos shaped parts of Cardi’s upbringing, introducing her to Dominican food and culture. Cardi has credited both her parents for instilling resilience in her, even when they struggled financially. When she became a mother herself, Cardi reflected on the sacrifices her parents made and publicly thanked them for always supporting her. This relationship demonstrates that even though Carlos avoids fame, his influence and love remain central in Cardi B’s life.
Where Is Carlos Alman Now?
As of 2025, Carlos Alman lives in New York City. He continues to avoid the limelight and rarely appears in public events with his daughter. Unlike some celebrity parents who enjoy public exposure, Carlos has chosen to keep his lifestyle private. His days as a taxi driver are behind him, and he is mostly known through the stories Cardi and her sister Hennessy share. Occasionally, his name surfaces in connection with issues like supporting taxi drivers, but otherwise, he remains focused on living quietly.
Interesting Facts About Carlos Alman
One interesting detail about Carlos is that he was born under the zodiac sign Pisces, which some fans say explains his caring and reserved personality. Standing at about 5 feet 11 inches and weighing around 65 kilograms, he carries a modest physical presence. Despite financial challenges, he consistently worked hard to provide for his family. His personal choice to avoid public attention contrasts with his daughter’s very public life, showing that fame does not always change those closest to celebrities.
Conclusion
Carlos Alman may not be a household name on his own, but he is an important figure in Cardi B’s story. A hardworking immigrant from the Dominican Republic, he built a life in New York while raising a large family. His dedication as a taxi driver, his quiet resilience, and his bond with his daughters reveal a man who values family above all. In a world where fame often overshadows humility, Carlos stands out as someone who shows that success is not just measured by celebrity status but by the values and love passed on to the next generation.
FAQs About Carlos Alman
Who is Carlos Alman?
Carlos Alman, born Carlos Almanzar, is the father of rapper Cardi B. He is a Dominican-American who worked as a taxi driver in New York City.
Is Carlos Alman Dominican?
Yes, he was born in the Dominican Republic and later moved to New York City in 1990.
What does Carlos Alman do now?
He is retired from his work as a cab driver and currently lives a private life in New York City.
How many children does Carlos Alman have?
He has eight children, including Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina with his ex-wife Clara, and six children from a previous marriage.
Was Carlos Alman married?
Yes, he was married to Clara Almanzar from 1991 until their separation in 2005.
Does Carlos Alman appear in public with Cardi B?
Rarely. He prefers to stay away from the spotlight, and Cardi has openly asked the media not to expose him for his safety and privacy.
What is the relationship like between Carlos Alman and Cardi B?
They share a close bond. Cardi calls him her personality twin and often expresses love and gratitude for his support.
