When people think about Cardi B, they picture sold-out concerts, hit songs, and her bold personality. But behind this global superstar stands a man who worked quietly to give his daughter a better life. That man is Carlos Alman, her father. While Cardi B loves the spotlight, her dad prefers to stay away from it. His story shows the power of hard work, family love, and staying true to your roots.
Biography of carlos alman
| Full Name | Carlos Almánzar (Carlos Alman) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 19, 1958 |
| Age | 67 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Profession | Retired Taxi Driver |
| Famous For | Father of rapper Cardi B |
| Children | 8 (including Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina) |
| Current Status | Retired, lives privately in New York |
From the Dominican Republic to New York
Carlos Alman was born in the Dominican Republic, a beautiful island country known for its music, warm people, and strong family traditions. Growing up there, Carlos learned important values like working hard and caring for family. His mother’s name was Esperanza Almanzar, and she helped shape the man he would become.
In 1990, Carlos made a brave choice. He left his home country and moved to the United States, looking for better opportunities. He settled in the Bronx, a neighborhood in New York City where many immigrants built new lives. The move was not easy, but Carlos was ready to work hard.
Life as a Taxi Driver
When Carlos arrived in New York, he needed a job to support himself. He became a taxi driver, one of the few jobs available to new immigrants at the time. For almost ten years, he drove his taxi through the busy streets of New York City. The job was tough. He had to work long hours, deal with traffic, and stay patient with all kinds of passengers.
But Carlos did it without complaining. He wanted to build a stable life and provide for his family. His children, especially Cardi B, saw how hard he worked every day. This left a deep mark on them. Cardi B has often talked about how watching her father work taught her the meaning of determination and never giving up.
Building a Family
Carlos married Clara Mercedes Almánzar, a woman from Trinidad and Tobago. Clara worked as a grocery store cashier, also doing her best to support the family. Together, they created a home filled with two different cultures—Dominican and Trinidadian. Their daughters grew up eating traditional food from both countries, hearing Spanish and English at home, and learning about their rich Caribbean heritage.
Carlos and Clara had two daughters: Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, who the world knows as Cardi B, and Hennessy Carolina. Both girls grew up in the Bronx, surrounded by the mix of cultures that made New York City special. Even though Carlos and Clara divorced in 2005, they both stayed involved in their daughters’ lives. Carlos never walked away. He remained a caring and present father.
Before marrying Clara, Carlos had six other children from a previous relationship. These include daughters Maciel Almanzar and Nicauly Villalona, and a son named Fernando Almanzar. In total, Carlos is a father to eight children. While some of them choose to live private lives away from the media, they all share the same hardworking values their father taught them.
Teaching Cultural Pride
One of the most important things Carlos gave his daughters was a strong connection to their Dominican roots. He made sure they knew where they came from. He introduced them to traditional Dominican dishes like mondongo, a special stew, and taught them to speak Spanish. He shared stories about the Dominican Republic and made sure his children felt proud of their heritage.
Cardi B often talks about her Dominican background in her music and interviews. She credits her father for keeping her connected to her culture. This cultural pride became part of her identity and helped shape her success. Carlos also taught his daughters to be humble and respectful, no matter how much fame or money they earned.
A Father’s Influence
Cardi B and her father share a special bond. She has called him her “personality twin,” meaning they are very similar in character. Even though Carlos is quiet and Cardi B is loud and outgoing, they understand each other deeply. On Father’s Day in 2019, Cardi B posted about her dad on social media, writing: “We are personality twins… I love my dad.”
Carlos was a strict but loving father. He believed in discipline and responsibility. He wanted his children to value education, work hard, and never forget where they came from. These lessons stuck with Cardi B. When she faced challenges in her music career, she remembered her father’s strength and kept pushing forward.
Carlos also protected his family. In 2019, a reporter tried to film him and Cardi B without asking permission. Cardi B quickly stopped them and warned them not to put her father on television. She explained that her dad does not walk around with bodyguards, and she worries about his safety. This moment showed how much she loves and respects him.
Supporting From the Shadows
Unlike many celebrity parents, Carlos Alman has never tried to use his daughter’s fame for himself. He does not do interviews, does not walk red carpets, and does not post on social media. He simply lives a quiet, peaceful life. This shows his humble nature. Even with a world-famous daughter, he stays grounded.
But just because Carlos stays out of the spotlight does not mean he is absent. He has been there for important family moments. He attended Cardi B’s album release parties and celebrated birthdays with his grandchildren. Cardi B once posted an emotional video thanking her parents and sister after the birth of her first child, Kulture. She wrote: “Nothing in this world to repay all the love, help and support they give me.”
Carlos’s younger daughter, Hennessy Carolina, also speaks highly of her father. Hennessy became a fashion influencer and television personality, appearing on shows like “Love & Hip Hop: New York.” Like her sister, she embraces her Afro-Latina identity with pride. Both daughters learned confidence and cultural pride from their father.

A Quiet Life After Retirement
Carlos retired from taxi driving around the time Cardi B’s music career began to take off. After working hard for so many years, he finally had the chance to rest. Today, he lives a private life in New York City. He does not seek attention or fame. He enjoys spending time with his family and living peacefully.
His decision to stay out of the public eye is a personal choice. Carlos never wanted the spotlight. He is happy knowing his children are successful and healthy. He does not need cameras or interviews to feel fulfilled. This quiet strength is one of his most admirable qualities.
A Legacy of Hard Work
Carlos Alman may not be a celebrity, but his life story is inspiring. He represents thousands of immigrant parents who work hard every day to give their children better opportunities. He left his home country, worked long hours in a difficult job, and raised his children with strong values. He taught them to be proud of who they are and to never give up.
His legacy lives on through his children. Cardi B’s success in music, Hennessy Carolina’s career in fashion, and the values all his children carry—these are all reflections of Carlos’s influence. He did not need fame to make a difference. He made a difference by being a dedicated father and a hardworking man.
Lessons From Carlos Alman’s Life
Carlos Alman’s story teaches us several important lessons. First, hard work pays off. Carlos spent years driving a taxi to support his family, and his sacrifices helped his daughters achieve their dreams. Second, staying humble is powerful. Even with a famous daughter, Carlos chooses simplicity and privacy. Third, cultural pride matters. By teaching his daughters about their Dominican heritage, Carlos gave them a strong sense of identity.
Finally, love does not need to be loud. Carlos shows his love quietly, through actions rather than words. He supports his family without needing recognition. This kind of quiet strength is rare and valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Carlos Alman from?
Carlos Alman was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York City in 1990.
2. How many children does Carlos Alman have?
He has eight children in total. Six are from his first marriage, and two daughters—Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina—are from his marriage to Clara Almánzar.
3. What did Carlos Alman do for work?
He worked as a taxi driver in New York City for almost ten years before retiring.
4. Does Carlos Alman appear in public?
No, he prefers to live a quiet, private life and stays away from the media and public events.
5. How did Carlos Alman influence Cardi B?
He taught her the value of hard work, cultural pride, and staying humble. His dedication and strength shaped her work ethic and success in the music industry.
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