Behind every famous star, there is often a parent whose sacrifices go unseen. Carlos Alman is one of those parents. He is the father of Cardi B, one of the world’s biggest rappers, and her younger sister, Hennessy Carolina. Born in the Dominican Republic, Carlos moved to New York in 1990 and worked as a cab driver for years to provide for his family. He raised his daughters with strong Dominican values, discipline, and pride in their roots. Even after Cardi B became a superstar, Carlos chose a private life away from cameras and headlines. If you have ever asked, “Who is Carlos Alman?” this article tells his full story—from his early days to his quiet life today.
Carlos Alman Biography
| Topic | Details |
| Full Name | Carlos Almánzar |
| Also Known As | Carlos Alman |
| Born | March 19, 1958 |
| Age (2026) | 68 years old |
| Birthplace | Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Moved to USA | 1990 |
| Home | Bronx, New York City, USA |
| Ex-Wife | Clara Almánzar |
| Children | 8 children |
| Famous Daughters | Cardi B (Belcalis Almánzar) and Hennessy Carolina |
| Job | Former New York taxi driver |
| Worked as Cab Driver | About 9 years |
| Retired | Yes |
| Net Worth | 500000 $ Net Worth |
| Known For | Being the father of rapper Cardi B |
| Private Life | Very private, avoids the spotlight |
| Religion | Not publicly confirmed |
| Current Status | Retired and living quietly in New York |
Early Life and Dominican Background
Carlos Alman was born in the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean nation known for its rich music, warm culture, and strong family values. His full name is Carlos Almánzar, and he was born on March 19, 1958. He grew up in a modest household where hard work and respect were taught from a young age. His mother, Esperanza Almanzar, played a big role in shaping his character. Like many Dominicans of his generation, Carlos learned the value of community and perseverance early in life. These childhood lessons in the Dominican Republic would later guide him as a father and a provider in a new country.
Move to the United States
In 1990, Carlos made the life-changing decision to leave the Dominican Republic and move to the United States. He settled in New York City, specifically in the Bronx, a borough with a large and vibrant Dominican community. Like many immigrants, he arrived with hopes for better opportunities and a brighter future for his family. Learning English, adjusting to a new culture, and finding steady work were all challenges he faced head-on. His story reflects the courage and resilience of countless immigrants who build new lives from scratch. New York became his home, and he has lived there ever since.
Career as a New York Taxi Driver
To support his family, Carlos Alman worked as a taxi driver in New York City for about nine years. Driving a cab in New York is one of the most demanding jobs in the city. It requires knowledge of complex streets, patience in heavy traffic, and the ability to deal with all kinds of people. Carlos worked long hours to earn a modest but steady income for his household. Cardi B has often spoken about her father’s hard work and even campaigned for better conditions for cab drivers. He retired around the time his daughter’s rap career began to take off.
Carlos Alman and Clara Almánzar’s Relationship
Carlos married Clara Almánzar, a woman of Trinidadian descent, and together they built a multicultural household. The couple married in 1991 and welcomed two daughters during their time together. Clara worked as a cashier while Carlos drove a cab, and both worked hard to provide for their family in the Bronx. Sadly, their marriage did not last, and they divorced when Cardi B was 13 years old. Despite the separation, both parents remained important figures in their daughters’ lives. Their shared Caribbean heritage gave their children a unique and rich cultural upbringing.
Carlos Alman’s Family and Children
Carlos Alman is the father of eight children, including his famous daughters Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina. He welcomed his first daughter, Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar (Cardi B), on October 11, 1992, and his second daughter, Hennessy Carolina, on December 22, 1995. Both daughters were born in the Bronx, New York City. Carlos also has other children from different relationships, but he has kept most of his family life private. Despite his large family, he has always maintained a low profile and focused on being a present and supportive father to all his children.
Carlos Alman’s Relationship With Cardi B
Carlos and Cardi B share a close father-daughter bond. Cardi has often called her parents her “biggest blessings” and credits them for her success. When Cardi offered to give her father an allowance after she became famous, he politely declined and instead asked for help finding work opportunities. This shows his strong work ethic and pride. Cardi has also defended her father publicly against false rumors, showing how much she cares about him. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, love, and the values he instilled in her from a young age.
Relationship With His Daughters
Carlos has always been a dedicated father to his daughters. After his divorce from Clara, Cardi and Hennessy stayed with their mother but still visited their father regularly. Carlos made sure to remain a constant presence in their lives, teaching them about their Dominican heritage and the importance of family. He was strict but loving, and he wanted his daughters to grow up with strong values. Cardi has shared that her father’s Dominican heritage, humor, and work ethic shaped her personality and artistic voice. His influence is evident in the strong, confident woman she became.
Meet younger daughter Hennessy Carolina
Carlos shares a special bond with his younger daughter, Hennessy Carolina. Hennessy was born on December 22, 1995, in the Bronx, New York City. Her father actually named her after his favorite brand of French cognac, Hennessy, because he arrived at her birth slightly intoxicated and suggested the name to her mother. Hennessy grew up to become a media personality and fashion designer. Like Cardi B, she has spoken warmly about her father’s influence and her Dominican roots. Carlos has always supported his daughters’ careers and remains a proud father to both of them.
Influence on Cardi B’s Upbringing
Carlos had a major influence on Cardi B’s upbringing. He taught her the value of hard work, discipline, and cultural pride. Growing up in a multicultural household with Dominican and Trinidadian traditions gave Cardi a unique perspective on identity. Carlos also influenced his daughter’s naming choices—he suggested the name Hennessy for his younger daughter. Cardi has said that her father’s Dominican heritage and humor shaped who she is today. Even though Carlos was a strict parent, his lessons helped Cardi navigate the challenges of life and build a successful career.
Dominican Heritage and Family Values
Carlos Alman has always been proud of his Dominican heritage. He instilled in his children a deep sense of pride in their roots, teaching them about Dominican culture, values, and traditions. The Almanzar household celebrated both Dominican and Trinidadian traditions, creating a rich multicultural environment for Cardi and Hennessy. Family values like respect, hard work, and loyalty were central to Carlos’s parenting. He made sure his daughters understood where they came from and the sacrifices their parents made. This strong cultural foundation became a significant part of Cardi B’s identity and public persona.
Life Away From the Spotlight
Despite his daughter’s global fame, Carlos Alman has chosen to live a quiet, private life away from the spotlight. He rarely gives interviews or attends red carpet events. He prefers to focus on his family and personal life rather than being a public figure. Carlos maintains a low-profile lifestyle and avoids media attention whenever possible. Even though he is connected to one of the biggest celebrities in the world, he has never tried to profit from his daughter’s success. His humility and desire for privacy have earned him respect from both fans and media alike.
Net Worth and Financial Life
Carlos Alman’s estimated net worth is around $500,000. This modest sum comes mostly from his years of hard work as a New York taxi driver, along with personal savings and careful money management. He never relied on his daughter Cardi B’s fame or fortune for his own lifestyle. When Cardi offered him a monthly allowance, he politely declined and instead asked for help finding work. Carlos values independence and believes in earning what you have. He lives a simple, private life in the Bronx and stays away from luxury. His financial story shows that true wealth is not about millions—it’s about dignity, self-respect, and providing for your family.
Impact on Family and Lasting Legacy
Carlos Alman’s impact on his family is quiet but powerful. As a Dominican immigrant and former New York cab driver, he showed his daughters the value of hard work, humility, and staying true to your roots. His sacrifices helped shape Cardi B into the confident superstar she is today, and his close bond with Hennessy Carolina shows his steady love as a father. Even after his daughter became world-famous, Carlos chose a private life and never used her success for attention. His lasting legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, who carry his lessons of respect, independence, and cultural pride. In the end, Carlos Alman proves that a parent’s greatest gift is not money or fame, but the values and love they pass down to the next generation.
Where Is Carlos Alman Now?
As of 2026, Carlos Alman is 68 years old and continues to live in New York City, mainly in the Bronx. He is retired from his job as a taxi driver and enjoys a peaceful life away from public view. He remains close to his daughters and is a proud grandfather to Cardi B’s children. Carlos has not pursued any entertainment career and prefers to keep his daily life private. He is still involved in his community and maintains strong connections to his Dominican roots. His story is one of quiet resilience and family dedication.
Conclusion
Carlos Alman’s life is a powerful example of quiet strength and dedication. He left his home in the Dominican Republic in 1990 and built a new life in New York City, working as a taxi driver for nearly a decade to support his family. As the father of Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina, he raised his daughters with strong values, cultural pride, and unwavering support. Even as his daughter became a global superstar, Carlos chose a life of privacy and humility. His story reminds us that behind every successful person, there are often parents whose sacrifices and love make it all possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cardi B’s dad from?
Carlos Alman, whose full name is Carlos Almánzar, was born in the Dominican Republic. He grew up on the Caribbean island before immigrating to the United States in 1990. He settled in New York City, specifically in the Bronx, where he has lived for decades.
Are Cardi B’s parents still married?
No, Cardi B’s parents are divorced. Carlos Almánzar and Clara Almánzar married in 1991 but later separated. Cardi B has confirmed that her parents divorced when she was 13 years old. Despite the divorce, both parents remained active in her life.
How old is Carlos Alman?
Carlos Alman was born on March 19, 1958. As of 2026, he is 68 years old. He keeps a very private life and rarely shares personal details with the public, but this birth date is widely reported in his biography profiles.
Why did Cardi B change her name?
Cardi B’s real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar. She got the nickname “Bacardi” from friends and family because her younger sister is named Hennessy, after the cognac brand. She shortened “Bacardi” to “Cardi B,” and the “B” stands for whatever she wants it to mean on any given day.
What is Cardi B’s religion?
Cardi B was raised Catholic and has spoken openly about her Christian faith. She credits God for her success, calls age 33 her “Jesus year,” and says she prays every day. In a 2026 interview, she described her relationship with God as a deep, personal, and daily conversation.
Can Cardi B speak Arabic?
Cardi B does not speak fluent Arabic, but she has learned and used several Arabic phrases. During her 2025 visit to Saudi Arabia, she greeted fans with “Assalamu alaikum” and said “Mashallah” in her posts and performances. Fans affectionately nicknamed her “Halal B” after seeing her embrace the culture.
