The Bronx's own Cardi B turns 34 today, 11 October 2026, and few artists have packed more into a single decade than Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar. What began as a viral social-media following and a breakout turn on Love & Hip Hop: New York became one of rap's most remarkable success stories.
From "Bodak Yellow" — the first solo song by a female rapper to top the Billboard Hot 100 since Lauryn Hill in 1998 — to her second No. 1 album Am I the Drama?, Cardi B has rewritten the record books at every step.
Full Name: Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar
Born: 11 October 1992, The Bronx, New York City
Age: 34 (as of October 2026)
Occupation: Rapper and songwriter
Years Active: 2015–present
Label: Atlantic Records
Spouse: was married to Offset; separation reported, unconfirmed
Early Life
Cardi B was born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar on 11 October 1992 in The Bronx, New York City. Before she ever picked up a mic, she built a massive online following with her unfiltered personality, which opened the door to a breakout role on VH1's Love & Hip Hop: New York. Two mixtapes — Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1 and Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 2 — followed, setting the stage for a record-breaking run.
Career
"Bodak Yellow" (2017) made Cardi B the first female rapper to score a solo No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 since Lauryn Hill in 1998, and it later made her the first female rapper with an RIAA diamond-certified song. Her debut album, Invasion of Privacy (2018), debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and won the 2019 Grammy for Best Rap Album — a first for a solo female rapper.
Seven years later came Am I the Drama? (2025), which also debuted at No. 1, making her the only female rapper whose first two albums both debuted atop the chart. The record features "WAP" and "Up", alongside newer singles such as "Safe" (with Kehlani) — read our "Safe" lyrics breakdown — and "Ah Ha" — see the "Ah Ha" lyrics breakdown.
Along the way she has collected 8 Billboard Music Awards, 6 American Music Awards, 14 BET Hip Hop Awards, 5 Guinness World Records and 2 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year honors, landed on the Time 100 in 2018, been named Billboard's Woman of the Year in 2020, and made her film debut in Hustlers (2019). She records for Atlantic Records.
Recent Work
On 8 October 2026, Cardi B released "Don't Chart" alongside Fuerza Regida's "Suzuki" as the latest singles from Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album, a 34-track soundtrack from Atlantic Records and Rockstar Games arriving 19 November 2026 — the same day as the game's launch. Eight of the 34 tracks were out as of 8 October.
Personal Life
Cardi B was married to fellow rapper Offset in 2017. Reports suggest the marriage has since ended, but her current status remains unconfirmed — we have not stated a divorce as fact. For more hip-hop profiles, check out our Travis Scott biography and Ice Spice biography.
Watch the Official Video
Watch the official music video for "Up" below:
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Cardi B?
Born on 11 October 1992 in The Bronx, Cardi B turns 34 on 11 October 2026.
Which album won the Grammy?
Invasion of Privacy won Best Rap Album at the 2019 Grammy Awards, making her the first solo female rapper to take the prize.
What is her second album?
Am I the Drama? (2025), which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and includes "WAP" and "Up".
What is "Don't Chart"?
A single released on 8 October 2026 from Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album, a 34-track soundtrack arriving 19 November 2026, the same day Grand Theft Auto VI launches.
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