Carlos Alman is a name that might not be widely known outside of dedicated fans of the music industry, yet his influence runs deep in the life of one of today’s biggest global stars, Cardi B. Born in the Dominican Republic and later settling in New York City, Carlos is best recognized as the hardworking and devoted father of the Grammy-winning rapper. Despite his daughter’s international fame and vibrant public persona, Carlos has chosen a quiet and private life away from the spotlight. His story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and cultural pride, illustrating the profound impact a dedicated parent can have behind the scenes.
This article offers a comprehensive look at Carlos Alman’s life, from his early beginnings in the Caribbean to his role as a guiding force in Cardi B’s remarkable rise, shedding light on the values, family dynamics, and heritage that have shaped both father and daughter.
Quick Bio
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carlos Alman |
| Date of Birth | March 19, 1958 |
| Age (2025) | 67 years old |
| Place of Birth | Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Ethnicity | Dominican (Latino) |
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Profession | Retired Taxi Driver |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Spouse | Clara Mercedes Almanzar |
| Children | 8 (including Cardi B & Hennessy Carolina) |
| Current Residence | New York City, USA |
| Public Profile | Private, low media presence |
| Social Media | Not active publicly |
Early Life and Background
Carlos Alman was born on March 19, 1958, in the Dominican Republic, a country rich in culture, music, and tradition. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Carlos experienced the daily realities and challenges of life in a developing nation, surrounded by the vibrant rhythms of merengue and bachata music. His early years were shaped by the close-knit family structures typical of Dominican culture, where respect for elders and community bonds play an essential role. Although detailed public records about his childhood and education remain scarce, it is clear that Carlos’s upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and an enduring connection to his heritage.
In pursuit of better opportunities and economic stability, Carlos made the life-changing decision to immigrate to the United States in 1990. This move, emblematic of the immigrant pursuit of the American Dream, marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life as he settled in the Bronx, New York.
Life and Career in the United States
Upon arriving in New York City, Carlos Alman confronted the challenges common to many immigrants: cultural adjustment, financial hardship, and the struggle to establish a foothold in a fast-paced urban environment. The Bronx, known for its diverse communities and vibrant cultural scene, became Carlos’s new home. To provide for his growing family, he took up work as a taxi driver—a demanding job that required resilience, patience, and long hours navigating the city’s busy streets. Carlos’s role as a taxi driver was more than just a profession; it was a testament to his commitment to ensuring a stable future for his children.
Despite the physical and emotional toll of his job, he remained steadfast in his responsibilities, demonstrating values of perseverance and dedication that he would later pass on to his daughters. After nearly a decade of service in this profession, Carlos retired but continues to lead a humble life in New York, away from public attention.
Family and Personal Life
Carlos Alman’s personal life reflects the complexities and richness of a multicultural immigrant family. He married Clara Mercedes Almanzar in 1991, a woman of Trinidadian and Spanish descent who worked as a cashier. Their union blended Dominican and Trinidadian cultures, creating a unique household environment that celebrated diversity and cultural heritage. Together, Carlos and Clara had two daughters: Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar—known worldwide as Cardi B—and Hennessy Carolina Almanzar, a television personality and social media influencer. The couple divorced in 2005 but maintained a civil relationship to co-parent their children effectively.
In addition to Cardi B and Hennessy, Carlos has six other children from a previous marriage, although they have largely remained out of the public eye. The family dynamics, marked by strong bonds despite separation, underscore Carlos’s role as a committed father who prioritized his children’s well-being and success, even in the face of personal challenges.
Relationship with Cardi B
The father-daughter relationship between Carlos Alman and Cardi B is deeply rooted in mutual respect, love, and shared values. Cardi B has frequently acknowledged her father’s influence, crediting him with instilling a tireless work ethic and a resilient spirit. Carlos’s strict but loving parenting style emphasized the importance of education, hard work, and staying true to one’s roots, principles that Cardi has carried into her own life and career. Even as Cardi pursued a non-traditional path in music and entertainment, Carlos remained a pillar of support, providing both emotional encouragement and a stable foundation.
Despite his low profile, Carlos’s presence in Cardi’s life has been consistent, a quiet force enabling her to navigate the challenges of fame. Cardi’s public pleas for privacy on her father’s behalf highlight the deep care she holds for him and his desire to remain out of the media glare.
Cultural Heritage and Influence
Carlos Alman’s Dominican heritage has played a vital role in shaping not only his identity but also that of his family. The household he nurtured with Clara was a rich blend of Dominican and Trinidadian cultures, exposing their daughters to diverse musical styles, languages, and traditions from an early age. This multicultural upbringing is reflected in Cardi B’s eclectic musical style, which fuses Latin rhythms with hip-hop, and in her pride in identifying as Afro-Latina.
Carlos’s dedication to preserving cultural customs—whether through food, language, or family values—has ensured that his children remain connected to their roots despite growing up in a metropolitan American environment. This cultural pride has resonated with fans worldwide, underscoring the importance of diversity in the music industry and beyond.
Carlos Alman’s Public Profile and Media Presence
Unlike his famous daughter, Carlos Alman has consciously chosen a path of privacy and discretion. He avoids media attention, social media platforms, and public appearances, preferring to lead a simple, peaceful life away from the spotlight. This stark contrast between Carlos’s reserved nature and Cardi B’s high-energy public persona highlights a family balance that allows each to thrive in their own way. The scarcity of his public presence has only fueled curiosity among fans and media alike, but Carlos’s steadfast commitment to privacy remains unchanged. By focusing on his family and personal life, Carlos exemplifies humility and the belief that meaningful impact does not require public recognition.
Net Worth and Financial Background
Carlos Alman’s financial story is one of modesty and quiet support rather than public wealth. As a taxi driver, his income reflected the challenges and limitations of working-class immigrant life in New York City. While exact figures regarding his net worth are unavailable, it is widely understood that Carlos did not amass significant wealth independently. However, Cardi B’s tremendous commercial success has undoubtedly improved the family’s financial situation. Cardi has openly expressed her commitment to supporting her parents and ensuring their comfort, allowing Carlos to enjoy retirement without financial worry. This dynamic illustrates the powerful role of family support and gratitude that runs through their relationship.
Legacy and Impact
Carlos Alman’s legacy extends beyond his role as Cardi B’s father; he symbolizes the perseverance, sacrifice, and values that many immigrant families embody. His journey from the Dominican Republic to New York, working tirelessly to provide for his children, reflects a story of hope and determination. Through Cardi B’s global success and public celebration of her heritage, Carlos’s influence resonates on a worldwide scale. His life reminds us that behind every star is often a quiet hero whose efforts and sacrifices lay the groundwork for future generations. Carlos’s story encourages immigrant families to hold onto their cultural pride, maintain strong family bonds, and pursue their dreams despite obstacles.
Interesting Facts and Lesser-Known Details
Carlos Alman stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and maintains a low public profile, with few photographs or public appearances available. Despite retiring from taxi driving, he remains connected to the community by advocating for the rights and fair treatment of current taxi drivers, understanding firsthand the challenges they face. Cardi B has described her father as her “personality twin,” emphasizing their shared traits and strong bond. Additionally, while Cardi and Hennessy are his most public children, Carlos’s other six children have chosen to remain private, reflecting the father’s respect for their privacy. These facets of his life paint a picture of a humble, devoted man who values family above all else.
Conclusion
Carlos Alman may not be a household name, but his story embodies the values of hard work, sacrifice, and family dedication that underpin many success stories. As a Dominican immigrant who built a life for his family through tireless effort and love, Carlos played an indispensable role in shaping Cardi B’s character and career. His legacy is a powerful reminder that the quiet strength of parents often provides the foundation upon which stars are built. In celebrating Carlos Alman, we recognize the countless unsung heroes whose resilience and commitment inspire generations beyond the public spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Carlos Alman?
Carlos Alman is the Dominican-born father of rapper Cardi B. He is a retired taxi driver and a private individual known for his strong family values and influence on Cardi B’s life.
How is Carlos Alman related to Cardi B?
He is Cardi B’s biological father and has been a consistent source of support and guidance throughout her life and career.
What did Carlos Alman do for a living?
Carlos worked as a taxi driver in New York City for nearly a decade before retiring.
How many children does Carlos Alman have?
Carlos has eight children in total—two with his ex-wife Clara Mercedes Almanzar, including Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina, and six from previous relationships.
What is Carlos Alman’s current lifestyle?
He lives a quiet and private life in New York City, retired from his taxi-driving career, and largely stays out of the public eye.
Why does Carlos Alman avoid media attention?
Carlos values his privacy and prefers a simple life, avoiding the media and social media despite his daughter’s fame.
What influence did Carlos have on Cardi B’s career?
He instilled a strong work ethic, resilience, and cultural pride that shaped Cardi B’s approach to life and music.
What is Carlos Alman’s cultural background?
He is of Dominican heritage, with strong ties to his native culture, which he has passed on to his family.