Cardi B

 

Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, is a Grammy-winning American rapper, singer, and songwriter. She is known for her outspoken personality, candid lyrics, and distinct Bronx accent.

Her rise to fame was unconventional. She first gained a large following on social media platforms like Instagram and Vine for her blunt and humorous videos. This led to her joining the cast of the reality TV show "Love & Hip Hop: New York" in 2015, which further boosted her public profile.

After leaving the show to focus on music, she signed with Atlantic Records. Her debut major-label single, "Bodak Yellow," became a massive hit in 2017, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and making her the first solo female rapper to top the chart with a debut single since Lauryn Hill in 1998.

Her debut studio album, Invasion of Privacy (2018), was a critical and commercial success. It debuted at number one, broke streaming records, and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, making her the first solo female artist to win in that category. The album featured other hit songs, including "I Like It."

Cardi B has since released several other successful singles, including "WAP" with Megan Thee Stallion and "Up," and has collaborated with major artists across different genres. Beyond her music career, she is recognized for her political activism and her unapologetic public persona.