Carlos Alman

Who Is Carlos Alman? All to Know About Cardi B’s Dad

Behind every global superstar sits a family story that shaped who they are long before the red carpets and world tours. While Grammy-winning artist Cardi B and her sister Hennessy Carolina dominate pop culture headlines, fans frequently search for information about the man who helped raise them: Carlos Alman.

Though often searched online as Carlos Alman, his full surname is Carlos Almánzar. A retired New York City taxi driver who built a life as a Dominican immigrant, Carlos is a private, working-class father whose strong work ethic and deep cultural roots left an indelible mark on his famous daughters.

Early Life, Immigration, and Dominican Heritage

Carlos Alman was born on March 19, 1958, in the Dominican Republic. Seeking fresh opportunities and a better future, he immigrated to the United States in 1990 and settled in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx in New York City.

Living in the Bronx, Carlos kept his native traditions alive at home. Cardi B has frequently spoken about how her father passed down a pride in her Afro-Latina identity and introduced her to traditional Dominican dishes like mondongo (tripe soup) as well as everyday childhood habits. That cultural connection remains a core part of Cardi B’s identity today.

Working as a New York City Cab Driver

To support his household, carlos alman spent nearly a decade behind the wheel navigating the streets of New York as a professional taxi driver. Driving a cab in New York City required long hours, patience, and physical strain, but it allowed him to provide a consistent foundation for his children.

Even after retiring from taxi driving, Carlos remained an advocate for fellow drivers. In 2019, when news coverage highlighted the financial exploitation and mounting debt faced by local cab operators, Cardi B voiced her support for driver reforms online. She noted that her father continued to campaign for better working conditions and fairer policies for NYC cabbies after experiencing those industry challenges firsthand.

Family Life, Marriage, and Children

In 1991, Carlos married Clara Mercedes Almánzar, a grocery store cashier originally from Trinidad and Tobago. Together in the Bronx, they welcomed two daughters:

Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar (Cardi B), born on October 11, 1992.
Hennessy Carolina Almánzar, born on December 22, 1995.

Carlos and Clara separated in 2005, when Cardi B was 13 years old, and later finalized their divorce. Beyond his two daughters with Clara, carlos alman has six other children from a previous relationship, including a son named Fernando Almánzar and daughters Maciel and Nicauly, creating a large, extended family network.

Relationship with Cardi B and Protecting His Privacy

Unlike many relatives of world-famous celebrities, Carlos Alman actively shuns public spotlight and media attention. He leads a quiet, grounded life in New York, preferring private family gatherings over red-carpet appearances or interview requests.

Cardi B has consistently shown fierce loyalty and protectiveness toward her father’s privacy. In 2019, she publicly confronted reporters who attempted to record and interview her father without permission while they were out together. Cardi B has repeatedly expressed profound gratitude for both of her parents, acknowledging the sacrifices they made while working low-paying jobs to keep their family clothed and fed during her upbringing.

Life as a Grandfather

Following his retirement from driving a cab, carlos alman shifted his main focus toward helping his family behind the scenes. As Cardi B’s career expanded into global tours and recording sessions, Carlos stepped in to offer practical support at home. He became an active presence in the lives of his grandchildren, including Kulture Kiari Cephus and Wave Set Cephus, helping with family errands and keeping household routines steady so his daughter could handle her demanding schedule.

Cardi B has frequently expressed her gratitude for her father’s presence during her transition into motherhood. Rather than hiring full-time corporate staff for every home task, having her father nearby provided a reliable, trustworthy foundation during hectic album rollouts and international press trips. That hands-on family involvement reflects his lifelong commitment to taking care of his household without asking for credit or public attention.

The Shared Traits Between Father and Daughter

While fans know Cardi B for her unfiltered humor and sharp mouth, she often attributes those exact personality traits to her father. In past interviews, the rapper playfully described herself and carlos alman as “personality twins,” noting that her candid way of speaking comes directly from watching him express his views while growing up.

Beyond shared humor, Carlos passed down small everyday habits and cultural traditions that Cardi B still talks about today. From introducing her to favorite Dominican dishes like mondongo to simple childhood habits like eating sliced tomatoes with salt, his subtle influence remains present in her daily life. That personal connection shows that despite her massive international fame, her personal routines remain closely tied to her father’s Dominican roots.

Staying Off Social Media and Staying Grounded

In an era where celebrity relatives often leverage famous family names to build social media followings or launch business ventures, carlos alman stands out by doing the exact opposite. He does not maintain any public Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter accounts, actively choosing to stay completely off the internet grid.

When media outlets or camera crews attempt to approach him in public, he quietly declines interviews and steps out of the frame. This deliberate choice to maintain a normal, quiet life in New York helps him stay grounded while protecting his personal peace. For fans of Cardi B, his refusal to chase internet clout only adds to the respect he receives as a quiet, dedicated father.

Conclusion

While the public knows Cardi B for her chart-topping hits and outspoken personality, her father carlos alman represents the quiet strength that helped make her success possible. From his roots in the Dominican Republic to his years behind the wheel as a New York cab driver, Carlos embodies a classic immigrant working-class story. His commitment to his family and his steadfast refusal to chase celebrity status have earned him lasting respect from fans around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carlos Alman

Who is Carlos Alman?

Carlos Alman (also known as Carlos Almánzar) is a retired Dominican-American New York City taxi driver best known as the biological father of Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B and social media personality Hennessy Carolina.

What did Carlos Alman do for a living?

He worked as a professional cab driver in New York City for roughly nine years before retiring around the time his daughter’s music career began to take off.

Where is Carlos Alman originally from?

He was born in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to the United States in 1990, settling in the Bronx, New York City.

How many children does Carlos Alman have?

He has eight children in total. This includes two daughters (Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina) with his ex-wife Clara Almánzar, and six children from a previous relationship.

Are Carlos Alman and Cardi B’s mother still together?

No. Carlos Alman and Clara Almánzar separated in 2005 when Cardi B was 13 years old and later divorced. Both parents have maintained supportive relationships with their daughters.