Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, known as Cardi B, is perhaps the most successful female rapper of all time. Her 2018 breakout album Invasion of Privacy made her the first female solo artist to win a Grammy for Best Rap Album.
According to the RIAA, Cardi B has sold over 100 million certified units (albums/songs) in the United States alone. Her success has sparked a renaissance of female rap artists who talk unashamedly about their experiences and sexuality. She has also mentored other female rappers such as Megan Thee Stallion, whose collaboration with Cardi on "WAP" catapulted the up-and-comer into stardom.
Cardi B’s meteoric rise from stripper to appearing on Love & Hip Hop: New York (2010–), to her current status as an international megastar is one she has never shied away from. She credits stripping with changing her life, stating that it gave her the economic freedom to escape an abusive relationship and go back to school.[1]
After being featured in Rita Ora's song "Girls", Cardi B spoke openly about her bisexuality.
Listen to “GIRLS” by Rita Ora ft me @BebeRexha @charli_xcx .We never try to cause harm or had bad intentions with the song .I personally myself had experiences with other woman ,shiieeett with a lot of woman ! I though the song was a good song and i remember my experience .
— iamcardib (@iamcardib) May 15, 2018
For everyone who didn't hear it the first time, Cardi B reiterated that she was bi after being accused of queerbaiting in the music video for Normani's "Wild Side".
Uuummmm @RollingStone queer baiting? You do know we was trying to hide a whole baby bump right ?Also I’m married to a man but I have express soo much about my bisexuality and my experiences wit girls .All of a sudden “queer baiting” is the new word & people use it to the ground ! https://t.co/M3kn4NyJBs
— iamcardib (@iamcardib) July 23, 2021
It turns out that even superstars have to deal with bi erasure.
She has two children with her husband and rapper Offset.