When you search up Carlos Alman, you probly won’t find red carpet pics or flashy interviews. He’s not that kinda person. Carlos is actually known for being the father of Cardi B, the Grammy-winning rapper who blew up from the Bronx.
But there’s more to him than that title. His life story — full of hustle, migration, and quiet sacrifice — says a lot about what it really means to build something from scratch. Honestly, it’s one of those “behind the scenes” stories that helps you understand how success actually happens.
Early Life and Background
From Dominican Republic to New York
Carlos Alman was born in the Dominican Republic, around March 19, 1958. Like many Dominican folks back in the 80s, he dreamed of a better life, so he moved to the U.S., settling in The Bronx, New York City.
He didn’t come with much — just determination and a willingness to work. He started off as a taxi driver, driving crazy long shifts through the city that never sleeps. Not an easy gig by any means.
According to Wikipedia’s Cardi B profile, his Dominican roots played a big part in shaping Cardi’s identity and culture. She’s always spoken proudly about her heritage, and that came straight from her dad.
Family Life
Marriage & kids
Carlos got married to Clara Mercedes Almánzar, who’s of Trinidadian and Spanish descent. Together they had two daughters — Belcalis Almánzar (better known as Cardi B) and Hennessy Carolina.
But Carlos also had six other children from a previous relationship. So yeah, big family. After he and Clara separated, Carlos stayed in touch with his kids and kept a good relationship with them. Even if he’s not big on talking in public, his presence is there.
Cardi B’s talked about him being quiet but dependable — “a man who don’t say much, but when he does, it’s real.”
Work & Career
Taxi driving in New York
Carlos Alman spent most of his career driving taxis in NYC. That’s not some easy paycheck — long hours, tough traffic, rude passengers, you name it. But it’s also honest work.
He reportedly did this for many years, working double shifts to support his big family. And unlike some celeb parents, Carlos never tried to chase fame or money off Cardi’s success. He just stayed doing his thing.
A private guy in a loud world
You won’t see Carlos on Instagram or giving interviews to TMZ. In fact, there’s a clip where Cardi B literally told paparazzi to stop filming her dad ‘cause he’s not used to all that fame stuff. That kinda says a lot about who he is — lowkey, humble, not trying to be in the spotlight.
Honestly, that’s pretty refreshing in a world where everybody wanna go viral.
Influence on Cardi B
Even if he’s quiet, Carlos Alman’s impact on Cardi is huge. She’s said many times that her dad’s hustle and values helped her stay grounded.
Her Dominican background — the food, the music, the language, the attitude — it all comes from him. Cardi once said, “My father used to work like crazy. I saw him tired, but he still kept goin’. That made me wanna grind harder.”
You can see it in her music too — that mix of Bronx toughness and Caribbean flavor. It’s cultural DNA passed straight from her pops.
What We Can Learn from Carlos Alman
Here’s the thing: Carlos’s story ain’t about fame. It’s about foundation.
- Hard work still matters. The man worked night and day for years — that’s what gave his kids stability.
- Be proud of where you’re from. His Dominican culture didn’t hold him back — it grounded him.
- Privacy is power. In today’s world, staying private is a flex.
- Support doesn’t have to be loud. You can be a big part of someone’s success without always being seen.
Pros & Cons Summary
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong immigrant work ethic | Very little public info |
| Cultural richness & family pride | Rarely speaks publicly |
| Role model for quiet success | Overshadowed by Cardi’s fame |
FAQs About Carlos Alman
He’s the Dominican-American father of Cardi B, known for his years working as a taxi driver in New York City.
Eight total — two with his ex-wife Clara (Cardi B and Hennessy) and six from another relationship.
There’s no clear info, but most reports say he’s retired.
Dominican by birth, later became a U.S. resident.
Through hard work, cultural pride, and teaching her to stay grounded no matter how big she got.
The Bigger Picture
Carlos Alman’s story isn’t loud or fancy — it’s just real. A Dominican man who came to New York with big dreams, drove taxis to feed his family, and raised one of the most famous women on the planet.
He might not want attention, but his legacy’s already living loud through his daughter. And maybe that’s the point: you don’t have to be in the spotlight to shine.
