Carlos Alman is best known as the father of Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, but his own life tells a meaningful story of sacrifice, hard work, and family values. Born in the Dominican Republic, he later moved to the United States in search of better opportunities, where he worked as a taxi driver in New York City to support his family.
Although he is not a public figure, his role as a dedicated father and provider greatly influenced Cardi B’s identity, resilience, and success.
This article looks closely at his early life in the Dominican Republic, his immigration journey, career as a taxi driver, family relationships, parenting style, cultural impact, and lasting legacy.
Quick Bio
| Detail |
Information |
| Full Name |
Carlos Alman (also known as Carlos Almanzar) |
| Date of Birth |
March 19, 1958 |
| Age (as of 2025) |
67 years old |
| Birth Place |
Dominican Republic |
| Nationality |
Dominican-American |
| Ethnicity |
Dominican |
| Zodiac Sign |
Pisces |
| Height |
5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight |
65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Hair Color |
Black |
| Eye Color |
Dark Brown |
| Sexual Orientation |
Straight |
| Marital Status |
Divorced |
| Ex-Wife |
Clara Mercedes Almanzar |
| Children |
8 (including Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina) |
| Mother |
Esperanza Almanzar |
| Occupation |
Former Taxi Driver |
| Famous As |
Father of Cardi B |
Early Life in the Dominican Republic
Carlos Alman was born on March 19, 1958, in the Dominican Republic, where he grew up surrounded by strong family values and rich Caribbean traditions. His early life was shaped by a culture that emphasized respect, close family bonds, religion, lively music, and traditional foods, all of which played an important role in building his character. Like many people from the Caribbean, Carlos carried dreams of a better future, and these hopes laid the foundation for his decision to immigrate to the United States years later in search of greater opportunities for himself and his family.
Immigration Journey to the United States
Career and Work Life
Carlos Alman worked for many years as a taxi driver in New York City, a demanding job that required long hours, patience, and strength to deal with heavy traffic, stress, and safety risks. Despite the difficulties, this job allowed him to provide a steady income and stability for his family, ensuring his children had what they needed to grow and succeed. Through his work, Carlos taught his children the value of resilience, sacrifice, and dedication, lessons that later helped shape their confidence and drive in life.
Age And Physical Features
As of 2025, Carlos Alman is 67 years old, having been born on March 19, 1958. He is about 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall, with a lean build, weighing around 65 kilograms (143 pounds). He has black hair and dark brown eyes, features that reflect his Dominican heritage. Despite living a private life, his simple and natural appearance shows his humble lifestyle and background.
Family Life and Marriage
Carlos Alman married Clara Mercedes Almánzar, who has Trinidadian and Spanish roots, and together they built a multicultural household in the Bronx that blended Dominican and Caribbean traditions. The couple had two daughters, Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina, but their marriage ended in divorce in 2005, though they continued co-parenting with love and support. Carlos also has six other children from previous relationships, whose lives he keeps private to respect their privacy. His mother, Esperanza Almanzar, also played an important role in shaping his family values and cultural pride.
Parenting Style and Values
Carlos Alman is known as a strict but loving father who raised his children with strong values of discipline, education, and respect. He believed in guiding them firmly while also showing care and support, which helped shape their resilience and determination in life. Cardi B has often credited him for teaching her to work hard and stay focused, lessons that influenced her success. He also passed down Dominican cultural traditions, such as sharing family meals, speaking Spanish, and staying connected to their community, which gave his children a strong sense of identity and pride in their roots.
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Famous Children
Cardi B (Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar)
Cardi B, born on October 11, 1992, is the eldest daughter of Carlos Alman and quickly rose to global fame as a rapper, actress, and media personality. She is known for her bold personality, chart-topping songs like Bodak Yellow and I Like It, and for winning a Grammy Award. Cardi B has often spoken about how her parents’ hard work, especially her father’s sacrifices as an immigrant, motivated her to stay determined. She proudly embraces her Dominican roots, often showing them in her music, public interviews, and cultural identity.
Hennessy Carolina
Hennessy Carolina, born on December 22, 1995, is Carlos Alman’s younger daughter and has built her own name as a social media star and fashion influencer. She is well-known for her unique style, active online presence, and appearances on television, including Love & Hip Hop: New York. Hennessy shares a close relationship with Cardi B, with the two often seen supporting each other in public. Through her fashion and media presence, she highlights the Dominican-Trinidadian heritage she shares with her family.
Other Children
In addition to Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina, Carlos Alman has six other children from previous relationships, including Maciel Almanzar, Nicauly Villalona, and Fernando Almanzar. These children maintain private lives away from the spotlight, but they remain part of Carlos’s extended family. Despite different mothers, Carlos has emphasized the importance of family unity and cultural pride, creating strong bonds among his children that reflect his values of togetherness and respect.
Relationship with Cardi B
Carlos Alman and Cardi B share a relationship built on mutual respect and admiration, with Cardi often praising her father’s strong work ethic and sacrifices as inspiration for her own drive. She has openly credited him for teaching her discipline and resilience, qualities that helped her succeed in the music industry. Despite her fame, Cardi B is protective of her father’s privacy, warning the media not to involve him in public matters, as he prefers a quiet life away from attention. His support and example continue to play a symbolic role in her confidence and determination to achieve her goals.
Cultural Heritage and Influence
Carlos Alman’s Dominican heritage strongly shaped his children’s upbringing, especially Cardi B’s Afro-Latino identity and pride. Through food, music, language, and cultural celebrations, he passed down traditions that gave his daughters a sense of belonging and cultural confidence. These influences are clear in Cardi B’s music and public image, where she often highlights her Dominican roots and openly celebrates her family’s background. His role reflects how immigrant parents contribute to the diversity and richness of U.S. culture, helping their children embrace identity while building success in a new country.
Personal Traits and Challenges
Carlos Alman is remembered as a man of humility, discipline, and hard work, traits he carried throughout his career and family life. Despite facing financial hardships and the struggles of raising a large family, he always prioritized his children’s well-being. At times, he battled personal challenges, but his resilience and ability to overcome difficulties helped maintain family unity. These struggles and his determination provided valuable lessons for his children about perseverance, responsibility, and the strength needed to push through hard times.
Public Image and Privacy
Although his daughter Cardi B is a world-famous rapper, Carlos Alman has chosen to stay out of the media spotlight. He rarely appears in public and avoids interviews or television features, preferring a private life. Cardi B has openly defended his right to privacy, warning the media not to exploit him, since he lives a simple life without the protection or resources that fame can bring. This contrast between her global recognition and his quiet lifestyle makes his story relatable to many, showing that ordinary parents often play extraordinary roles behind the scenes.
Current Life
Today, Carlos Alman lives a peaceful, retired life in New York City, surrounded by his family. Having left his career as a taxi driver, he enjoys more time with his children while keeping a low profile. While he values a quiet existence, his family ensures he is supported and comfortable. Thanks to Cardi B’s success, he is believed to enjoy financial stability, but he continues to live humbly, showing that his focus remains on family rather than public attention.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Carlos Alman’s own earnings from his years of taxi driving were modest, reflecting the hard work and sacrifices of many immigrant workers in New York City. While his personal net worth is not publicly known, his daughter Cardi B’s wealth has allowed the family to live more comfortably. However, Carlos’s legacy is not measured in money but in the values he passed on to his children. His dedication, sacrifice, and work ethic are the true riches he contributed to his family’s success.
Legacy and Impact
Carlos Alman is often seen as the “hidden pillar” behind Cardi B’s rise, representing the role of immigrant parents who quietly shape the lives of their successful children. His story mirrors the experiences of many families who leave their home countries in search of a better future, showing the importance of resilience and cultural pride. By teaching his children hard work, respect, and the value of their heritage, Carlos left a lasting impact that continues to inspire his family and those who learn about his journey. His life is a reminder that the American Dream is often built through quiet sacrifices.
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Conclusion
Carlos Alman’s life story is one of dedication, cultural pride, and love for family. From his early years in the Dominican Republic to his immigration journey and years of hard work as a taxi driver, he laid the foundation for his children’s success. Though not in the public eye, his influence is deeply felt in Cardi B’s career and identity, proving that behind every superstar is a family whose love and sacrifices make dreams possible. His example continues to inspire as a symbol of the strength and values carried by immigrant parents.
FAQs About Carlos Alman
1. Who is Carlos Alman?
Carlos Alman is the Dominican-American father of Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B. He was born on March 19, 1958, in the Dominican Republic and later moved to New York City. Though not a celebrity himself, his role as a hardworking immigrant and father shaped his daughter’s journey to success.
2. How many children does Carlos Alman have?
Carlos Alman has eight children in total. Two of them are well-known: Cardi B (Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar) and Hennessy Carolina. The other six children from previous relationships live private lives away from the spotlight.
3. What did Carlos Alman do for a living?
Carlos Alman worked as a taxi driver in New York City for many years. His long hours and dedication provided stability for his family. Through his job, he showed his children the importance of hard work, sacrifice, and responsibility.
4. Where does Carlos Alman live now?
Carlos Alman currently lives a private and quiet life in New York City. Having retired from taxi driving, he prefers to stay away from media attention. He spends his time surrounded by family and values privacy over fame.
5. What is Carlos Alman’s relationship with Cardi B like?
Carlos shares a close and respectful relationship with Cardi B. She often credits him for teaching her discipline and determination. Although he avoids the spotlight, he remains a strong source of support and inspiration for her.
6. Is Carlos Alman married?
Carlos Alman was previously married to Clara Mercedes Almánzar, Cardi B’s mother. They divorced in 2005 but continued co-parenting their daughters. Despite the separation, both parents stayed actively involved in raising their children.
7. What is Carlos Alman’s nationality and cultural background?
Carlos Alman is Dominican by birth and later became a Dominican-American immigrant. His Dominican roots strongly influenced his children’s upbringing. This cultural background is seen in Cardi B’s music, personality, and pride in her Afro-Latina identity.
8. Does Carlos Alman use social media?
No, Carlos Alman does not have a public social media presence. Unlike his daughters, he values living a private life. He avoids media attention and chooses to stay out of the public eye.
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