Carlos Alman is the devoted father of Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, known for instilling strong work ethic and Dominican cultural pride in his children. A retired taxi driver from the Dominican Republic, Carlos immigrated to New York City in 1990, where he worked tirelessly to provide for his family of eight children while maintaining a private life away from the spotlight.
Quick Facts About Carlos Alman
| Full Name | Carlos Alberto Almánzar Marsan |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 19, 1958 |
| Age | 67 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Profession | Retired Taxi Driver |
| Famous Children | Cardi B, Hennessy Carolina |
| Total Children | 8 children |
| Years in NYC | Since 1990 |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
Early Life and Dominican Heritage
Carlos Alman was born on March 19, 1958, in the vibrant Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic. Growing up surrounded by rich cultural traditions, Carlos was shaped by Dominican values of family unity, resilience, and community pride. His formative years in the Dominican Republic were steeped in Spanish language, traditional music, and the warmth of close-knit family relationships that would later define his approach to fatherhood.
The Dominican Republic during Carlos’s youth was a place of deep cultural identity and strong work ethic. His mother, Esperanza Almanzar, played a significant role in his upbringing, teaching him the importance of determination and unwavering support for loved ones. These early experiences in his homeland created the foundation for the man Carlos would become—someone who valued hard work, cultural heritage, and family above all else.
Life in the Dominican Republic wasn’t without numerous challenges. Like many in his generation, Carlos witnessed economic difficulties that would ultimately motivate his decision to seek better opportunities abroad. The immigrant experience that would later define his adult life began with these early observations of his family’s struggles and determination to overcome adversity.
The Immigrant Journey to New York City
In 1990, at the age of 32, Carlos Alman made the life-changing decision to immigrate to the United States, specifically settling in The Bronx, New York City. This move represented the pursuit of the American Dream that countless Dominican immigrants sought during that era. Arriving in one of the most expensive cities in the world with limited resources required tremendous courage and resilience.
Adjusting to a new culture while maintaining his Dominican identity presented significant challenges for Carlos. The transition from the warm Caribbean climate and familiar Spanish-speaking environment to the fast-paced, multicultural atmosphere of New York City demanded adaptability and determination. Yet Carlos embraced these challenges, viewing them as necessary steps toward building a better life for himself and his future family.
The Bronx neighborhood where Carlos settled became home to a thriving Dominican community, allowing him to maintain connections to his cultural roots while forging a new American identity. This balance between preserving Dominican heritage and embracing American opportunities would later influence how he raised his children, particularly his daughters Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina.
Career as a New York City Taxi Driver
Carlos Alman’s professional life centered around his career as a taxi driver in New York City, a job he maintained for nearly a decade. Navigating the bustling streets of The Bronx and Manhattan required long hours, constant hustle, and interaction with people from all walks of life. The work was demanding, often involving overnight shifts and unpredictable income, but Carlos approached it with pride and dedication.
Working as a taxi driver in New York City meant facing daily challenges that tested Carlos’s patience and determination. From dealing with difficult traffic and demanding passengers to managing the physical toll of long hours behind the wheel, Carlos demonstrated the strong work ethic he would later pass on to his children. His taxi became more than just a vehicle—it was the means through which he provided food, shelter, and education for his growing family.
Carlos worked as a cab driver in New York for almost nine years, retiring around the time his daughter Cardi B’s music career began to flourish. His experience as a taxi driver gave him unique insights into the diversity and complexity of New York City life, exposing him to countless stories and experiences that enriched his worldview. This humble occupation, while not glamorous, embodied the sacrifice and determination that define countless immigrant families in America.
The taxi driving profession also highlighted the economic realities faced by immigrant families. Cardi B once revealed that her parents had low-paying jobs from which they fended for their family’s needs, emphasizing the financial struggles Carlos overcame to provide opportunities for his children. Despite limited financial resources, Carlos ensured his family never lacked love, guidance, or cultural pride.
Family Life and Marriage to Clara Almánzar
In 1991, Carlos married Clara Almánzar, a Trinidadian retired grocery store cashier, creating a multicultural household that would celebrate both Dominican and Trinidadian heritage. Clara, with her own immigrant background and strong work ethic, complemented Carlos’s values perfectly. Together, they built a home in The Bronx that emphasized cultural pride, education, and hard work.
The union between Carlos and Clara produced two daughters who would later make their marks on popular culture. Their marriage represented the blending of Caribbean cultures—Dominican and Trinidadian—creating a unique Afro-Latina identity that their children would proudly embrace. The household was filled with Spanish language, traditional Caribbean cuisine, and music that reflected both parents’ cultural backgrounds.
However, like many marriages, Carlos and Clara’s relationship faced challenges. Their marriage ended after the birth of their second child, with the couple divorcing in 2005. Despite the separation, both parents remained committed to co-parenting their daughters and maintaining a supportive family environment. The divorce did not diminish Carlos’s presence in his children’s lives; instead, he continued to play an active and influential role in their upbringing.
Carlos’s approach to fatherhood extended beyond his marriage to Clara. From his first marriage, he had six children, including daughters Maciel Almanzar and Nicauly Villalona, and a son named Fernando Almanzar. This made Carlos a father of eight children in total, demonstrating his commitment to fatherhood across multiple relationships and families. While his other children have chosen to maintain privacy and stay out of the public eye, they remain an important part of Carlos’s life story.
Raising Global Superstar Cardi B
Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar on October 11, 1992, is the eldest daughter of Carlos Alman and Clara Almanzar. From a young age, Carlos recognized his daughter’s bold personality and determined spirit, traits that would eventually propel her to international stardom. Growing up in The Bronx, Cardi B witnessed firsthand her father’s tireless work ethic and the sacrifices he made to support the family.
She often credits her father’s hard work and cultural influence as key factors that shaped her identity and career. Carlos introduced Cardi B to traditional Dominican culture through food, particularly dishes like mondongo (a traditional Dominican tripe stew), music, and language. These cultural references would later appear throughout Cardi B’s music and public persona, showcasing the lasting impact of her father’s influence.
Carlos’s parenting style combined strictness with genuine love and support. He values education, discipline, and cultural pride, teaching these important lessons to his children from an early age. This balanced approach helped Cardi B develop the confidence and determination necessary to pursue her dreams, even when the path seemed uncertain. Carlos taught his daughters that success required hard work, not shortcuts, and that maintaining pride in their heritage was essential regardless of fame or fortune.
The relationship between Carlos and Cardi B is characterized by deep mutual respect and love. Cardi B wrote about him on Father’s Day: “Happy Father’s Day to my dad. We are personality twins…I love my dad”, highlighting their strong connection and shared characteristics. This bond has remained strong throughout Cardi B’s rise to fame, with Carlos providing quiet support and guidance while allowing his daughter to shine in the spotlight.
Hennessy Carolina: The Younger Daughter
Hennessy Carolina, born on December 22, 1995, is the younger daughter of Carlos Alman and Clara Almanzar. Like her older sister, Hennessy was raised in a multicultural environment that celebrated both Dominican and Trinidadian heritage. She has carved her own path in the entertainment industry, becoming a social media influencer and television personality known for her vibrant fashion sense and outspoken personality.
Hennessy’s relationship with her father reflects the same values of cultural pride and family loyalty that Carlos instilled in Cardi B. She has appeared on shows like “Love & Hip Hop: New York,” showcasing her personality while maintaining strong family connections. Carlos’s influence on Hennessy is evident in her confidence and her willingness to embrace her Afro-Latina identity publicly.
Both daughters have been protective of their father’s privacy, understanding his preference for staying out of the media spotlight. They recognize that while they chose careers in entertainment, their father deserves to live peacefully without constant public scrutiny. This mutual respect demonstrates the strong family bonds Carlos cultivated throughout their upbringing.
Cultural Identity and Dominican Pride
One of Carlos Alman’s most significant contributions to his children’s lives was instilling a strong sense of cultural identity and pride in their Dominican heritage. Despite living in the United States, Carlos ensured his daughters remained connected to their roots through language, food, music, and traditions. This cultural grounding became central to Cardi B’s artistic expression and public persona.
Throughout her rise to fame, Cardi B has been very protective of her father and family, making it clear that she values their privacy and often warns the media not to intrude on their personal lives. In 2019, a notable incident occurred when Cardi B warned a reporter from Univision for trying to interview and video her with her father unexpectedly, stating “Don’t put my father on TV because my dad doesn’t walk around with security and you don’t know people that’s gonna harm my dad”. This protective stance demonstrated the deep love and respect between father and daughter.
Carlos’s immigrant story contributes to the broader narrative of Afro-Caribbean influence in American culture. By raising children who proudly embrace their Dominican roots, Carlos helped bring Latino community visibility into mainstream American entertainment. Cardi B’s incorporation of Spanish language in her music, references to Dominican culture in interviews, and celebration of her Afro-Latina identity all stem from the foundation Carlos provided.
The Dominican heritage Carlos passed on includes values of resilience, family loyalty, and community support—characteristics deeply embedded in Dominican culture. These values shaped not just his children’s public personas but their personal characters, influencing how they navigate fame, relationships, and business opportunities.
Parenting Philosophy and Family Values
Carlos Alman’s approach to parenting centered on several core principles that guided his children toward success. He emphasized the importance of education as a path to better opportunities, encouraging his daughters to take their studies seriously despite the family’s modest financial circumstances. Carlos believed that knowledge and critical thinking were essential tools for overcoming the challenges immigrant families faced.
Discipline was another cornerstone of Carlos’s parenting philosophy. While maintaining a loving and supportive environment, he set clear boundaries and expectations for his children’s behavior. This balance between strictness and affection helped his daughters develop self-discipline and respect for authority while feeling secure in their father’s love.
Hard work formed the foundation of Carlos’s lessons to his children. By witnessing their father’s dedication to his taxi driving career and the long hours he invested in providing for the family, Cardi B and Hennessy learned that success requires sacrifice and perseverance. These lessons proved invaluable as both daughters pursued careers in competitive industries where determination and work ethic are essential.
Carlos also emphasized the importance of staying grounded regardless of success. He taught his children to value relationships over material possessions and to remember their roots even as opportunities expanded. This wisdom has helped Cardi B navigate fame without losing sight of her family’s values and the struggles that shaped her journey.
People Also Love to Read This: Who Is Jason Kolsevich? The Joint Venture Expert Behind Paula Reid’s Success
Life Away from the Spotlight
Unlike many celebrity parents who leverage their children’s fame for personal attention, Carlos Alman has consistently chosen privacy and peace over public recognition. At 67 years old, Carlos embodies the values of hard work and family dedication that have become increasingly rare in today’s celebrity culture. His decision to maintain a low profile reflects his humble nature and his belief that his daughters’ achievements should stand on their own merit.
Following his retirement from taxi driving, Carlos has enjoyed a quiet life focused on family relationships and personal well-being. He occasionally appears in family photos shared by his daughters but rarely grants interviews or makes public appearances. This deliberate choice to stay out of the limelight demonstrates his contentment with his role as a supportive father rather than seeking fame by association.
Carlos reportedly maintains a Facebook account but rarely posts or engages publicly, further emphasizing his preference for privacy. This limited social media presence contrasts sharply with his daughters’ highly visible online personas, highlighting the generational and personal differences in how family members approach public life. His absence from social media allows him to maintain normalcy and avoid the scrutiny that often accompanies celebrity families.
The respect Carlos has earned from both his family and the public stems from his authenticity and consistency. He hasn’t changed his values or lifestyle despite his daughter’s massive success, remaining the same humble, hardworking man who once navigated New York City streets as a taxi driver. This authenticity resonates with many who appreciate his dedication to family over fame.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
While exact figures remain private, Carlos Alman’s personal net worth is estimated to be modest, particularly compared to his daughter Cardi B’s multi-million dollar fortune. As a retired taxi driver, Carlos’s income during his working years was typical for the profession—enough to support his family but not to accumulate significant wealth. His financial success is measured not in dollars but in the successful, confident children he raised.
Cardi B’s success has undoubtedly improved the family’s financial security. With an estimated net worth exceeding $80 million, Cardi B has the means to ensure her parents live comfortably in retirement. While Carlos maintains his preference for a simple lifestyle, his daughter’s success has provided financial peace of mind that many immigrant families strive for across generations.
The story of Carlos’s modest earnings contrasted with his daughter’s massive wealth illustrates the immigrant dream realized through the next generation. Carlos’s sacrifice and hard work created opportunities for his children that he himself never enjoyed, a common narrative among immigrant families who view their children’s success as the ultimate reward for their struggles.
Carlos’s financial philosophy emphasized living within one’s means and prioritizing family needs over material desires. These lessons influenced how Cardi B manages her own wealth, as she frequently discusses the importance of financial literacy and taking care of family members who supported her journey.
The Immigrant Experience and Legacy
Carlos Alman’s story represents millions of immigrant experiences across the United States—individuals who leave their home countries seeking better opportunities, work tirelessly in humble professions, and invest everything in their children’s futures. His journey from the Dominican Republic to The Bronx embodies the resilience, determination, and sacrifice that define the immigrant experience.
The challenges Carlos faced as an immigrant—language barriers, cultural adjustment, economic struggles, and discrimination—are common hurdles that countless Dominican and Latino immigrants navigate. His ability to overcome these obstacles while maintaining cultural pride and passing on strong values to his children showcases the strength of immigrant families and their lasting impact on American society.
Carlos’s legacy extends beyond his immediate family. Through Cardi B’s platform and influence, the values he instilled have reached millions worldwide. When Cardi B discusses her Dominican heritage, emphasizes hard work, or expresses love for her family, she carries forward her father’s teachings. This ripple effect demonstrates how one immigrant’s values can influence popular culture and inspire others facing similar struggles.
The lasting impact of Carlos’s immigrant journey is evident in his daughters’ confidence and pride in their Afro-Latina identity. In an industry where assimilation is often encouraged, Cardi B and Hennessy have boldly celebrated their Dominican roots, using their platforms to represent Latino community voices and experiences. This cultural pride stems directly from Carlos’s commitment to preserving their heritage despite living in a new country.
Relationship Dynamics and Family Bonds
The relationship between Carlos Alman and his eight children reflects his consistent dedication to fatherhood across different circumstances and families. While his two daughters with Clara Almánzar enjoy public recognition, Carlos maintains equally strong connections with his six other children from previous relationships. This commitment demonstrates that family bonds transcend fame and public attention.
Carlos’s relationship with Cardi B has received the most public attention due to her celebrity status. Their bond, characterized by mutual respect and admiration, showcases a father-daughter relationship built on love, support, and shared values. Cardi B frequently credits Carlos for her work ethic and determination, acknowledging that watching him work long hours motivated her own career ambitions.
The protective nature of Carlos and Cardi B’s relationship works both ways. While Carlos provided guidance and support during her formative years, Cardi B now protects her father’s privacy and safety as his daughter’s fame has made him a person of public interest. This mutual care and concern reflects the deep emotional connection they share.
Family gatherings remain important to the Alman family, with Carlos maintaining close relationships with both his ex-wife Clara and their daughters. Despite the divorce, the family has managed to preserve unity and support for one another, demonstrating that family bonds can endure beyond romantic relationships. This healthy co-parenting dynamic provided stability for Cardi B and Hennessy throughout their childhoods and continues into adulthood.
Carlos’s Influence on Cardi B’s Music and Persona
Carlos Alman’s influence permeates Cardi B’s music, public persona, and career decisions in ways both obvious and subtle. The work ethic she witnessed in her father directly translates to her relentless approach to her music career—constant recording, performing, and engaging with fans. This tireless hustle mirrors Carlos’s years of long hours driving a taxi through New York City streets.
Cultural references throughout Cardi B’s music often trace back to lessons and experiences from her father. When she incorporates Spanish language into her lyrics or references Dominican traditions, she honors Carlos’s commitment to preserving their heritage. These artistic choices keep her connected to her roots while introducing mainstream audiences to Dominican culture.
Cardi B’s authenticity as an artist also reflects her father’s influence. Carlos taught his daughters to remain true to themselves regardless of external pressures, a lesson Cardi B has embraced throughout her career. Her refusal to conform to industry expectations and her willingness to speak candidly about her experiences stem from the confidence and self-awareness her father helped cultivate.
The family-first mentality Carlos instilled appears throughout Cardi B’s career decisions. She frequently discusses the importance of providing for her family and ensuring her success benefits those who supported her journey. This generosity and loyalty to family reflect the values Carlos demonstrated throughout her upbringing.
Lesser-Known Facts About Carlos Alman
Beyond his role as Cardi B’s father, Carlos Alman’s life contains interesting details that paint a fuller picture of his character and experiences. His full name, Carlos Alberto Almánzar Marsan, reflects the Spanish naming traditions common in Dominican culture. The “Almánzar” surname carries family history and cultural significance that Carlos passed on to his daughters.
Carlos stands at approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, with a gentle demeanor that contrasts with his daughters’ bold, outspoken personalities. This physical presence, combined with his Pisces zodiac sign characteristics of compassion and emotional depth, shaped his approach to fatherhood and relationships.
His mother, Esperanza Almanzar, played a significant role in shaping Carlos’s character and values. The lessons she taught him about family, resilience, and cultural pride were passed down to his own children, creating a multi-generational legacy of strong family values.
Despite living in the United States for over three decades, Carlos maintained strong connections to Dominican culture and language. He ensured his household reflected Dominican traditions, from the food served at family meals to the music played in their home. This commitment to cultural preservation gave his children a strong foundation in their heritage.
Carlos’s decision to retire around the time of Cardi B’s rising fame was both practical and symbolic. It represented the fulfillment of the immigrant dream—working hard so that the next generation could enjoy opportunities and success that previous generations sacrificed to create.
Final Thoughts
Carlos Alman’s life story embodies the quiet strength, unwavering dedication, and cultural pride that define countless immigrant experiences in America. As the father of Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B and influencer Hennessy Carolina, Carlos has played a pivotal role in shaping two influential voices in entertainment while maintaining his own identity away from the spotlight.
His journey from the Dominican Republic to New York City, years spent working as a taxi driver, and commitment to raising eight children with strong values and cultural awareness demonstrate the lasting impact one person’s determination can have across generations. Carlos’s influence extends far beyond his immediate family, reaching millions who connect with Cardi B’s authentic representation of Afro-Latina identity and immigrant family experiences.
While Cardi B’s bold personality and global fame capture headlines, the foundation Carlos provided through hard work, cultural pride, and unconditional love remains the bedrock of her success. His story reminds us that behind every extraordinary achievement stands a family whose sacrifices and values made that success possible.
Carlos Alman may choose to live away from cameras and red carpets, but his legacy shines brightly through his children’s accomplishments and the values they carry forward. In an era where fame often overshadows substance, Carlos represents authenticity, humility, and the enduring power of family bonds that transcend celebrity and wealth.
People Also Love to Read This: Henry Elkind: The Psychology of Escaping Hollywood Royalty and Building Your Own Identity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Carlos Alman and why is he famous?
Carlos Alman is the father of Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B and social media influencer Hennessy Carolina. Born on March 19, 1958, in the Dominican Republic, Carlos immigrated to New York City in 1990 and worked as a taxi driver for nearly a decade to support his family. He became famous primarily through his daughter Cardi B’s global success, though he maintains a deliberately private lifestyle away from the media spotlight.
2. How many children does Carlos Alman have?
Carlos Alman has eight children in total from different relationships. His two most famous children are Cardi B (Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar) and Hennessy Carolina, whom he shares with his ex-wife Clara Almánzar. From a previous marriage, Carlos has six additional children, including daughters Maciel Almanzar and Nicauly Villalona, and son Fernando Almanzar. While these six children maintain private lives away from the public eye, Carlos remains actively involved in all his children’s lives.
3. What is Carlos Alman’s relationship like with Cardi B?
Carlos Alman and Cardi B share a deep, loving relationship characterized by mutual respect and admiration. Cardi B has described them as “personality twins” and frequently credits her father’s work ethic and cultural influence as major factors in her success. Carlos instilled values of hard work, discipline, and Dominican cultural pride in Cardi B from a young age. Despite his daughter’s fame, Carlos remains protective of his privacy, and Cardi B has been equally protective of her father, once warning a reporter not to feature him on television due to security concerns.
4. What did Carlos Alman do for work, and is he still working?
Carlos Alman worked as a taxi driver in New York City for approximately nine years, navigating the streets of The Bronx and Manhattan to provide for his family. The job required long hours and constant hustle, but Carlos approached it with dedication and pride. He retired from taxi driving around the time Cardi B’s music career began to flourish. Currently, at 67 years old, Carlos enjoys a quiet retirement focused on family relationships while maintaining his preference for privacy.
5. How did Carlos Alman influence Cardi B’s cultural identity and career?
Carlos Alman played a crucial role in shaping Cardi B’s strong Afro-Latina identity and cultural pride. He introduced her to traditional Dominican culture through food, language, and music, ensuring she remained connected to her heritage despite growing up in New York. These cultural foundations appear throughout Cardi B’s music, as she frequently incorporates Spanish language, references Dominican traditions, and celebrates her heritage. Carlos’s immigrant work ethic and determination also inspired Cardi B’s relentless approach to her career, teaching her that success requires sacrifice, hard work, and staying true to one’s roots regardless of fame or fortune.
Carlos Alman’s story reminds us that true success is measured not by fame or wealth, but by the values we instill, the love we give, and the legacy we leave through our children.
