Known today as one of the most prominent female rappers worldwide, Cardi B has not only revolutionized the music industry but has also become a beloved personality. Since releasing her debut single Bodak Yellow under Atlantic Records, Cardi’s star has soared, and her name frequently appears in headlines whenever she releases new music. Today, with a collection of awards that many can only dream of, Cardi B’s journey to fame, however, was anything but smooth.
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A Fragile Start
From a young age, Cardi B battled frequent health issues. According to Shawn Setaro, deputy editor at Complex, “Cardi B struggled with asthma. When she was little, she was in and out of hospitals, and her mother worried she’d have an asthma attack in her sleep.” These early health challenges became a harsh introduction to a life that would throw more obstacles in her path.
Life on a Tight Budget
At 18, Cardi B enrolled in college in New York and took a job at a local market to make ends meet. Living paycheck-to-paycheck, she often struggled to afford basic necessities, such as food and public transportation. Cardi has spoken openly about this time, sharing, “I lived with my boyfriend back then, and he would physically abuse me. I had to drop out of school.” This period of her life exposed her to the reality of poverty and survival, a struggle that’s shaped her unrelenting ambition.
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A Secret Job to Survive
After dropping out of college and being fired from her market job, Cardi began working at New York Dolls Gentlemen’s Club. While this was a controversial choice, it provided her with the means to survive. Cardi later revealed, “I used to cry a lot after work, imagining how ashamed my parents would feel.” At first, she kept her job a secret from her family, telling her mother she was babysitting. However, when her mother discovered the truth, it sparked a difficult confrontation, adding further strain to an already challenging period.
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Risky Decisions for Financial Stability
As Cardi’s career in dancing continued, she quickly learned that appearance played a big role in her earnings. Observing other dancers with more voluptuous figures earning more, Cardi made the drastic decision to undergo a risky black-market cosmetic surgery. “Why was this other girl making more money than me just because her butt was bigger?” she recalled. Desperate to keep up, she paid $800 for an unregulated buttock enhancement, a procedure with potentially serious health risks. Her decision reflected the immense pressure she felt to support herself financially.
Fame via Social Media
Despite the hardship, Cardi’s vibrant personality shone through, especially on social media. With a rapidly growing following on Instagram and Twitter, she attracted the attention of Mona Scott-Young, executive producer of VH1’s reality show Love & Hip Hop. “Cardi B came on our radar through social media. When we saw her online, we recognized her potential instantly,” Scott-Young commented. Cardi’s online presence opened doors to opportunities she hadn’t previously imagined, and her role on Love & Hip Hop catapulted her into the public eye, introducing her to a much wider audience.
A New Chapter with Offset
In 2017, at a release party for her single Foreva, Cardi B met Offset, who would later become her husband. The two publicly announced their relationship at the Super Bowl and continued to capture media attention as their relationship grew. They later tied the knot and welcomed their daughter, Kulture, marking a new chapter in Cardi’s life—one marked by both personal happiness and media scrutiny.
Postpartum Challenges
After giving birth to her daughter, Cardi B faced postpartum depression, a reality she candidly discussed: “Suddenly, I felt more vulnerable and sad than I had ever been.” This period was emotionally challenging for the rapper, and it affected her work. She eventually withdrew from Bruno Mars’ 2018 tour, citing health reasons. This decision highlighted the toll that fame, motherhood, and health issues had on her well-being, but it also underscored her commitment to prioritizing her mental health.
Building a Legacy with Awards and Success
Today, Cardi B is celebrated not only as a rapper but also as a fashion icon and social media powerhouse. Her achievements are nothing short of impressive. Grammy Awards, Billboard Awards, and numerous other accolades now fill her trophy case—a collection she proudly keeps at her mother’s house. “Every award is special to me, and they’re all displayed with honor,” she shared. These awards are not just symbols of her success; they represent the grit, resilience, and hard work she invested to overcome adversity.
