Discover Carlos Alman’s biography, age, and profession. Learn about Cardi B’s father, his Dominican roots, life as a New York taxi driver, and his relationship with his famous daughter.
Quick Facts About Carlos Alman
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carlos Alman |
| Estimated Age | Late 60s to early 70s (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Birthplace | Dominican Republic |
| Current Residence | New York, United States |
| Profession | Taxi Driver (former/retired) |
| Spouse | Clara Almánzar (Trinidadian descent) |
| Children | Belcalis Almánzar (Cardi B), Hennessy Carolina |
| Famous For | Being Cardi B’s father |
| Ethnicity | Dominican |
| Heritage | Caribbean Latino |
| Location | Bronx, New York |
Carlos Alman: The Man Behind Cardi B’s Success
Carlos Alman may not be a household name like his daughter, but his influence on one of hip-hop’s biggest stars cannot be understated. As the father of Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, Carlos has lived a life that embodies the immigrant experience in America—full of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to family. While his daughter commands stages worldwide, Carlos Alman’s story is one of quiet resilience, cultural pride, and the kind of paternal support that helped shape a global superstar.
Carlos Alman Biography
Carlos Alman was born in the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean nation known for its vibrant culture, music, and warm-hearted people. Like many Dominicans of his generation, Carlos made the life-changing decision to immigrate to the United States in search of better opportunities and a brighter future for his family. He settled in New York City, specifically in the Bronx, which has long been home to a thriving Dominican community.
Carlos’s life in America was characterized by hard work and perseverance. He took on blue-collar jobs to support his family, most notably working as a taxi driver navigating the busy streets of New York City. This profession, while demanding, allowed him to provide for his household and give his children opportunities he never had growing up.
Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, Carlos maintained strong connections to his Dominican heritage. He instilled in his children a sense of pride in their roots, teaching them about Dominican culture, values, and traditions. This cultural foundation would later become a significant part of Cardi B’s identity and public persona.
Carlos married Clara Almánzar, a woman of Trinidadian descent, and together they created a multicultural household that celebrated both Dominican and Trinidadian traditions. This blending of Caribbean cultures enriched their children’s upbringing and gave them a unique perspective on identity and heritage.
Carlos Alman Age
While Carlos Alman’s exact birth date has not been publicly disclosed, based on available information about his daughter’s age and typical generational timelines, Carlos is estimated to be in his late 60s or early 70s as of 2024. Like many private individuals connected to celebrities, Carlos has maintained a low profile and kept personal details, including his precise age, away from public scrutiny.
His generation represents a significant wave of Dominican immigration to the United States during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, when many Dominicans sought economic opportunities abroad. This context places Carlos among the immigrant generation that helped establish vibrant Latino communities in New York City, particularly in the Bronx and Washington Heights.
Carlos Alman Profession
Carlos Alman’s primary profession was as a taxi driver in New York City, one of the most demanding and competitive cities for this occupation. Driving a taxi in New York requires not just driving skills but also extensive knowledge of the city’s complex street grid, the ability to navigate heavy traffic, and the interpersonal skills to deal with diverse passengers from all walks of life.
For decades, taxi driving has been a common profession among immigrants in New York, offering flexible hours and the opportunity to earn a living without requiring advanced English language skills or formal education credentials. However, it’s also physically exhausting work that involves long hours, irregular schedules, and significant stress.
Carlos’s work as a taxi driver meant he often worked nights and weekends, sacrificing time with his family to ensure they had financial stability. This dedication to providing for his children, even when it meant missing family moments, is a testament to his commitment as a father. The income from his taxi driving helped pay rent, put food on the table, and cover the basic necessities that allowed his children to focus on their education and personal development.
Beyond his work behind the wheel, Carlos embodied the working-class ethic that characterizes much of immigrant New York. His profession taught him patience, street smarts, and the value of honest work—lessons he undoubtedly passed down to his children.
Carlos Alman: Cardi B’s Father
Carlos Alman is perhaps best known publicly as the father of Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, professionally known as Cardi B. Born on October 11, 1992, Cardi B has become one of the most successful and influential rappers of her generation, with hit songs like “Bodak Yellow,” “I Like It,” and “WAP” dominating charts worldwide.
Cardi B has frequently spoken about her father in interviews and on social media, describing him as a significant influence in her life. She has credited both her parents with instilling in her the work ethic and determination that fueled her rise from Bronx stripper to global superstar. The relationship between Carlos and his famous daughter appears to be loving and supportive, with Cardi often expressing gratitude for the sacrifices her parents made.
One of the most notable aspects of Carlos’s influence on Cardi B is the cultural pride she displays. Cardi frequently references her Dominican heritage in her music, interviews, and social media posts. She often speaks Spanish in her songs and interviews, wears the Dominican flag with pride, and has visited the Dominican Republic to connect with her roots. This cultural confidence can be directly traced back to Carlos’s efforts to keep his children connected to their heritage.
Carlos also provided Cardi B with a realistic understanding of life’s challenges. Growing up watching her father work long hours as a taxi driver gave her firsthand knowledge of the struggles working-class families face. This perspective has made Cardi B relatable to millions of fans who see their own family stories reflected in hers.
Despite his daughter’s fame, Carlos has largely stayed out of the spotlight, preferring to maintain his privacy rather than capitalize on his connection to a celebrity. This humble approach is consistent with his character as a hardworking, family-focused man who values substance over superficial attention.
Carlos Alman Family
Carlos Alman’s family represents a beautiful blend of Caribbean cultures. His wife, Clara Almánzar, brought Trinidadian traditions to their household, while Carlos contributed Dominican customs, creating a rich multicultural environment for their children.
Together, Carlos and Clara raised two daughters: Belcalis (Cardi B) and Hennessy Carolina. Both daughters have achieved public recognition—Cardi B as a global music star and Hennessy as a social media influencer and fashion personality. The sisters share a close relationship and frequently appear together on social media and at public events.
The Alman household was located in the Highbridge neighborhood of the South Bronx, an area known for its diverse Latino population and working-class character. Life in this neighborhood wasn’t always easy, with the family facing the economic challenges typical of working-class New York families. However, Carlos and Clara worked hard to provide stability and protect their daughters from the more dangerous elements of their environment.
Family values were central to Carlos’s parenting approach. Despite the demands of his taxi driving schedule, he prioritized family time and ensured his daughters understood the importance of loyalty, hard work, and cultural pride. These values have clearly influenced both his daughters, who frequently express love and appreciation for their parents.
Carlos’s extended family in the Dominican Republic also remained an important part of his daughters’ lives. Connections to cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents in the Dominican Republic helped Cardi B and Hennessy maintain strong ties to their ancestral homeland.
Carlos Alman’s Dominican Roots
Carlos Alman’s Dominican heritage is a fundamental part of his identity and has significantly influenced his family’s cultural consciousness. The Dominican Republic, occupying the eastern portion of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, has a rich cultural heritage that blends Indigenous Taíno, African, and Spanish influences.
Dominican culture is characterized by vibrant music (particularly merengue and bachata), flavorful cuisine (including staples like mangu, sancocho, and tostones), strong family bonds, and a passionate approach to life. Carlos brought all these elements with him when he immigrated to New York, ensuring his children grew up with appreciation for their roots.
The Dominican community in New York, particularly in the Bronx and Washington Heights, provided Carlos with a support network that helped ease the challenges of immigrant life. Within these communities, Spanish remained the primary language, Dominican businesses flourished, and cultural traditions were maintained and celebrated.
Carlos’s commitment to his Dominican identity ensured that his daughters grew up bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish. This bilingualism has been a significant asset for Cardi B, allowing her to connect with both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking audiences and collaborate with Latin music artists.
Dominican pride also meant teaching his daughters about their history and heritage. This education has paid dividends, as Cardi B frequently represents Dominican culture on the world stage, introducing millions of fans to aspects of Dominican culture they might not otherwise encounter.
Carlos Alman: Taxi Driver in New York
Carlos Alman’s career as a New York City taxi driver is emblematic of the immigrant experience in America’s largest city. For decades, taxi driving has been one of the primary occupations for immigrants, particularly those from Latin America, South Asia, and Africa.
Working as a taxi driver in New York is no easy feat. The city’s yellow cabs navigate some of the most congested streets in the world, dealing with aggressive drivers, demanding passengers, and unpredictable work hours. Drivers must possess intimate knowledge of the city’s geography, understanding not just major landmarks but also the intricate network of side streets that can save valuable time.
For Carlos, taxi driving meant long shifts, often extending into the night and early morning hours when traffic was less congested but the streets could be more dangerous. The physical toll of sitting for extended periods, combined with the stress of navigating city traffic, made it a demanding profession.
Despite these challenges, taxi driving provided Carlos with a steady income that didn’t require extensive formal education or perfect English. It offered the flexibility to eventually spend more time with his family and the independence of being your own boss, at least to some extent.
The taxi cab became Carlos’s mobile office, where he encountered New Yorkers and tourists from all backgrounds. These daily interactions likely broadened his understanding of the diverse city he called home and provided countless stories and experiences.
Carlos’s work ethic as a taxi driver set a powerful example for his daughters. Watching their father leave early and return late, day after day, taught them the value of persistence and sacrifice. This lesson clearly resonated with Cardi B, who has often spoken about her own tireless work ethic and willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed.
Life in New York: The Alman Family Experience
The Alman family’s experience in New York reflects the reality of countless immigrant families seeking the American Dream. Settling in the Bronx placed them in one of New York’s most diverse and culturally rich boroughs, but also one facing significant economic challenges.
The Bronx has long been home to large Latino communities, particularly Puerto Ricans and Dominicans. For the Alman family, this meant access to Spanish-language services, familiar foods, and a community that understood their cultural background. However, it also meant navigating issues like underperforming schools, limited economic opportunities, and neighborhood crime.
Despite these obstacles, Carlos and Clara worked to provide their daughters with stability and opportunity. They emphasized education, cultural pride, and the importance of making smart decisions. While Cardi B’s path to success was unconventional—including a period working as a stripper—the foundation her parents provided ultimately helped her navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
New York itself shaped the Alman family’s identity. The city’s diversity, energy, and cultural richness influenced both of Carlos’s daughters. Cardi B’s music reflects distinctly New York sensibilities—her accent, attitude, and authentic presentation are all products of growing up in the Bronx with parents who worked hard and kept it real.
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Conclusion
Carlos Alman’s story is one of quiet strength, cultural pride, and parental dedication. While he may not seek the spotlight, his influence on his daughter’s life and career is undeniable. As a Dominican immigrant who worked tirelessly as a New York taxi driver to provide for his family, Carlos represents the values of hard work and sacrifice that continue to define the immigrant experience in America. His legacy lives on not just through his famous daughter, but through the example he set of maintaining cultural identity while building a life in a new country. Carlos Alman may not be a celebrity, but his impact on popular culture through his daughter Cardi B makes his story worth knowing and celebrating.
