Who Is Carlos Alman? The Taxi Driver Father Behind Cardi B’s Empire

Cardi B is one of the biggest names in music today, known for her chart-topping hits and her unfiltered personality. But before the private jets and the red carpets, her story started in a yellow taxi cab in New York City. At the wheel was her father, Carlos Alman. He isn’t just a famous dad; he is a retired Dominican immigrant whose decades of hard work helped build the foundation for his daughter’s success. While Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, dominates the spotlight, Carlos prefers a quiet life away from the cameras. Yet, to understand the superstar, you have to understand the man who raised her.

For over thirty years, Carlos Alman navigated the chaotic streets of the Bronx and Washington Heights. He drove long shifts as a professional taxi driver to support his family. His life wasn’t about fame; it was about survival and giving his children a shot at the American Dream. Today, he is known to the world as the “personality twin” of his famous daughter, a funny and protective grandfather who traded his taxi medallion for a comfortable retirement. This is the real story of the man behind the music icon.

Who Is Carlos Alman?

Carlos Alman is a Dominican-American retiree best known as the father of Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B and social media star Hennessy Carolina. Born on March 19, 1958, in the Dominican Republic, he came to the United States in 1990 looking for better opportunities. He is a man of the working class who spent the majority of his adult life behind the wheel of a yellow cab in New York City.

Unlike many celebrity parents who try to manage their children’s careers or chase fame, Carlos has stayed in the background. He is often seen in brief glimpses on social media, usually cracking jokes or playing with his grandchildren. Cardi B often credits him for her sense of humor. She says that while her mother was the strict disciplinarian, her dad was the one who brought the laughter into their home. He represents the classic immigrant success story—he worked hard in a tough industry so his children wouldn’t have to.

Early Life and Dominican Roots

Carlos was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean nation known for its vibrant culture and history. He grew up in a time of change and brought his heritage with him when he decided to move to the United States. In 1990, he made the life-changing decision to immigrate to New York. He settled in Washington Heights, a neighborhood in Manhattan famous for its large Dominican community. This area, along with the Highbridge section of the Bronx, became the backdrop for his family’s life.

This move was not easy. Like many immigrants from Santo Domingo and other parts of the island, Carlos had to adapt to a new language, a colder climate, and the fast-paced lifestyle of NYC. He held onto his roots, ensuring that his household was a Spanish-speaking one. He raised his daughters to be proud of their Afro-Latino heritage, filling their home with the music, food, and traditions of his homeland. This cultural pride is something Cardi B still carries with her, often speaking Spanish in interviews and celebrating her Dominican identity in her music.

Career Highlights: The Reality of a NYC Taxi Driver

When people think of Cardi B’s father, they often imagine a wealthy businessman. But for nine years, Carlos Alman’s reality was the grueling schedule of a New York City taxi driver. Driving a yellow cab is one of the toughest jobs in the city. It involves long hours, dealing with difficult passengers, and navigating heavy traffic for modest pay. Carlos worked hard, often taking extra shifts to make sure there was food on the table and clothes for his daughters.

Cardi B has spoken openly about her father’s career. She often defends him against critics who try to look down on his blue-collar past. In fact, Carlos is still passionate about the rights of drivers. Even in retirement, he advocates for his former colleagues, many of whom faced financial ruin due to the taxi medallion debt crisis. He understands the struggle of the working man because he lived it. His time as a cabbie taught his daughters the value of a dollar. Cardi B’s famous work ethic—her drive to keep earning and saving—is a direct reflection of watching her father work tirelessly day and night.

Is Carlos Alman Married?

Carlos Alman was married to Clara Mercedes Almánzar, a native of Trinidad. Their marriage brought together two distinct Caribbean cultures—Dominican and Trinidadian—which created a unique household for Cardi B and her sister Hennessy. Clara worked as a cashier at a grocery store while Carlos drove his taxi. They were a hardworking team, but like many couples facing the stress of raising a family in the city, their marriage eventually ended.

They divorced when Cardi B was a pre-teen. Despite the separation, Carlos and Clara managed to keep a somewhat stable environment for their children. It wasn’t always perfect, and they lived in different homes, but they focused on co-parenting. Cardi B often mentions that her mom was the “strict” parent who monitored her grades and friends, while her dad was the more lenient one. Even though they are no longer together, they both remain active in their children’s lives, often appearing at the same family birthday parties and events to support their famous daughter.

Relationship with Daughter Cardi B

The bond between Carlos and Cardi B is built on humor and loyalty. Cardi calls him her “personality twin.” If you watch old videos of Cardi B being silly or making loud jokes, you are seeing a reflection of Carlos. He wasn’t just a provider; he was a source of joy in a tough environment. When Cardi was stripping to make money before her music career took off, she initially hid it from her parents because she didn’t want to disappoint them. When they found out, it was a difficult time, but Carlos stood by her as she transitioned into music and reality TV.

One famous story that shows his protective nature involves the media. Once, a reporter from a major network tried to ambush Carlos for an interview. Instead of seeking fame, he shut it down to protect his daughter’s privacy. He doesn’t chase the spotlight. He is happy letting his daughter shine while he stays in the background, offering support. He is also known for being very honest with her. Cardi has said that her dad will call her to tell her if he doesn’t like a certain outfit or song, keeping her grounded even as she tops the charts.

Carlos Alman Net Worth and Assets

There is a lot of confusion online about how much money Carlos Alman has. Some websites guess he is a millionaire on his own. The truth is more grounded. Carlos is a retired worker. His personal wealth comes from a lifetime of saving from his taxi job, but his current lifestyle is largely supported by his wealthy daughter. Cardi B has made it a priority to take care of her parents. She bought her mother a house and ensures her father wants for nothing.

Carlos doesn’t have a massive portfolio of real estate investments or business ventures of his own. His “assets” are his family. He lives a comfortable life in New York, free from the financial stress that plagued his younger years. He drives nice cars now, not because he bought them with taxi fares, but because his daughter loves to spoil him. For Carlos, true wealth isn’t the number in his bank account; it’s seeing his children succeed and being able to relax after decades of hard labor.

Personal Life: Grandchildren and Retirement

Today, Carlos Alman is enjoying his golden years. He is a devoted grandfather to Cardi B’s children, Kulture Kiari and Wave Set. In videos posted to Instagram, fans often see “Grandpa Carlos” holding the kids, feeding them, or pushing strollers. He seems to love this role even more than parenting. He is often the one running errands for the family, picking up groceries, or helping out around the house. It shows that despite his daughter’s millions, he is still a humble man who likes to be useful and active.

He splits his time between his own home and Cardi’s residence, helping to maintain the close-knit family structure that is so important in Dominican culture. He looks healthy and happy, often seen wearing simple baseball caps and casual clothes. He isn’t trying to be an influencer or a star. He is just Carlos—a dad who worked hard, raised two strong daughters, and is now enjoying the rewards of a life well-lived. His story reminds us that behind every superstar is a parent who sacrificed to get them there.