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Before Cardi B became a global rap superstar, reality TV star, and social media sensation, she was a Bronx native navigating life with grit, determination, and unshakable ambition. Born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar in 1992, she grew up in a working-class family, facing financial struggles and the everyday challenges of her vibrant, bustling neighborhood. Long before her Grammy wins and record-breaking hits, Cardi hustled in the streets, sharing her bold personality on Instagram and later on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York. After finding great success, she got candid about why she believes she’s been blessed with extreme wealth. Here’s what she admitted.

Cardi B explained why God chose her to have extreme wealth

Cardi B’s rise from social media personality to rap icon has been nothing short of meteoric. After gaining attention on Instagram for her candid humor and fierce personality, she made waves on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York. And fans quickly fell in love with her unfiltered charm. In 2017, her breakout single “Bodak Yellow” shot to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. She became the first female rapper in nearly two decades to achieve that feat with a solo track. Since then, Cardi has consistently built on her success, releasing chart-topping albums, collaborating with global superstars, and becoming a fashion and cultural influencer.

In 2024, Cardi spoke to Complex about her legacy and wealth. She admitted that she feels like God blessed her with money so that she could help her family.

“My mom’s side of the family, we’re dealing with a certain situation right now that’s very difficult,” she admitted at the time. “But, I’m so grateful. I feel like God blessed me to help what’s going on in my family. I mean, I’m the one that everybody calls when there’s something real serious, or it’s like, motherf***ers just playing.”

While she’s happy to help, she noted that she sometimes felt like her family members “play too much” when it comes to her wealth. “But, there are certain situations — like, right now, what me and my family are going through — it’s like, very serious,” Cardi said. “It’s a lot. But, this is why God blessed me with money, for this type of situation.”

Cardi B recalled what she did when she was ‘broke’

Cardi B’s talent has allowed her to grow a massive net worth. While speaking to Complex, she recalled her humble roots as a dancer and noted what she “never” did when she didn’t have any money.

“I remember when I was broke, I was never outside,” she said. “I just saw you buy some designers. Even when I was a stripper, and I had times that I struggled, I was not buying none of that s***. When I feel like I’m being played with, it’s like, alright, don’t play with it.”

Despite her frustrations, Cardi says she “barely” ever tells those around her that she can’t help them.

The rapper previously said that she’s only ‘sometimes’ happier now that she’s rich

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Money doesn’t necessarily buy happiness, and Cardi B knows this firsthand. In an interview with DJ Vlad in 2017, she said she only “sometimes” feels happier now that she’s rich.

“It’s a sometime thing,” she clarified. “It makes me happy that I’m able to afford what I want. And it makes me happy that I get to treat my family. But, I feel like the way that I have money kind of took away a lot of my happiness.”

Cardi recalled how, back when she was an exotic dancer, she could “do whatever” she wanted without the prying eyes of the public. “Sometimes I feel depressed, because it’s like, I could have a good day, and you never know when someone makes a meme out of you, clowning you, that might put you down,” she said. “Or, there’s somebody that’s talking about my family member. It’s a 50/50 thing, to be honest with you.”

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