Carlos Alman’s story exemplifies the family roots that shape global superstars. He was born on March 19, 1958, in the Dominican Republic and made his way to the United States in 1990. The Bronx neighborhood of New York City became his new home. His daughter Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar—known worldwide as Cardi B—lives a life of fame, while he prefers to stay away from the spotlight.
Carlos Alman will turn 67 in 2025. He has managed to keep a steady career as a taxi driver in New York City throughout the years. His Dominican-American roots are the foundations of Cardi B’s rich cultural heritage. The year 2005 marked his separation from Cardi B’s mother, Clara Almanzar, yet he stayed involved in his daughters’ lives[-2]. Carlos’s family extends beyond Cardi B and her sister Hennessy Carolina. He has eight children in total—six from a previous marriage and two with Clara[-2].
Let’s take a closer look at the man who helped shape one of music’s most outspoken personalities. His life spans from early days in the Dominican Republic to his trip as a working-class immigrant. His work ethic and determination became the defining qualities that his famous daughter inherited.
Early Life and Dominican Roots
Carlos Alman’s story begins in the lush Caribbean nation that would shape his identity and values forever.
Birthplace and upbringing in the Dominican Republic
Carlos Alman was born on March 19, 1958, in the Dominican Republic. He grew up during a time of great social and political change in his country. Life was tough for many Dominican citizens who had few economic opportunities, which shaped his views on hard work and determination.
Records show that Carlos grew up in a modest, working-class home. His mother, Esperanza Almánzar, raised him with traditional Dominican values that put family first.
Cultural values and family traditions
Dominican culture left a deep mark on Carlos’s character. His early life revolved around family bonds, community ties, and a strong work ethic. These basic principles became the foundations of his approach to parenting and life.
Food became his way to keep cultural ties strong. Carlos taught his daughter to cook traditional Dominican dishes. Music played a vital role too – the rhythms of merengue and bachata were everything in their Dominican household.
Spanish remained at the heart of his identity. This language connection would later explain what Cardi B calls her “thick accent,” which she got from spending time at her grandmother’s home.
Carlos Alman’s ethnicity and nationality
Carlos holds Dominican nationality and comes from a mixed ethnic background. His Afro-Latino heritage reflects an array of cultural influences in the Dominican Republic. This background combines African and Latino roots that you find throughout the Caribbean.
His background and nationality became key parts of his daughter’s identity too. Being born in 1958 meant he saw his country go through major changes, which likely pushed him to look for better opportunities elsewhere. Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall with dark brown eyes and black hair that show his Dominican roots, Carlos carries his heritage proudly.
Immigration and Life in New York
Carlos Alman started a new chapter of his life in 1990. He left the Dominican Republic to build a better future in the United States. This decision would reshape not just his own path but also his daughter’s destiny as she rose to become a global music icon.
Why he moved to the U.S.
The promise of economic stability and better prospects drew Carlos Alman to America, just like thousands of his fellow citizens. Many Dominicans left their homeland during the mid-to-late 20th century to seek improved living conditions abroad. Carlos wanted to create a more secure future and better opportunities for his family. His story mirrors countless immigrants who dream of building a better life not just for themselves but for future generations.
Settling in the Bronx
Carlos Alman chose The Bronx, New York City as his new home[92]. The borough’s thriving Dominican and Latino communities helped him adapt to life in his adopted country. He worked as a taxi driver and spent almost nine years navigating New York City’s busy streets. This job became his main source of income throughout his time in America.
Challenges as a first-generation immigrant
Life in the ever-changing environment of New York City brought many challenges for Carlos. He faced common immigrant struggles: language barriers, cultural adjustments, and constant financial worries. His taxi driving career provided stability but came with its own set of challenges – exhausting hours, physical strain, and occasional difficult passengers.
Carlos Alman’s steadfast dedication to his family remained strong through these difficulties. Hard work defined his character and later inspired his famous daughter. Cardi B spoke about her father’s activism for cab drivers’ rights in 2019. She noted how he continued fighting against unfair working conditions even after retirement. His resilience shows the quiet strength that first-generation immigrants possess as they create new lives in unfamiliar territories.
Family, Marriage, and Fatherhood
Carlos Alman’s life changed forever in 1991 after marrying Clara Almánzar. This union would shape a family legacy that ended up including a future music superstar.
Meeting Clara Almanzar
Carlos Alman’s path crossed with Clara Mercedes Almánzar’s soon after he came to the United States. She was a Trinidadian immigrant. Their relationship quickly grew stronger and they married in 1991. Clara worked as a supermarket cashier among other jobs. She shared Carlos’s immigrant experience, though she came from a different Caribbean island. Their marriage created a beautiful blend of Dominican and Trinidadian cultures.
Raising Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina
The couple welcomed Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar (Cardi B) on October 11, 1992. Their family grew bigger with Hennessy Carolina’s birth on December 22, 1995. Carlos managed to keep teaching his daughters valuable lessons about discipline and perseverance despite their busy schedules. People described his parenting style as strict but loving. Cardi B often talks about her mother as the stricter parent. This balance in parenting helped shape both daughters’ upbringing.
Carlos Alman’s age and family structure
Carlos Alman was born on March 19, 1958, making him 67 years old in 2025. He has six children from a previous relationship besides his two daughters with Clara:
- Two daughters: Maciel Almanzar and Nicauly Villalona
- Four sons, including Fernando Almanzar
His large family of eight children represents a rich mix of Dominican and Trinidadian heritage.
Divorce and co-parenting
Unfortunately, Carlos and Clara’s marriage ended in 2005. Cardi B was 13 at the time. She later shared that the separation didn’t upset her much because she “felt like I had more freedom”. Clara reportedly moved to the Dominican Republic after remarrying.
Carlos managed to keep playing a big role in his daughters’ lives after the split. His dedication to family stayed strong whatever his marital status. Today, Cardi B often expresses thanks for her father’s constant support.
Influence on Cardi B and Public Perception
A powerful dynamic exists between Carlos Alman and his famous daughter that goes beyond family ties. His quiet dignity and resilience have shaped one of music’s most outspoken personalities.
How his work ethic shaped Cardi B
Carlos Alman’s career as a taxi driver showed a determination that became the foundation of his daughter’s character. His daily commitment to New York City’s streets gave Cardi B a great way to get lessons about persistence and hustle. She drew strength from her father’s example when her career faced obstacles. His Dominican work ethic taught his children ground lessons about determination that exceeded mere words. Cardi B often points to her parents’ challenges—especially her father’s dedication—as the force behind her own ambition and success.
Cardi B’s public comments about her father
Cardi B has openly expressed appreciation for Carlos Alman throughout her career:
- She describes him as “strict, loving, and dependable” in interviews, crediting him for her independent spirit
- After having her first child, she posted: “I love my parents and my sister. It makes me emotional to know how much they love me!”
- In 2019, she highlighted his advocacy: “My dad to this day still campaigns for cab drivers because this is some of the challenges they deal with”
In a 2016 Global Grind TV interview, Cardi stated: “I have really good parents, they are poor. They have regular, poor jobs… I was just raised in a bad society”.
Carlos’s decision to stay out of the spotlight
Carlos Alman maintains a low profile, unlike many celebrity parents. He values building a lasting legacy over seeking attention. His privacy shows humility rather than disinterest. He has stayed grounded as his daughter’s fame rises, letting Cardi B shine independently.
Media misconceptions and privacy concerns
Media coverage continues to spread misconceptions about Carlos Alman. Some outlets wrongly suggested he had a music industry background or was absent during Cardi’s childhood—both claims lack foundation. His privacy stems from safety concerns too. Cardi B strongly warned a reporter trying to film her father in 2019: “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 response shows real security concerns behind his choice to avoid publicity.
Conclusion
Carlos Alman’s story shows the quiet strength that stands behind a global superstar. A Dominican immigrant landed in New York City in 1990 and built his life around family values and hard work. His years as a taxi driver taught these same principles to his daughter Belcalis, who later became the music sensation Cardi B. His cultural roots, firm but loving parenting style, and constant presence helped shape her unique personality and ambition.
The separation from Clara Almánzar in 2005 didn’t stop him from raising their daughters. His steadfast dedication to family remained strong above everything else. Today, he leads a large Dominican-Trinidadian family of eight children and thinks over staying away from his famous daughter’s spotlight.
Without doubt, Carlos Alman’s greatest gift lies beyond public fame – it’s the values he gave his children. His persistence through tough times as an immigrant taxi driver became Cardi B’s inspiration in the music world. On top of that, his choice to stay private shows a man who values substance more than attention – something rare in today’s celebrity-obsessed culture.
Carlos Alman stands for countless immigrant parents whose sacrifices and wisdom build their children’s future. His story proves that behind many stars stands a quiet hero whose guidance shapes lives in ways that news stories rarely show. He might not seek the spotlight, but his effect lives on through his daughter’s success and the principles she carries forward.
FAQs
Q1. What is Carlos Alman’s background and occupation? Carlos Alman is a Dominican-American immigrant who moved to the United States in 1990. He worked as a taxi driver in New York City for many years, demonstrating a strong work ethic that influenced his daughter, Cardi B.
Q2. How many children does Carlos Alman have? Carlos Alman is the father of eight children in total. He has six children from a previous relationship and two daughters, Cardi B and Hennessy Carolina, with his ex-wife Clara Almanzar.
Q3. How has Carlos Alman influenced Cardi B’s career? Carlos Alman’s strong work ethic and determination as a taxi driver significantly shaped Cardi B’s character and drive. His example of perseverance has been a source of inspiration for her throughout her music career.
Q4. Why does Carlos Alman maintain a low public profile? Carlos Alman chooses to stay out of the spotlight to maintain his privacy and security. He prefers to let his daughter Cardi B shine independently while focusing on building a lasting family legacy.
Q5. What is Carlos Alman’s relationship with Cardi B like? Despite divorcing Cardi B’s mother in 2005, Carlos Alman has maintained a significant presence in his daughter’s life. Cardi B often expresses gratitude for her father’s support and describes him as strict, loving, and dependable.