From the Bronx to the Billboard charts, Cardi B’s rise to stardom reads like a modern-day fairy tale, with hip-hop culture at its heart.

Born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, the Afro-Latina artist from New York City is widely recognized for her raw public persona and bold lyricism. She initially gained public attention on the reality show Love & Hip-Hop: New York, but her career trajectory has gone far beyond television, spanning music, film, brand deals, and high-profile public appearances.

Cardi’s ascent has included headline-making drama, which she’s often turned into cultural currency. Today, she boasts a multi-million dollar empire built on savvy use of social media, chart-topping music, and innovative business ventures.

Ahead, we’ll explore how she went from a reality TV star in 2017

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