Terri Kaye Duncan - Cardi B: Rapper and Online Star

Published in 2020 by Enslow Publishing, LLC. 101 W. 23rd Street, Suite 240, New York, NY 10011 Copyright 2020 by Enslow Publishing, LLC All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the publisher. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Duncan, Terri Kaye, author. Title: Cardi B: Rapper and online star / Terri Kaye Duncan.

Description: New York: Enslow Publishing, 2020. | Series: Stars of hip-hop | Audience: 2 | Includes bibliographical references and index. Identifiers: LCCN 2018044065| ISBN 9781978509559 (library bound) | ISBN 9781978509979 (pbk.) | ISBN 9781978509986 (6 pack) Subjects: LCSH: Cardi B, 1992Juvenile literature. | Rap musiciansUnited StatesBiographyJuvenile literature. Classification: LCC ML3930.C255 D87 2020 | DDC 782.421649092 [B] dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018044065 Printed in the United States of America To Our Readers: We have done our best to make sure all websites in this book were active and appropriate when we went to press. However, the author and the publisher have no control over and assume no liability for the material available on those websites or on any websites they may link to.

Any comments or suggestions can be sent by email to . Photo Credits: Cover, p. Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images. CONTENTS LIFE IN THE BRONX H ip-hop star Cardi B is rich and famous now. But she did not have an easy life.

She was born on October 11, 1992, in the Bronx in New York City. Her real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar. Her father is from the Dominican Republic. Her mother is from Trinidad. Both are islands in the Caribbean. GROWING UP POOR Belcalis has a younger sister named Hennessy Carolina.

Their parents worked hard to take care of their daughters. But they did not have much money. First they lived in Washington Heights. Then they moved to Highbridge in the South Bronx. Cardi B attends the Tidal X: Brooklyn concert on October 17, 2017. Hip-Hop History Hip-hop began in the Bronx in 1973.

DJ Kool Herc is often called the father of hip-hop. He planned back-to-school parties. He used two turntables. He also spoke while the music played. Sisters Cardi B ( right ) and Hennessy Carolina visit the MTV show TRL in 2018. . .

Belcalis was sick often. Sometimes she had to go to the hospital. Family is my peace of mind. I love my family. A TALENTED TEEN Belcalis was sassy and funny. She was well liked by her friends.

She was also proud of her Caribbean roots. She spoke both English and Spanish. Cardi B sings at the 2018 Global Citizen Festival in New York. She wanted to be a star ever since she was little. Belcalis always knew she wanted to entertain people. She went to Renaissance High School for Musical Theater and Technology.

There, the smart, funny teenager had a chance to sing and dance. She performed in talent shows and musicals. She was also very social. She would rather spend time with her friends than study. Sometimes she did not do well in school. This did not mean that she did not think that school was important.

She knew that going to college was a way to have a better life. A BETTER WAY A fter high school, Belcalis started college nearby. She studied subjects such as French and government. She thought she might become a history teacher. Belcalis also worked at a supermarket to help her family. But working and going to college was too hard for her.

She needed to find another way to earn money. She dropped out of college. SOCIAL MEDIA STARDOM Belcalis began going by the name Cardi B. She wanted to reach people all over such as Instagram. She posted short videos online. The videos let her tell people her thoughts.

They were also funny. Soon she had many fans. Cardi B became an internet star! Its hard to think about fulfilling your dream when you got so much responsibility. Your responsibilities come first. Cardi B visits the SiriusXM Studios in New York City in 2018. She still likes to speak her mind.

A Name Destined for Fame Cardi Bs parents nicknamed her Bacardi. Bacardi is a popular adult drink that was first made in Cuba. Then, Bacardi was shortened to Cardi. She added a B to stand for bold and beautiful. But not everyone was nice. Some people watched the videos and were unkind.

This did not stop Cardi B. She believed in herself and did not give up. Cardi B then decided to spend more of her time on rap music. She thought about all that she had been through in her life. She began rapping about the hard times growing up poor. People listened.

They liked what they heard. Cardi B performs at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival on April 22, 2018, in California. Her rap career began after she reached internet fame. MAKING A SPLASH ON THE RAP SCENE Growing up, Cardi B listened to Madonna and Lady Gaga. Cardi B also looked up to female rappers such as Missy Elliot, Tweet, and Spice. Cardi B poses with rapper Missy Elliot at a party. Cardi B poses with rapper Missy Elliot at a party.

She was one of Cardi Bs role models. Love & Hip Hop: New York. Cardi B was becoming a famous star just like she wanted to be! But most rappers were men. Some people did not believe that she could become rich and famous rapping. Cardi B wanted to prove those people wrong. It did not take long for her to do so. RAPPING HER WAY TO THE TOP E ven though she was doing well, sometimes Cardi B felt bad about herself.

She decided she wanted to change how she looked. She thought she could make more money if she was prettier. She had her crooked teeth fixed. She also had work done on other parts of her body. Some people made mean remarks about her choices. But Cardi B ignored them.

She felt better about herself. Cardi B walks the red carpet at the 2018 American Music Awards. She won for favorite rap/hip-hop artist. MAKING IT TO THE BIG TIME In March 2016, Cardi B put out a . More people than ever were hearing her sing her style of rap. Soon she was working with other famous singers.

Her picture was even on the cover of a magazine. She then began working on her next mixtape. Cardi B sings Bodak Yellow at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards. She put out her second mixtape in January 2017. She also signed a major record deal with Atlantic Records. This is one of the most famous record companies.