Cardi B: From tacky stripper to classy Grammy Award winner

Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, 26, better known by her stage name Cardi B, has taken the music and beauty world by storm.

This is not because she has done anything differently, but because she simply knows how to charm the world with her unique beauty and fashion trends. After bagging the Best Hip-Hop Grammy last week, she has elevated her look from tacky to classy.

Here’s a little urban slang to help describe the looks this Latino diva has introduced to mainstream music lovers:

Extra

Cardi started out a little trashy as a stripper, rapping at battles and creating mixtapes. Her street-look was slightly rugged and, sometimes, she still goes back to those rebel days with a touch of grime beauty added to her look, like donning a blue wig.

She later became a hit on the reality TV show Love and Hip Hop: New York, which aired on Vuzu.

With Cardi’s slightly “extra” or outlandish behaviour on the TV show, she caught the attention of music producers and snagged a recording deal.

• Urban slang: Extra – dramatic or over-the-top behaviour.

Bad

Since the start of her career, Cardi B’s image has evolved and she became more mainstream and visually appealing.

In July last year, she gave birth to baby girl Kulture, named after her husband Offset’s albums – Culture 1 and Culture 2 – with hip-hop band Migos.

Cardi has visually developed into a sought-after fashionista. While still pregnant at last year’s Met Gala, she looked regal in a gown that personified the Madonna.

Cardi B arrives for the 2018 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Picture: Angela Weiss/AFP

The white pearly crystallised Moschino design was accessorised with a highly embellished crown and expressed her pride in her pregnancy, and elevated her to a new level in the fashion world.

• Urban slang: Bad – someone who is extremely sexy, under all circumstances.

Boss

Now that she has finally gained recognition as a respected artist, mother, reality show star and a Grammy Award winner, Cardi B is catching the eye of leading haute couture designers and makeup houses.

She still promotes her Latin culture, wearing traditional attire on the red carpet while still maintaining her fun and flirty side – flaunting a conversation in a vintage Thierry Mugler gown that created an impression she was an oyster emerging from its shell. Complete with a pearl choker, she stole the night.

Cardi B attends the 61st Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Picture: Getty Images

After her latest Grammy jaw-dropper, we look forward to what Cardi brings to the next big red carpet event.

• Urban slang: Boss – a person who knows what they want, how to get it, and goes for it.

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