“I love…,” Cardi B begins—the statement hangs in the air, punctuated by her signature dramatic pause. It’s a moment typical of the Grammy-winning rapper, a beat for the audience to catch up, to ensure all eyes and ears are locked on her next pronouncement. This captivating presence, combined with sharp business acumen, is a hallmark of Cardi B’s career, a series of calculated “money moves” that have propelled her from the Bronx to global superstardom.
Cardi B, born Belcalis Almanzar, has engineered a body and a brand for maximum impact. Before dominating music charts and becoming a cultural icon, she was, as profiles often note, a wildly successful stripper. This early career wasn’t just about making ends meet; it was a foundational “money move,” showcasing her understanding of audience engagement and the power of image – assets she’d later leverage on a much larger scale. Her time in the spotlight, even before music, was a lesson in commanding attention and capitalizing on it.
Tonight, her hair is styled in a voluminous blonde bouffant, a Jackie O-esque vibe juxtaposed with her unapologetically bold fashion choices. She’s wearing a long black tank top as a dress, layered with a rosebud pink sweatshirt emblazoned with the words: ᴅᴇsɪɢɴᴇʀ ᴘᴜssʏ. It’s a statement, a brand, and another example of Cardi B’s savvy in turning heads and sparking conversation – all translating to dollars and influence.
“…Franklin Delano Roosevelt,” she finally declares, nodding with conviction. “Yes.” This unexpected pivot to political admiration reveals another layer of Cardi B – her intellectual curiosity and engagement with the world beyond entertainment. It’s a depth that adds authenticity to her brand and resonates with fans who appreciate her outspoken nature on various issues, further solidifying her connection and, by extension, her financial power.
“I love political science,” Cardi continues, delving into a dinner of Brussels sprouts, lobster mac and cheese, and shrimp cocktail. Her choice of a Drake-approved West Hollywood restaurant is another subtle “money move” – aligning herself with established success and high-profile environments. “I love government. I’m obsessed with presidents. I’m obsessed to know how the system works.”
This fascination with systems, with how things operate, is key to understanding Cardi B’s “money moves.” She’s not just a performer; she’s a strategist. Her admiration for FDR stems from his ability to navigate crisis and implement systemic change. “First of all,” she explains, “he helped us get over the Depression, all while he was in a wheelchair. Like, this man was suffering from polio at the time of his presidency, and yet all he was worried about was trying to make America great—make America great again for real. He’s the real ‘Make America Great Again,’ because if it wasn’t for him, old people wouldn’t even get Social Security.”
Cardi’s passionate, if slightly historically embellished, recounting of FDR’s accomplishments speaks to her engagement with societal structures and her understanding of legacy. Just as Roosevelt aimed to build a lasting impact, Cardi B is building her own empire, brick by calculated brick. Her deep dive into history, her awareness of political systems, it all feeds into her persona as a sharp, informed, and multi-faceted artist – a brand that commands premium attention and lucrative deals.
She connects Eleanor Roosevelt to Michelle Obama, highlighting Eleanor’s humanitarian work and drawing parallels to modern influential figures. This ability to connect historical dots and articulate her perspective, even on topics seemingly distant from music, showcases her intelligence and broad appeal. It’s this multifaceted nature that makes her brand so robust and her “money moves” so effective. Cardi B isn’t just rapping about money; she’s making smart, strategic decisions that solidify her financial future and cultural relevance, proving herself to be a true mogul in the making.
