Born Belcalis Almanzar in 1992 in the Bronx, New York, Cardi B has risen to become one of the biggest stars in hip hop and pop music.

Known for her brash personality and unfiltered lyrics, Cardi B fearlessly tackles topics like sex, relationships, and female empowerment. Beyond her hit songs and social media presence, what sets Cardi B apart is her ability to fluidly switch between English and Spanish. As the daughter of a Dominican father and Trinidadian mother, Cardi B grew up immersed in both languages. While English dominates her public persona, she proudly embraces her Latin heritage through frequent use of Spanish in her music and conversations. Cardi B’s bilingualism is a defining part of her identity and cultural impact.

Cardi B was born in Washington Heights, a predominantly Dominican neighborhood in northern Manhattan. From a young age, she was exposed to both English and Spanish at home. Her father is Dominican and only spoke Spanish to her as a child. Meanwhile, her Trinidadian mother primarily spoke English but also knew some Spanish and Trinidadian dialects. In interviews, Cardi B has said that as a child she struggled to learn English because Spanish was her first language. It was only when she started school that she had to fully immerse herself in English.

Despite the school environment pushing her towards English dominance, Cardi B maintained her Spanish skills at home. In a 2018 interview with People en Español, she said “At home we only spoke Spanish. All my family that lives here in New York are Dominican, so we only spoke Spanish.” Being bilingual allowed Cardi B to easily communicate with extended family and feel connected to her Latin roots. Even after achieving fame with English songs, she has said that she thinks in Spanish when she’s at home. Cardi B’s upbringing in a bilingual, Latin household shaped her identity from a young age.

Incorporating Spanish in Her Music

Cardi B proudly displays her bilingualism through frequent use of Spanish in her music. One of her breakout hits in 2017 was “Be Careful,” which includes the lyrics “Conmigo no te metas, papi” (“Don’t mess with me, daddy”). She seamlessly switches between English and Spanish verses. Other songs like “I Like It” and “Money” also feature Spanish phrases.

Cardi B has also recorded full Spanish language songs, showing off her fluency. In 2018, she released “I Like It (Part 2)” which is sung entirely in Spanish. She worked with popular Latin artists J Balvin and Bad Bunny on the remix. Cardi B’s Spanish skills impressed viewers of her performance of the song at the Premio Lo Nuestro awards show in 2019.

By incorporating Spanish so prominently in her music, Cardi B bridges cultures and exposes English-speaking fans to Latin music. She normalizes code-switching between the two languages, reflecting the reality of bilingual upbringings. Cardi B also pays homage to her Latin heritage, showing pride in where she comes from. Her bilingual approach has helped her achieve mainstream popularity alongside fans in Latin communities.

Using Spanish in Interviews and Online

Off stage, Cardi B frequently switches between English and Spanish depending on the situation or person she’s talking to. In interviews, she’ll often answer questions in English but insert Spanish phrases for emphasis or to make a point. For example, in a 2018 interview with Power 105.1, she said “I be trying to talk proper English, but sometimes I just be like ‘no mames!’”

On social media as well, Cardi B engages with Spanish-speaking fans through code-switching. She’ll post lyrics, thoughts, or memes in a mix of English and Spanish. Cardi B also does full Spanish language interviews with Latin American media outlets. In 2020, she guested on the YouTube show “Pausa Activa” and spoke only in Spanish the entire time, showing off her advanced skills.

By communicating bilingually both online and off, Cardi B builds connections with Latin fans and represents the fluidity of bilingual identities. She normalizes mixing languages rather than restricting herself to one or the other. Cardi B embraces her multicultural background through Spanish, strengthening her cultural influence.

Using Her Platform to Advocate for Latinx Issues

Beyond representing bilingualism through her art and persona, Cardi B has also used her massive platform to advocate for issues affecting Latinx communities. In 2018, she spoke out against the Trump administration’s family separation policy at the US-Mexico border, saying “We are human. Just because people come from a different country, or they look different than us, that doesn’t mean they don’t have feelings.”

When Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017, Cardi B encouraged fans to donate to relief efforts and shared resources for helping island residents. She recognizes her power to draw attention to challenges facing Latinx groups. In 2020, Cardi B participated in a Cuffe Biden Harris campaign event focused on issues affecting Afro-Latinas. She discussed facing racism within Latinx communities as a Afro-Latina woman.

By speaking out on political and social justice topics through a bilingual lens, Cardi B amplifies marginalized Latinx voices. She understands the importance of using her platform responsibly and advocating for underrepresented communities. Cardi B’s bilingual activism exemplifies how language and culture are inextricably tied to identity and experience.

A Bilingual Icon for the Ages

With her boundless talent, unfiltered charisma, and ability to traverse cultures, Cardi B has cemented herself as a true icon. Beyond just her music, Cardi B’s embrace of her bilingual identity makes her deeply relatable and inspiring to millions of bilingual people worldwide. She unapologetically owns and celebrates her Latin roots through fluid code-switching. By bringing Spanish into the mainstream, Cardi B expands cultural appreciation and representation.

Young bilingual children, especially Afro-Latinas, can see themselves reflected in Cardi B’s journey of navigating multiple languages and cultures. Her global popularity shows that bilingualism enhances rather than limits artistic expression. Even in the face of racism or pressure to assimilate, Cardi B proudly maintains her Spanish. She proves that cultural fluidity makes us stronger, not weaker. Cardi B’s legacy will surely inspire bilingual empowerment for generations to come. Through it all, she remains proud of where she came from – always keeping it “Boricua pa’l mundo” (Puerto Rican to the world).