Cardi B is sharing how becoming a mother reshaped her identity and her definition of womanhood.
In her new Billboard cover story, the Grammy-winning rapper, 32, spoke candidly about raising her three children while navigating her divorce from estranged husband Offset.
Cardi shares daughters Kulture, 7, and Blossom, 11 months, and son Wave, 3, with the Migos rapper.
Redefining Womanhood Through Motherhood
Cardi explained that being a mother forced her to reflect on what truly makes a woman, beyond traditional expectations.
“I was like, ‘What makes a woman? Her body? Her cooking?’ It’s her maturity and her thinking,” she said. “If I didn’t have kids, I wouldn’t sacrifice so much.”
For Cardi, that sacrifice is felt daily:
“This summer, I haven’t even put my feet in a pool. I do everything for my kids. I’m the only provider and you know what? Ain’t no complaining about it. I love them so much and they ground me.”
Sacrifice and Inspiration
Cardi tied her outlook to lessons from her own mother, who worked tirelessly to support the family despite financial struggles.
“My mom used to be a freakin’ cashier and she used to work every single day. I had a very rough childhood, but my mom always made sure we ain’t go to no shelter,” Cardi shared. “I want my kids to be like, ‘My mom made sure I had everything that I wanted.’”
Her dedication shows in how she celebrates her children — from organizing Kulture’s Hello Kitty-themed 7th birthday party to taking the family on a Disney trip.
Balancing Career and Family
Although she admits she often feels exhausted, Cardi says motherhood fuels her drive to keep working despite her success.
“If you think when you get rich you’re going to stop working, you’re never going to stop working,” she said.
Cardi B married Offset in 2017 and initially filed for divorce in 2020 before reconciling. She filed again in July 2024, with proceedings still ongoing.
Despite personal challenges, Cardi insists that her children remain her anchor, teaching her strength and responsibility.
