Celebrating her 32nd birthday in style, Cardi B threw a Sex and the City-themed party in New York City on October 11. Dressed in a provocative outfit, she took to Instagram to defend her “thotty” look, revealing her old stripper name and sharing memories from her past. The birthday bash drew a crowd, including her sister, Hennessy Carolina, and several friends. Cardi’s daring outfit and dance moves got plenty of attention, but it was her honesty about her past that really had fans talking.
Sharing her outfit journey, Cardi explained that her original dress was too small, so she took a nostalgic trip to Staten Dolls Gentlemen’s Club—where she worked as a stripper for four years—to find a last-minute outfit. Reflecting on this, she added, “I love the fact that they don’t see me like CARDI B; they still treat me like CAMILLA” — revealing her stripper name for the first time.
Cardi’s Candid Account of Her Stripper Days
Cardi B has been open about her time as a stripper and the challenges she faced. In a 2019 video, Cardi admitted to “doing what she had to do to survive,” which included drugging and robbing men. Responding to backlash, she clarified, “Whether or not they were poor choices at the time, I did what I had to do to survive. I never claimed to be perfect.”
She explained that her past reflects the reality of hip-hop culture, where artists talk openly about their struggles and difficult choices. Cardi added, “I never glorified the things I brought up in that [Instagram] Live. I made those choices because I had very limited options.”
Public Reaction and Controversial Comparisons
Cardi’s confession sparked widespread backlash, with some critics comparing her to Bill Cosby due to the nature of her actions, though she has emphasized that her circumstances were different. “I’m not proud of it and feel a responsibility not to glorify it,” she stated, clarifying that she’s careful not to promote these actions in her music.
Cardi B: Owning Her Past and Embracing Success
Despite the controversies, Cardi B continues to embrace her journey. By revealing her stripper name and celebrating her roots, she shows fans a side of herself that’s unfiltered and real. Cardi’s story serves as a reminder of how far she’s come — from her days as Camilla at Staten Dolls to being a Grammy-winning artist who owns her past unapologetically.