New York City

Rapper Cardi B Gives Away Hundreds of Coats at Public Housing Complex in Brooklyn

Hundreds of fans and people in need of coats lined up for hours before the rapper arrived late for the scheduled giveaway

What to Know

  • Rapper Cardi B hosted a coat giveaway in New York City Thursday evening, and hundreds lined up for a chance to see her and get a coat
  • Cardi B arrived late at the Marlboro Houses because of a photo shoot, she said, but was all smiles as she handed out hundreds of coats
  • It was the first time she's been out in the city since facing charges in a strip club fight in Queens

Hundreds of people turned out at a public housing complex in Brooklyn for a chance to meet rap superstar Cardi B, who was scheduled to distribute hundreds of coats to families Thursday. 

Fans waited more than for four hours outside the Marlboro Houses for a chance to meet the Bronx-born chart topper and to get a coat. 

"I think she's unbelievable, and I think it's great she's doing this for the less fortunate," said Dana Spear of Gravesend.

"This neighborhood really needs it," said another person waiting. 

The event was put together by a local designer and friends of the reality-turned-music superstar. Cardi B was scheduled to arrive by 5 p.m. but ended up hours later. She said it was because of a photo shoot, but was happy to meet fans and give away coats and sneakers. 

"I said, 'I'm pulling up, what's up, I'm in here, let's go!'" said Cardi B. 

"We ready, let's get ready for the coats, it's cold out here," she said.

Crowds mobbed the rec room inside Marlboro Houses as they lined up. It's the first time Cardi B has been seen out in the city after turning herself in to police weeks ago following a fight with two bartenders at a strip club in August. But on Thursday night, she was all smiles for those who waited. 

Afterwards, those still left waiting weren't exactly smiling. 

"Not worth the wait, it was like four hours," said Aurora Royster. "But the kids wanted to see her."

Those kids, however, chirped that it was "good!" to see the rapper. 

By the end of the night, some of those who showed up went home empty-handed: Police had to give them the bad news that they ran out of coats. 

Cardi B, born Belvalis Merlaniz Almanzar, is a native New Yorker who has found success with hits like "Bodak Yellow,” "Bartier Cardi," and “I Like It” — earning top spots on the US Billboard charts.

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