Cardi B To Pay Funeral Costs for Those Who Died in Tragic Fire in Her Hometown

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Rapper Cardi B has stepped in to pay for the funeral expenses of the 17 people who were killed in a fire in New York City earlier this month.

On Wednesday, the New York City Mayor's office announced that Cardi, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, would be funding the arrangements for those who perished in the residential apartment complex on January 9.

Mayor Eric Adams said in the statement provided to CBS News: "We are grateful for Cardi B, a real superstar on and off the mic, for granting some critical financial relief to families of the victims. The city will be forever thankful to her and also to the grassroots donors and corporate partners who have been able to offer immediate support for our neighbors in need, to reestablish themselves during this difficult time."

The Bronx-born artist also provided a statement saying she’s “extremely proud to be from the Bronx” and that she has “lots of family and friends who live and work there still.”

“So, when I heard about the fire and all of the victims, I knew I needed to do something to help. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and anguish that the families of the victims are experiencing, but I hope that not having to worry about the costs associated with burying their loved ones will help as they move forward and heal,” she said.

The accidental and deadly fire was reportedly ignited from several electric space heaters that had been running for days. CNN’s reporting of the tragedy indicated that the fire consumed a 19-story apartment building in flames and smoke and took the lives of 17 people, eight of which were children. 

The financial assistance from Cardi B comes in the wake of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announcing that the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance would be providing $2 million to help those impacted by the fire to help with “case management, personal property replacements, relocation costs, funeral costs and rental assistance,” as per the New York Post.