Cardi B to Cover Funeral Costs for Bronx Fire Victims

Cardi B is stepping up to help those affected by the Bronx fire.

The rapper has announced plans to cover the funeral costs of those who lost their lives in a deadly building fire in her hometown.

“I’m extremely proud to be from the Bronx and I have lots of family and friends who live and work there still,” Cardi said in a statement. “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 continued. “I send my prayers and condolences to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy.”

The fire spread through a 19-story apartment building in the Bronx on Jan. 9, claiming the lives of 17 people and injuring many others. The victims, who ranged in age from 2 to 50, died of smoke inhalation. The blaze, New York City’s deadliest in three decades, was reportedly started by a malfunctioning electric space heater.

In addition to covering the burial expenses, Cardi has teamed up with The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City to make sure that the families of all the victims would be included in her donation and “that the final wishes for their loved ones were met.”

“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,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “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 state of New York also announced this week that it would be granting $2 million to a fund for the victims.