If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen a tiny, iced-out toddler rocking a shark-print custom mini Cadillac or a beanie that costs more than your monthly rent. That’s Wave Set Cephus. Honestly, it feels like just yesterday Cardi B was hiding her bump under massive feathered outfits, but her son is already growing up fast in the public eye.
Wave was born on September 4, 2021. For a long time, he was basically the "mystery baby" of the internet. Cardi and Offset kept his face and name completely under wraps for seven months, which is like a century in celebrity time. When they finally did the big reveal in April 2022, the world met a kid who was the literal spitting image of his dad. But behind the diamond chains and the private jet photos, there is a lot of nuance to how Wave is being raised, especially given the messy, high-profile split between his parents that’s been dominating the news in 2025 and 2026.
The Story Behind the Name Wave Set Cephus
People always wonder where the name "Wave" came from. Was it a reference to the ocean? A fashion statement? Actually, it was Offset’s idea. Cardi admitted on X (back when it was Twitter) that when her husband suggested the name, she was immediately sold.
But here is the part most people forget: he was almost named Marley. Cardi wanted his middle name to be Marley as a nod to her own middle name, Marlenis. But "Wave Marley Cephus" just didn't have the right ring to it for her. They eventually landed on Set, which is obviously a direct shout-out to Offset’s stage name. It’s kinda poetic when you think about it—the kid carries a piece of both parents’ identities, even if those parents are currently navigating a pretty rocky legal separation.
Growing Up in the Set Bunch
Wave isn't an only child by a long shot. He’s part of what Cardi calls "The Set Bunch."
- Kulture Kiari Cephus: His big sister and Cardi’s firstborn. She’s the sassy one who basically runs the household.
- Blossom Belle Cephus: The "divorce baby" born in September 2024. She arrived right in the middle of the legal chaos, adding another layer to the family tree.
- The Half-Siblings: Wave has three older half-siblings from Offset’s previous relationships—Jordan, Kody, and Kalea.
Raising a blended family is hard for anyone, but doing it with millions of eyes on you is a different beast. Cardi has been vocal about how she treats all the kids as her own when they’re under her roof. However, as of early 2026, the vibe has shifted. With the new addition to the family (Cardi's son with Stefon Diggs born in late 2025), Wave is now a middle child in a very complex, sprawling family network.
The Reality of Co-Parenting in 2026
If you follow the headlines, you know the "fairytale" of Cardi and Offset has been replaced by a lot of legal paperwork. As of January 2026, the divorce still isn't finalized. Cardi recently hopped on an X Space to vent about how she feels like the "only provider" for Wave and his siblings.
It’s a heavy claim. She mentioned that while they are legally separated, the financial ties—taxes, properties, and the "hostage" situation of their marriage contract—make things incredibly tense. For Wave, this means his early years are being shaped by a mother who is fiercely protective and a father who is fighting for joint custody. Offset has publicly asked for spousal support and joint custody, which has caused a massive rift.
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Despite the drama, Wave seems to be shielded from the worst of it. His third birthday in 2024 was a massive, race-car-themed blowout. By the time he turned four in late 2025, the parties were still extravagant, but the tension between the adults was palpable.
Why Cardi Was "Scared" to Have a Boy
One of the more human moments Cardi shared was her fear of having a son. She told her followers that as a "girly girl," she didn't know if she’d know how to raise a boy. She was worried she wouldn't have that same bond she has with Kulture.
That fear vanished pretty quickly. If you look at her feed now, she’s obsessed. She’s constantly posting videos of Wave’s "big boy" milestones. He’s got his dad’s eyes and his mom’s "don't mess with me" attitude.
The Security and Privacy Struggle
One thing that doesn't get talked about enough is why Wave was hidden for so long. Cardi explained that the social media abuse Kulture received as a baby was "sad and disgusting." People were literally bullying a toddler.
To protect Wave, they waited until he was old enough to have a bit of a personality before showing him to the world. Even now, with his own (likely managed) presence and frequent appearances, there is a level of security around him that is mind-boggling. We're talking 24/7 security teams and highly controlled public outings.
What’s Next for Wave?
As 2026 unfolds, Wave is entering his preschool years. While most kids are worrying about finger painting, he’s navigating a world where his mom is dating an NFL star (Stefon Diggs) and his dad is making headlines for threatening that same star.
It’s a lot for a four-year-old. But if there’s one thing Cardi B has proven, it’s that she’s a "lioness" when it comes to her kids. Whether she’s the "only provider" or they eventually settle on a co-parenting rhythm, Wave Set Cephus is clearly the center of her world.
What You Can Do Now
If you’re following the Cephus family saga, the best way to keep up isn’t just through the gossip rags. Here’s how to stay informed without the fluff:
- Watch the X Spaces: Cardi often goes live to give the real story behind the headlines. It’s where she drops the most tea about the divorce and the kids.
- Follow Official Accounts: Instead of fan pages that guess facts, stick to Cardi and Offset’s verified profiles for the most accurate photos and milestones.
- Look for the Nuance: Remember that celebrity parenting is still parenting. The diamond watches are cool, but the "provider" comments reveal the real-world stress happening behind the scenes.
Keep an eye on the custody filings if you're interested in the legal side; they often reveal more about the daily life of the kids than a 15-second TikTok ever will.