Birdman (rapper)

Birdman
Born	Bryan Christopher Brooks (1969-02-15) February 15, 1969 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Rapper, music executive
Years active	1991–present
Known for	Co-founder of Cash Money Records, member of Big Tymers, leader of Cash Money Records

Bryan Christopher Williams (born Brooks; February 15, 1969), professionally recognized as Birdman or Baby, is an American rapper and music executive. In 1991, he co-established Cash Money Records alongside his brother, Ronald "Slim" Williams. Birdman debuted his solo career with an album in 2002, followed by releases such as Fast Money (2005), 5 * Stunna (2007), and Priceless (2009), which garnered moderate commercial acclaim. He is also a member of the hip hop duo Big Tymers and the collective Cash Money Millionaires.

Birdman is widely recognized for discovering and guiding New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne, with whom he collaborated on the album Like Father, Like Son (2006). As the leader of Cash Money Records, he was instrumental in advancing the careers of artists including Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Tyga. Numerous artists were signed through a partnership with Wayne's imprint, Young Money Entertainment ("YMCMB"), which operated under Cash Money from 2005 until 2018. In 2014, Birdman launched the spin-off collective Rich Gang, featuring talents like Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan.

Ranked among the wealthiest figures in hip-hop, Birdman was listed fifth by Forbes in 2015 and fourth in 2017, with estimated net worths of $155 million and $110 million respectively. Beyond his music ventures, he has expanded into industries such as fashion, alcoholic beverages, and oil exploration.

Early life

Born Bryan Christopher Brooks on February 15, 1969, at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, Birdman is the son of Johnnie Williams and Gladys Brooks. Initially bearing his mother's surname, he was affectionately called "Baby" shortly after birth—a nickname he continues to use. His family lived above a bar owned by his father. After losing his mother at age five, Birdman and his siblings were placed under the care of their uncle in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada for two years before spending another two years in foster care upon returning to New Orleans. Following legal proceedings, custody was awarded to Johnnie Williams and his wife Patricia, after which Bryan adopted the Williams surname.

The family eventually resided in the Magnolia Projects within Central City, New Orleans. During this period, Birdman developed a strong relationship with his step-brother Eldrick Wise. Both became involved in criminal activities including robberies and heroin trafficking, leading to arrests at ages 16 and later at 18 for drug possession charges. Birdman served an eighteen-month term of a three-year sentence before being acquitted of all accusations.

1988–1998: Cash Money Records

Upon release from incarceration, Bryan teamed up with his brother Slim to focus on the burgeoning New Orleans-based bounce subgenre of hip-hop popular in local clubs. In 1992, Bryan founded Cash Money Records, traveling throughout Louisiana to sign emerging artists. Their inaugural signee was rapper Kilo G, who released the label’s first project—a horrorcore album titled "The Sleepwalker"—in 1992. Bryan also enlisted DJ Mannie Fresh as Cash Money’s resident producer. By the mid-1990s, Cash Money had established itself as a leading independent label in the southern United States with a dedicated New Orleans following.

In 1995, Lil' Slim introduced twelve-year-old Dwayne Carter to Bryan, resulting in Carter becoming the youngest artist signed to Cash Money. Carter joined fourteen-year-old Christopher Dorsey in forming "The B.G.'z," performing under the monikers "Baby D" and "Lil Doogie," respectively. Bryan himself rapped under the alias B-32 with the group 32 Golds. Despite regional popularity, mid-decade challenges arose as several initial artists departed amid financial disagreements; tragically, Kilo G, Pimp Daddy, and Yella Boy were also murdered during this era.

By 1997 only Baby D and Lil Doogie remained active under new stage names: Lil Wayne and B.G.. That year Bryan and Slim recruited Turk and Juvenile, creating the group known as Hot Boys. This lineup drove Cash Money to new prominence culminating in a $30 million contract with Universal Records in 1998.

1998–2003: Big Tymers

Following Cash Money’s rise on a national scale, Baby partnered with producer Mannie Fresh to form the duo Big Tymers. Their debut album How Ya Luv That? appeared in 1998 and was succeeded by I Got That Work in 2000 and Hood Rich in 2002. The album I Got That Work included singles like "Get Your Roll On" and "#1 Stunna," achieving platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America despite not charting on the Billboard Hot 100. Hood Rich featured the hit "Still Fly," which reached number eleven on the Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination; this album also attained platinum status. Their final release before hiatus was Big Money Heavyweight (2003), certified Gold. The group paused activities after Mannie Fresh exited Cash Money but reunited sporadically for performances as recently as 2017.

2002–2005: Solo career

With departures of members Juvenile and B.G., Baby concentrated on establishing himself as Cash Money’s prominent frontman. His major-label solo debut Birdman, launched on November 26, 2002, achieved gold certification by January 2003 after shipping over half a million units domestically. The album peaked at number twenty-four on the Billboard 200, featuring collaborations with artists such as Lil' Wayne, T.I., and Puff Daddy. This success prompted Baby to adopt "Birdman" as his stage name.

Following Lil Wayne’s breakthrough with Tha Carter in 2004—on which Birdman made multiple appearances—Wayne emerged as Cash Money’s flagship artist alongside Birdman himself representing the label's public image. Birdman's sophomore solo effort Fast Money (2005) debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200 chart with first-week US sales of approximately 65,000 copies.

2006–2010: Like Father, Like Son & solo albums

On October 31, 2006, Lil Wayne and Birdman released their joint album Like Father, Like Son, which reached number three on the Billboard 200 chart and received gold certification. It spawned two singles: "Stuntin' Like My Daddy" and "Leather So Soft." The track "Stuntin' Like My Daddy" peaked at number twenty-one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States; it won the BET Viewer's Choice Award for 2007 and was ranked ninety-fourth among Rolling Stone’s best songs of 2006.

Birdman's third solo record 5 * Stunna, released December 11, 2007, debuted at number eighteen on Billboard 200 with first-week sales near eighty thousand copies. It included the successful single "Pop Bottles" featuring Lil Wayne that reached number thirty-eight on the Hot 100 chart. To date, this album has sold over three hundred seventy-two thousand units domestically.

His fourth studio project Priceless, released November 23, 2009, entered Billboard at number thirty-three with initial week sales around thirty-four thousand copies. Singles from this album comprised "Always Strapped" featuring Lil Wayne; "Written on Her" featuring British vocalist Jay Sean—Birdman's first UK release; "Southside" featuring Lil Wayne; "Money to Blow" featuring Drake alongside Lil Wayne; and "4 My Town (Play Ball)" featuring both Drake and Lil Wayne.

2010–present: Rich Gang

In 2010 Birdman announced plans for an album initially titled Priceless 2, later renamed Bigga Than Life. The lead promotional single "Loyalty," featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga along with contributions from Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Bun B, and Drake was released ahead of schedule for an early-2011 album launch. A music video accompanied "My Jewel," featuring Bun B and Young Jeezy. On November 22 that year Birdman unveiled official single "Fire Flame" featuring Lil Wayne followed by "I Get Money" including T-Pain, Mack Maine, and Lil Wayne. On September 13, 2011 came "Y.U. MAD," featuring Nicki Minaj alongside Lil Wayne. Birdman collaborated with Mack Maine forming White Boys; their mixtape Billionaire Minds dropped November 2 that year. May 22 saw release of "Born Stunna," featuring Rick Ross; its remix added Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj while October brought forth single "Shout Out," featuring Gudda Gudda along with French Montana.

In early announcements from 2008 Birdman revealed plans for a mixtape collaboration with Rick Ross entitled The H. It officially released as The H: The Lost Album Vol.1 on May 23, 2013 hosted by DJ Khaled though recorded five years prior. Compilation album Rich Gang: Flashy Lifestyle, scheduled for June that year featured artists spanning Cash Money Records alongside Young Money Entertainment plus Meek Mill, French Montana, Future among others. Preceding this compilation was mixtape Rich Gang: Allstars, which included hits such as Drake's "Started From the Bottom," Ace Hood's "Bugatti" featuring Rick Ross & Future; Future's remix of "Karate Chop"; Lil Wayne's "Love Me" featuring Drake & Future; French Montana's "Freaks" featuring Nicki Minaj; Lil Wayne's "Rich As Fuck" featuring 2 Chainz; Kevin Rudolf's track "Champions" including Fred Durst alongside Birdman & Lil Wayne.

In 2014 Birdman heavily promoted Atlanta-based rappers Young Thug & Rich Homie Quan through Rich Gang initiatives releasing single “Lifestyle” featuring both artists plus mixtape Rich Gang: Tha Tour Pt.1, which included guest spots from PeeWee Longway Nipsey Hu$$le Jacquees Yung Ralph but excluded other Young Money or Cash Money acts aside from Birdman himself. Plans were underway for a joint tour starring Young Thug & Rich Homie Quan.

Forbes estimated Birdman's net worth at $125 million in 2012 while ranking him fifth highest-earning hip hop artist with $21 million earnings over previous year according to Forbes.com in 2013.

After public appearances suggested reconciliation between Birdman & Lil Wayne during 2016 contract disputes persisted culminating with Birdman terminating settlement talks within that year.

On April 26th of that year Birdman announced forthcoming mixtape collaboration titled Lost At Sea alongside protege Jacquees releasing it May27.

In2021 Birdman collaborated with YoungBoy Never Broke Again releasing mixtape titled From The Bayou. By2024 tensions emerged again when YoungBoy seemingly directed disses towards Birdman through track “Tears Of War”.

Family and relationships

Birdman's mother Gladys Brooks (1935–1975), affectionately called Ms. Gladys by him passed away when he was five years old; she has been referenced frequently within his music including a song bearing her name. His father Johnnie Williams (1920–1996) owned several small businesses such as bars & laundromats around New Orleans prior to dying in an automobile accident.Birdman has ten brothers & twelve sisters including Ronald “Slim” Williams who co-founded Cash Money Records.One younger sister Tamara died due to car crash back in2006 whom Birdman helped raise like a daughter following their mother’s early passing.He maintained close ties with step-brother Eldrick Wise who was fatally shot during1991.

He fathered two children from late-1990s relationship with Tia: Bryan Jr.(b1997) & Bria(b1998). Additionally he regards protege Lil Wayne as a son despite no biological connection.

Birdman's romantic involvement began publicly when dating singer Toni Braxton starting May2016.They announced engagement February2018 but ended it January2019.They reconciled later same year yet ultimately ended relationship2022.In August2024 they married quietly though Braxton filed divorce two weeks later.They reconciled again remaining married through January2025.

Legal issues

In November2007 Birdman faced arrest in Kingsport Tennessee related to possession of nearly one pound marijuana.

October2009 saw lawsuit filed against Birdman,LilWayne,CashMoneyRecords,and distributors alleging unauthorized use of Thomas Marasciullo’s voice samples from albums Like Father Like Son & 5 * Stunna constituting copyright infringement.

Feud with Lil Wayne

On December4th2014 mere days before scheduled release of Tha Carter V, LilWayne declared album would not drop citing refusal by Birdman despite completion.Wayne expressed feeling “imprisoned” by Birdman prompting lawsuit filing.January20th2015 saw release of self-published mixtape Sorry4theWait2 criticizing both Birdman & CashMoneyRecords reportedly angering Birdman.Later that month Wayne initiated $51 million lawsuit over delayed album release.

January2015 Wayne indicated plans upon departure from CashMoneyRecords to take artists Drake & NickiMinaj along.Documents filed June alleged mismanagement including unpaid royalties towards YoungMoney by Birdman/CashMoney.“Free C5” became slogan rallying unpaid artists.June saw Wayne join Jay-Z’s Tidal streaming platform as artist-owner releasing exclusive single “Glory”.July4th witnessed release of Tidal-exclusive Free Weezy Album via YoungMoney/RepublicRecords.

July15 prosecutors accused Birdman & Young Thug conspiracy related to April shooting targeting LilWayne.Next day Birdman filed $50-million lawsuit against Tidal claiming rights over LilWayne’s catalog.Frustrated by ongoing disputes Wayne tweeted intentions to retire describing self as “mentally defeated.”Peers including Kendrick Lamar publicly urged him against quitting.

Oil business

Early2010 marked launch by Birdman & brother Slim of Bronald Oil & Gas LLC named combining their first names Bryan+Ronald.The company focused on oil/gas exploration though operations remained largely unconfirmed beyond website presence & Birdman's “pumpjack” tattoo.Bronald aimed at developing existing land holdings plus acquiring new leases.Birdman claimed years-long experience profiting well within oil industry.By March2010 tattoo was covered fueling speculation project stalled.Bloomberg reported regulators overseeing permits unaware of Bronald existence.

Clothing lines

In2006 Birdman & LilWayne introduced YMCMB streetwear brand associated directly with their music ventures.In April2016 following viral contentious interview on radio show ‘’The Breakfast Club’’, Birdman issued public apology leveraging incident publicity launching “Respek” merchandise line incorporating catchphrases from interview.

Spirit company

He has invested financially into spirit brand “GTV Vodka,” diversifying business interests within beverage sector.

Discography

Studio albums

• Birdman (2002)
• Fast Money (2005)
• 5 * Stunna (2007)
• Priceless (2009)

Collaborative albums

• How You Luv That (with Big Tymers) (1997)
• How You Luv That Vol. 2 (with Big Tymers) (1998)
• I Got That Work (with Big Tymers) (2000)
• Baller Blockin' (with Cash Money Millionaires) (2000)
• Hood Rich (with Big Tymers) (2002)
• Big Money Heavyweight (with Big Tymers) (2003)
• Like Father, Like Son (with Lil Wayne) (2006)
• Rich Gang (with Rich Gang) (2013)
• Just Another Gangsta (with Juvenile) (2019)

Awards and nominations

Award	Year	Honoree(s)	Category	Outcome
BET Hip Hop Awards	2022	Birdman & Youngboy Never Broke Again	Best Duo/Group	Nominated