Birdman
Bryan Christopher Williams
Birdman is an American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana active since 1991.
- Profession
- Rapper, Record executive, Entrepreneur
- From
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Born
- February 15, 1969
- Years active
- 1991–present
Early life
Born Bryan Williams and raised in the Magnolia Projects of New Orleans, Birdman endured a hard childhood — including time in foster care and incarceration — before co-founding Cash Money Records with his brother Slim in 1991 to document the city's bounce-driven street culture.
Career
He built Cash Money into one of hip-hop's most successful empires, launching Juvenile, the Hot Boys, and a young Lil Wayne, then partnering with Wayne to discover Drake and Nicki Minaj. He also recorded as half of Big Tymers with Mannie Fresh and as a solo artist.
Major achievements
His label generated billions in sales and shaped Southern hip-hop's commercial dominance, while his Young Money imprint became one of the most successful rosters in rap history.
Legacy
Birdman is one of hip-hop's most influential moguls, his Cash Money empire reshaping the business and sound of Southern rap.
References
Related personalities
Master P
Rapper · Music Executive
Master P is an American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana active since 1989.
Curren$y
Rapper · Songwriter
Curren$y is an American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana active since 2002.
Lil Wayne
Rapper · Songwriter
Lil Wayne is an American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana active since 1995.
B.G.
Rapper · Songwriter
B.G. is an American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana active since 1991.