Bryan “Birdman” Brooks, formerly known as Bryan Williams, is one of the most influential figures in hip-hop and a pioneer in the independent music business. As of 2025, Birdman’s net worth is estimated at $150 million, reflecting a decades-long career as a rapper, record executive, and co-founder of Cash Money Records. He turned a risky street hustle into a record label empire, signing and launching icons like Lil Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj.
Early Life and Challenges
Born February 15, 1969, in New Orleans, Birdman was named Bryan Christopher Brooks. He took his mother’s last name at birth, as his father didn’t sign the birth certificate. After losing his mother, Gladys Brooks, to illness in 1975, Birdman and his siblings endured a difficult childhood that included time in foster care and eventually a return to New Orleans under their father’s custody.
He grew up in the Magnolia Projects, a place known more for its crime rate than music legacy. As a teenager, Birdman became involved in robberies and drug dealing with his stepbrother Eldrick Wise. Both were arrested at age 16 and later sentenced to prison at 18. Birdman served 18 months before being acquitted of his charges.
The Rise of Cash Money Records
In 1991, Birdman and his brother Ronald “Slim” Williams founded Cash Money Records with around $100,000 in startup capital—rumored to be financed by their half-brother Terrence “Gangsta” Williams, a known figure in New Orleans’ drug trade. Without prior music industry experience, the brothers built the label from scratch, scouting local nightclubs for talent.
Their first artist was Kilo G, and they eventually recruited DJ Mannie Fresh as their in-house producer. By 1995, they discovered a then-12-year-old Dwayne Carter, later known to the world as Lil Wayne. With the creation of Hot Boys, a rap group featuring Lil Wayne, B.G., Juvenile, and Turk, Cash Money exploded on the Southern rap scene.
Major Label Deal and Historic Master Rights
In 1998, Cash Money Records secured a landmark $30 million deal with Universal Music Group. The agreement was groundbreaking—Birdman and Slim retained full ownership of their masters while Universal handled distribution for a modest 7% fee. This contract allowed Cash Money to keep the lion’s share of album revenue, a rare move in the music business.
Albums from Lil Wayne, Juvenile, and later Drake and Nicki Minaj turned the label into a powerhouse. At its peak, Cash Money Records earned $100 million annually.
Birdman as an Artist and Big Tymers
Alongside his executive role, Birdman pursued his own music career. He teamed up with DJ Mannie Fresh to form Big Tymers, releasing How Ya Luv That? (1998), I Got That Work, and Hood Rich. In 2002, Birdman released his self-titled debut album, which reached #24 on the Billboard 200. Subsequent albums included Fast Money (2005), 5 Star Stunna (2007), and Priceless (2009). His collaboration with Lil Wayne on Like Father, Like Son (2006) peaked at #3 on the Billboard charts.
Despite criticism of his lyrical style, Birdman proved himself a commercial force, leveraging his label’s brand to sell records and build a persona around wealth, loyalty, and hustle.
Legal Disputes and Controversies
Birdman’s career hasn’t been without legal complications. In 2015, Lil Wayne sued Birdman for $51 million, citing failure to release Tha Carter V and mismanagement of Young Money, Cash Money’s subsidiary label. The lawsuit highlighted long-standing issues over unpaid royalties and internal disputes.
There were also criminal allegations in 2015, suggesting Birdman and rapper Young Thug had conspired to harm Lil Wayne during a tour bus shooting incident—claims Birdman denied. While no formal charges were filed against him in that case, the accusations damaged his public reputation.
In 2007, Birdman was arrested in Tennessee for marijuana possession, and in 2009, he faced a copyright lawsuit over unauthorized use of spoken-word recordings.
Personal Life and Losses
Birdman’s life has been marked by deep personal tragedy. His stepbrother Eldrick Wise was murdered in 1991. His father died in a car crash in 1996, and his sister Tamara was killed in a car accident in 2006. Birdman has ten brothers and twelve sisters, making him part of a large extended family.
He has two children, Bryan Jr. (born 1997) and Bria (born 1998). In 2016, Birdman began dating R&B star Toni Braxton. They were briefly engaged in 2018, called it off in 2019, but later reconciled and remain together.
Lavish Lifestyle and Financial Setbacks
Birdman’s public persona is built around wealth. He once claimed to buy 100 new cars every six months, gifting the old ones to friends and family. He wears millions in jewelry, including a $500,000 diamond grill and a 15-carat black diamond ring.
But the money hasn’t always stayed. Hurricane Katrina destroyed 20 of his properties and 50 cars, including two Maybachs and four Ferraris. His real estate troubles continued when he was forced to sell his $14.5 million Palm Island mansion in Miami for $10.9 million in 2019 after foreclosure threats.
In 2021, a Bel-Air landlord sued Birdman for $114,000 in back rent, claiming he stopped making monthly $33,000 payments on a luxury home.
Career Earnings and Current Status
Birdman’s career earnings from 2007 to 2019 totaled over $217 million, with peak years between 2012 and 2014, each bringing in $20+ million. While his wealth has dipped from earlier highs, he remains financially formidable thanks to his stake in Cash Money’s music catalog and licensing.
Despite the lawsuits, real estate woes, and changing music industry landscape, Birdman in 2025 remains a symbol of independent hustle, ownership, and unapologetic success in hip-hop.
