Birdman's Controversial Career

Overview

This podcast episode explores the life and controversial career of Birdman (a.k.a. Baby), tracing his rise from New Orleans street hustler to music mogul. It examines alleged criminal activities, dysfunctional power dynamics within Cash Money Records, and a pattern of exploitation and violence affecting both family and artists.

Early Life and Family Background

• Birdman's father, Johnny Williams, was a prolific entrepreneur and fathered many children across New Orleans.
• Birdman (born Brian Brooks) was raised among several siblings, experiencing both early business exposure and family instability.
• After their mother passed, the children were sent to foster care due to lack of legal recognition from their father.
• Johnny's brother eventually adopted the children and relocated them to Canada before Johnny regained custody and brought them back to New Orleans.

Entry into Street Life and Early Criminality

• Birdman's exposure to street life intensified through friendship with Eldrich Wise and the Magnolia Projects crew.
• As a teenager, Birdman allegedly ran drug operations and built violent street credibility.
• At age 17, Birdman initiated his biological younger brother, Terrence Williams, into violent crime, turning him into a trusted hitman.

Founding and Early Years of Cash Money Records

• In 1991, Birdman and his brother Slim founded Cash Money Records independently, using street-earned capital.
• Early signings included Kilo G and Lil Slim, with limited commercial success until discovering UNLV, a rap group reflecting New Orleans’ street life.
• Tensions with artists, especially over financial disputes and loyalty, became evident from the start.

Conflicts and Violence Surrounding Cash Money Artists

• Disputes over unpaid royalties led to lawsuits and escalating feuds, notably with UNLV member Yellow Boy, who was later killed under suspicious circumstances.
• Early artist Kilo G was also murdered after falling out with the label; both cases remain unsolved.

Lil Wayne’s Relationship with Birdman

• Lil Wayne was exposed to music and street mentorship early, but his mother initially resisted letting him join Cash Money.
• Birdman allegedly established a controlling and controversial relationship with Wayne, blurring boundaries of family and business.
• After the murder of Wayne’s stepfather, Birdman became his father figure, solidifying Wayne’s loyalty.
• The relationship featured public displays, including Wayne calling Birdman “daddy” and controversial kisses, drawing criticism and speculation.

Ongoing Exploitation and Financial Disputes

• Multiple artists including BG, Juvenile, Turk, Taigga, DJ Khaled, Currency, and Bow Wow left Cash Money over alleged unpaid royalties.
• Wayne's own career was delayed by Birdman withholding the Carter V album, resulting in lawsuits and public feuding.

Later Years: Power Moves, Violence, and Shifting Alliances

• Birdman fostered new artists (e.g., Young Thug, Rich Gang) and allegedly encouraged feuds between artists for strategic advantage.
• Violent incidents involved Lil Wayne’s tour bus shooting (linked to Young Thug’s management and Birdman), and attacks among Atlanta rap and street factions.
• Birdman avoided direct legal consequences, often shifting focus to new ventures.

Aftermath for Family and Associates

• Terrence Williams, Birdman’s brother, cooperated with authorities to secure release after life imprisonment, leading to ostracization.
• Despite Terrence’s loyalty and role in Birdman’s early empire, Birdman cut ties due to street codes.

Decisions

• Do not sign or pay UNLV after conflict: Birdman refused to renew contracts or release payment without direct interaction, escalating conflicts.
• Withhold Lil Wayne's album: Birdman delayed Carter V and withheld payment, leading to lawsuits.

Action Items

• TBD – Wayne’s legal team: Continue pursuing owed royalties and rights.
• TBD – Birdman: Address ongoing royalty disputes for current and former artists.

Questions / Follow-Ups

• Was Birdman directly involved in the unsolved murders of former artists or associates?
• How will Cash Money’s financial and legal disputes impact its future artist relationships?