Birdman Net Worth: The Rise of a Cash Money Mogul

Bryan “Birdman” Williams has built a formidable legacy in the music industry, not just as a rapper, but more significantly as a visionary entrepreneur. With an estimated net worth of $150 million, Birdman stands as one of hip-hop’s wealthiest moguls. His fortune stems from a combination of musical success, savvy business deals, and the enduring influence of Cash Money Records, the label he co-founded with his brother Ronald “Slim” Williams in 1991.

Birdman Net Worth: $150 Million
Date of Birth: February 15, 1969
Place of Birth: New Orleans
Nationality: American

Table of Contents

Early Life

Born Bryan Christopher Brooks on February 15, 1969, in New Orleans, Birdman’s early life was marked by hardship. After losing his mother at age five, he spent time in foster care and later lived in the infamous Magnolia Projects. As a teen, he was arrested for drug-related crimes and spent 18 months in a correctional facility before being acquitted.

Despite this troubled start, Birdman transformed adversity into ambition, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable figures in American hip-hop entrepreneurship.

Cash Money Origins

Birdman’s journey began in the streets of New Orleans, where he and Slim noticed the rise of the “bounce” sub-genre in local clubs. Fueled by ambition and approximately $100,000 in startup capital—rumored to be funded by their half-brother Terrence, a known drug kingpin—the brothers launched Cash Money Records. Despite having no formal experience in the industry, they hustled to sign acts and grow their label. Their first artist was Kilo G, whose horrorcore album The Sleepwalker debuted in 1992.

Cash Money’s major turning point came in 1998 when they inked a landmark $30 million distribution deal with Universal Music Group. The contract included $3 million upfront and $1.5 million per album but, more critically, allowed Birdman and Slim to retain ownership of their masters—a rare feat in the music industry. This meant that instead of earning cents per record, they pocketed significant revenue per unit sold. Universal earned only a 7% distribution fee, making Cash Money one of the most profitable independent labels of its era.

The label would go on to launch the careers of some of the most influential artists of the 21st century, including Lil Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj. As Cash Money’s star rose, so did Birdman net worth.

Rap Career

While Birdman’s business acumen overshadowed his musical output, he still made a name for himself on the mic. Teaming up with producer Mannie Fresh as Big Tymers, the duo released hits like Still Fly and albums such as How Ya Luv That? and Hood Rich. His solo albums—Birdman (2002), Fast Money (2005), and Priceless (2009)—enjoyed moderate chart success.

However, it was his collaboration with Lil Wayne on the 2006 album Like Father, Like Son that delivered his most commercially successful project, with singles like Stuntin’ Like My Daddy becoming anthems of the era.

Assets

Birdman’s wealth was mirrored in his extravagant lifestyle. At his peak, he famously claimed to buy 100 new cars every six months, often giving away the old ones to friends and family. His collection reportedly included multiple Maybachs, Ferraris, and Bentleys. He also sported millions of dollars in jewelry, including a $500,000 diamond grill and 15-carat black diamond rings.

However, Birdman’s material wealth was not immune to setbacks. During Hurricane Katrina, he lost 20 houses and 50 cars. Real estate troubles continued—his $14.5 million Miami mansion, once owned by producer Scott Storch, was foreclosed, and in 2019 he sold it for just $10.9 million. In 2021, a Los Angeles homeowner sued him over $114,000 in unpaid rent for a Bel-Air mansion.

Other Ventures

In 2010, Birdman and his brother ventured into oil exploration, launching Bronald Oil, named after the combination of their first names. The legitimacy and success of the venture, however, remain unclear.

Birdman has also been embroiled in multiple legal disputes. In 2015, Lil Wayne filed a $51 million lawsuit, accusing him of mismanaging Young Money and withholding Tha Carter V. That same year, Birdman sued Jay-Z’s Tidal for $50 million over the streaming rights to Wayne’s album.

Personal Life

Birdman has faced numerous personal tragedies, including the deaths of his mother, father, sister, and stepbrother. He is the father of two children, Bryan Jr. and Bria.

In 2016, Birdman began a high-profile relationship with singer Toni Braxton. The couple got engaged in 2018 and, in a surprising twist, secretly married in August 2024—only for Braxton to file for separation two days later. By January 2025, she had reportedly withdrawn the divorce petition.