Birdman (rapper)
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Bryan Williams (born February 15, 1969),[2] better known by his stage name Birdman or Baby, is an American rapper and record executive from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is the co-founder of Cash Money Records and one half of the duo Big Tymers. Along with his releases with Big Tymers and for his solo career, Birdman recorded a collaboration album and numerous tracks with Lil Wayne.
Biography
Early Life and career
Birdman was born and raised in Uptown New Orleans.[3] With his brother Ronald "Slim" Williams, Birdman founded Cash Money Records in 1991.[2] He used his first moniker B-32 (Baby with the 32 Golds) and released his only independent album I Need a Bag of Dope in 1993.[4]
Big Tymers
In 1997, he joined rapper Mannie Fresh to form the duo Big Tymers.[2] Big Tymers debuted in 1998 with the album How Ya Luv That? and went on to release I Got That Work in 2000 and Hood Rich in 2002. I Got That Work had the hit singles "Get Your Roll On" and "#1 Stunna"; Hood Rich had "Still Fly", which was nominated for a Grammy, and "Oh Yeah!". Big Money Heavyweight followed in 2003; the group disbanded in 2004.[5]
2002-2004: Birdman and Fast Money
In 2002 Birdman released his self-titled debut studio album, Birdman,[2] with the singles "Do That" and "What Happened to That Boy" (with The Clipse). Since that album, Birdman made guest performances on the singles "Let's Get Down" by Bow Wow, "Hell Yeah" by Ginuwine, and "Bounce Back" by Juvenile.
Birdman released his third studio album Fast Money in 2005;[2] Fast Money spawned the singles "Get Your Shine On" and "Neck of the Woods", both of which featured Lil Wayne. For Lil Wayne, Birdman produced and performed on tracks on Tha Carter and Tha Carter II.
2005-2007: Like Father Like Son and 5 * Stunna
Lil Wayne and Birdman released an album titled Like Father, Like Son. It was certified Gold and spawned three singles, including "Stuntin' Like My Daddy" and "Leather So Soft". He was also featured on the remixes of the bestselling rap singles "We Fly High" by Jim Jones and "Make It Rain" by Fat Joe. In 2007 Birdman released his fourth studio album, 5 * Stunna. The first single, "Pop Bottles," featuring Lil Wayne and Jadakiss, was a hit, as well as the second single "100 Million," which featured Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Dre & DJ Khaled. The third single featuring Lil Wayne, titled "I Run This," was a hit as well.
2009: Priceless
Birdman's first single from his album Pricele$$ was "Always Strapped", featuring Lil Wayne, and the second "Written on Her", featuring British singer Jay Sean. "Southside" featuring Lil Wayne is the third single.[6] "Money to Blow" featuring Drake and Lil Wayne is the fourth single. "4 My Town (Play Ball)" featuring Drake and Lil Wayne is the fifth single. "Written on Her" also became Birdman's first UK release in December 2009.[7]
2010: Bigger Than Life and The H
In 2010 he was going to release an album titled "Priceless 2" a sequal to his previous album, but changed it to "Bigger Than Life."[8] The first single was titled "Loyalty" and featured Lil Wayne and Tyga.[8] Other collaborations will come from Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Bun B and Drake.[8]
Birdman will release an album with long time friend Rick Ross titled The H.[9]
Legal troubles
Birdman was arrested and charged with possession of more than two ounces of marijuana in November 2007.[10][11] He was released on $1,500 bond.[12]
On October 2009, Birdman, Lil Wayne, Cash Money Records and various music distribution outlets were sued for copyright infringement by Thomas Marasciullo, who claims his voice was used without permission. The rappers asked him to record some "Italian-styled spoken word recordings" in 2006. The lyrics were allegedly used on "Respect" and other tracks from the rappers' collaboration album Like Father, Like Son and Birdman's 5 * Stunna.[13]
Discography
- Birdman (2002)
- Fast Money (2005)
- 5 * Stunna (2007)
- Pricele$$ (2009)
- Bigger Than Life (2010)[14]
Collaboration albums
- 2006: Like Father, Like Son (with Lil Wayne)
- 2010: The H (with Rick Ross)
Filmography
- 2000: Baller Blockin
References
- ^ According to The Celebrity 100, based on information from Forbes - February 2008.
- ^ a b c d e Jeffries, David (2006). "Birdman > Biography". allmusic. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
- ^ Chennault, Sam. "Baby the Birdman". Rhapsody. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
- ^ Mind Of Mannie. XXL: May 24, 2006
- ^ Birchmeier, Jason (2006). "Big Tymers > Biography". allmusic. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
- ^ Birdman - Written On Her (Feat Jay Sean) Updated With CDQ
- ^ Birdman interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' December 2009
- ^ a b c "Birdman, Lil Wayne And Tyga Rep Their Hometowns In 'Loyalty' Video", MTV.com, June 16, 2010.
- ^ Reid, Shaheem (2008-05-23). "T.I. Tests Himself As A Producer". Mixtape Monday. MTV News.
- ^ Breeding, Kacie Dingus (2007-11-27). "Kingsport traffic stop cages rapper Birdman and his entourage on drug charges; ATF helps with firearms probe". The Times-Picayune.
- ^ Kaufman, Gil (2007-11-28). "Baby, A.K.A. Birdman, Arrested For Marijuana Possession". MTV News. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
- ^ Reid, Shaheem (2007-11-28). "Baby -- A.K.A. Birdman -- Tells His Side Of Marijuana Bust". MTV News. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
- ^ "Rapper Wayne sued over copyright". BBC. October 31, 2009. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
- ^ DerickG (2010-06-02). "YMCMB UPDATE FROM BIRDMAN AND MACK MAINE". Vimeo. Retrieved 2010-06-04.
External links
