Birdman Asks NBA Youngboy to Save Hip Hop in New Video
by Abinaya
Updated Aug 19, 2023
Birdman Asks NBA Youngboy to Save Hip Hop in New Video
In a recent vlog shared by NBA YoungBoy on August 17th, the Baton Rouge rapper was captured spending time with his family and recording new music. The video also featured a cameo from Birdman, a past collaborator and the head of Cash Money Records, who expressed his concerns about the current state of hip hop and urged YoungBoy to play a pivotal role in revitalizing the genre.
Birdman's candid remarks were conveyed via FaceTime, where he emphasized the diluted quality of contemporary hip hop. He passionately appealed to YoungBoy, stating, "We need you, bruh... We gotta save hip hop, bruh. Real talk." NBA YoungBoy concurred, acknowledging the need to address the perceived watering down of the genre and reaffirming their shared responsibility to elevate its authenticity.
Despite the challenges faced by the hip hop industry, NBA YoungBoy has been a prolific contributor, releasing multiple albums and collaborations in 2023 alone. His work includes projects like "I Rest My Case," "Don’t Try This At Home," and "Richest Opp," showcasing his unwavering dedication to the craft. He's also made significant contributions to collaborative efforts like "Never Broke Again Presents: Green Flag Activity, Vol. 2," as well as being featured on various tracks from different artists.
In an interview with Billboard, Birdman expressed admiration for YoungBoy's work ethic, drawing parallels between him and Lil Wayne. He highlighted YoungBoy's rapid music creation process and recognized the value of his contributions. Birdman's insights shed light on his belief in YoungBoy's potential for stardom and his personal commitment to guide emerging artists toward channeling their talents for success rather than resorting to risky paths.
With Birdman's endorsement and his reputation as a guiding force in the hip hop industry, NBA YoungBoy's ongoing dedication to music and potential impact on reshaping the genre signals a promising direction for the future of hip hop.
Who is Birdman?
Bryan Christopher Williams, born as Brooks on February 15, 1969, and widely recognized by his stage name Birdman (also known as Baby), is a prominent American record executive and rapper. He is best known as the co-founder and public face of Cash Money Records, a record label he established in collaboration with his older brother Ronald "Slim" Williams in 1992.
Birdman's influence extends beyond his role as an executive, as he has released both solo music and collaborated with other artists, leaving an indelible mark on the hip-hop industry. Birdman's musical journey began with the release of his debut album in 2002, marking the inception of his solo career. He has since ventured into the creation of four solo studio albums, showcasing his versatility and artistic evolution.
A notable aspect of Birdman's musical portfolio is his affiliation with the hip-hop duo Big Tymers, where he partners with producer Mannie Fresh to create dynamic and catchy tracks. One of Birdman's most impactful contributions lies in his association with rapper Lil Wayne, whom he discovered and mentored from a young age of twelve.
This collaboration led to the development of Lil Wayne's career and their joint projects, solidifying Birdman's role as a guiding force. Notably, Birdman played a pivotal role in establishing Cash Money Records as a powerhouse in the industry, propelling the careers of not only Lil Wayne but also other prominent artists such as Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Tyga.
In addition to his role at Cash Money Records, Birdman's influence extended to the formation of the hip-hop supergroup Rich Gang in 2014. This venture showcased his ability to recognize emerging talent, spotlighting Southern artists like Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan. Birdman's ability to foster creativity and offer opportunities for new artists has contributed to shaping the modern hip-hop landscape.
As a visionary figure in the music industry, Birdman's contributions have been instrumental in shaping the trajectories of artists, genres, and labels. His multifaceted career as a rapper, executive, and mentor has left an enduring legacy that continues to resonate within the dynamic world of hip hop.
Birdman Early Life
Birdman's early life is marked by a series of challenges, losses, and transformative experiences that would shape his journey into the world of music and entrepreneurship. Born Bryan Christopher Brooks on February 15, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he would eventually become known by the moniker Birdman—a name that holds significant meaning in his personal history.
Brooks' early years were defined by unique circumstances, including the absence of his father's presence in his life. Notably, his father did not sign the birth certificate, resulting in Bryan initially adopting his mother's surname. As an infant, he was simply referred to as "Baby," a nickname that would continue to define him throughout his life.
Raised in challenging circumstances, Brooks and his family resided above a bar owned by his father during his early childhood. Tragedy struck when he was just two years old, as his mother, Gladys, was tragically shot and killed. This devastating loss marked a significant turning point in his life and set the stage for a series of transitions that would shape his upbringing.
Following his mother's death, Birdman and his siblings faced an uncertain future. They were taken in by their uncle and spent time living in both Prince George, British Columbia, Canada, and in foster care upon their return to New Orleans. A lengthy legal battle ensued, eventually leading to the children being granted full custody by their father, Johnnie Williams, and his wife Patricia.
This marked a pivotal moment, as Bryan's name changed to Bryan Williams, solidifying his connection to his father's lineage.The family settled in the Magnolia Projects in Central City, a neighborhood in Uptown New Orleans. Here, Birdman developed a close bond with his step-brother, Eldrick Wise. Unfortunately, the challenges of their environment led them down a troubled path, and the two began engaging in criminal activities, including robberies and the sale of heroin.
Their actions eventually caught up with them, resulting in arrests at the age of 16. Subsequent legal troubles led to further arrests and eventual incarceration at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center. It was during these moments of adversity that Birdman's resilience began to emerge. Despite the setbacks and legal challenges, he persevered.
After serving a portion of his sentence, he was acquitted of all charges, allowing him to reclaim his freedom. These early experiences would go on to shape Birdman's outlook on life, his dedication to success, and his determination to rise above his circumstances. His journey from a challenging childhood marked by loss and hardship to his eventual role as a prominent figure in the music industry speaks to his tenacity, resourcefulness, and ability to overcome obstacles.
Who is NBA YoungBoy?
Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, professionally known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, NBA YoungBoy, or simply YoungBoy, is an accomplished American rapper whose musical journey has been characterized by a combination of prolific output and a tumultuous personal history. Born on October 20, 1999, YoungBoy gained significant recognition in the hip-hop scene due to his unique style and emotive lyricism.
Emerging onto the rap scene in the mid-2010s, YoungBoy quickly made a name for himself by independently releasing a series of eight mixtapes between 2015 and 2017. Through these projects, he garnered a dedicated fanbase that resonated with his raw and authentic approach to storytelling. His grassroots efforts culminated in a record deal with Atlantic Records in August 2017, signifying a pivotal moment in his career trajectory.
In January 2018, YoungBoy catapulted to mainstream prominence with the release of the single "Outside Today," which earned significant chart success, peaking at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100. This track served as the lead single for his debut studio album "Until Death Call My Name," released later in 2018.
The album debuted at number 7 on the US Billboard 200, solidifying his status as a rising star. YoungBoy's subsequent releases continued to build on his success. Notably, his collaboration with Juice Wrld on the single "Bandit" achieved his first top-ten single on the charts. His prolific output culminated in the release of several studio albums, including "AI YoungBoy 2" (2019), "38 Baby 2" (2020), "Top" (2020), "Sincerely, Kentrell" (2021), "The Last Slimeto" (2022), "I Rest My Case" (2023), and "Don't Try This at Home" (2023).
Despite his undeniable musical talent and chart-topping projects, YoungBoy's journey has been intertwined with a series of legal challenges that have led to periods of incarceration. Despite these obstacles, his music remains a powerful outlet for his emotions and experiences, connecting with listeners through his candid storytelling and introspective lyrics.
YoungBoy's ability to produce compelling music amid personal struggles has resonated with fans, making him a pivotal figure in modern hip hop. His evolution as an artist, from independent mixtape releases to major-label success, reflects his determination and dedication to his craft. As his music continues to captivate audiences, YoungBoy's story serves as a testament to the resilience and creative spirit that can thrive even in the face of adversity.
NBA Youngboy Early Life
Kentrell DeSean Gaulden's early life provides insight into the challenges and circumstances that shaped his journey as a prominent rapper. Born on October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, his upbringing was marked by adversity and struggles that ultimately contributed to his unique perspective and musical expression.
At a young age, Gaulden faced a significant injury when he broke his neck while wrestling as a toddler. This incident resulted in a head brace being worn to aid in his recovery, leaving permanent scars on his forehead. Despite this early setback, Gaulden's resilience began to manifest even in his formative years. Raised primarily by his maternal grandmother, Alice Gaulden, Gaulden's family dynamic was influenced by his father's imprisonment, which resulted in a 55-year sentence.
The absence of his father in his life led to his grandmother becoming a central figure in his upbringing. However, the challenges did not end there. Gaulden's academic journey faced interruptions, and he dropped out of high school during the ninth grade. A pivotal turning point occurred when Gaulden found himself in juvenile detention due to a robbery charge.
During this period, he began writing lyrics that would lay the foundation for his debut music project. Gaulden's time in detention became a catalyst for his artistic development, allowing him to channel his experiences, emotions, and observations into his music. Tragedy struck when Gaulden's maternal grandmother passed away in 2010 due to heart failure.
This loss marked a significant transition in his life, as he was placed in a group home following her passing. Within this environment, Gaulden encountered challenges and hardships, facing physical altercations with other residents. These experiences exposed him to a different side of life—one that pushed him to develop a toughness and resilience that he hadn't previously embraced.
Gaulden's journey eventually led him to find support and companionship with OG3Three Never Broke Again, a fellow Baton Rouge rapper. Together, they navigated a path that often involved criminal activities as a means to finance their music endeavors, including securing studio time. These early struggles and experiences would later influence the authenticity and rawness that characterize Gaulden's music.
Kentrell DeSean Gaulden's early life narrative highlights the pivotal moments, challenges, and relationships that have shaped him into the artist known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again. Through adversity, loss, and personal growth, Gaulden's journey from his early years to his rise in the music industry underscores the power of artistry as a means of expression, transformation, and connection.
Birdman asks Nba Youngboy to Save Hip Hop in New Video - FAQ
The vlog captured NBA YoungBoy spending time with family, recording music, and included Birdman's perspective on revitalizing hip hop.
Birdman expressed concerns about the diluted quality of current hip hop and urged NBA YoungBoy to play a role in saving the genre.
NBA YoungBoy concurred, acknowledging the need to address the watering down of hip hop and the shared responsibility to elevate its authenticity.
In 2023, NBA YoungBoy released multiple albums and collaborations, displaying his commitment to music and his contribution to the industry.
Birdman admired YoungBoy's rapid music creation process and saw parallels between him and Lil Wayne, showcasing their potential for success.