Rap mogul Bryan “Birdman” Williams, co-founder of Cash Money Records, is often referred to as the father of several of its biggest stars. Alongside his brother Ronald “Slim” Williams, Birdman founded Cash Money Records in 1991. Initially, they carved out a niche by signing talented artists from New Orleans before bringing global superstars like Drake, Tyga, and Nicki Minaj into their fold.

Birdman has a knack for discovering new talent. One of his greatest achievements was meeting 8-year-old Dwayne “Lil Wayne” Carter Jr., known as Baby D, in the label’s first year. This pivotal encounter led to Lil Wayne joining Cash Money in 1995, twelve years before he became one of the label’s biggest successes.

Another significant artist, Christopher “BG” Dorsey, known to fans as Lil Doogie, had been signed two years earlier, making Lil Wayne’s addition a continuation rather than a breakthrough for the label. In 1995, Baby D and Lil Doogie, as part of the group BG’z, recorded the album “True Story.”

Birdman has always made concerted efforts to nurture emerging talent. He considers himself a mentor and father figure to these young artists. In a revealing interview, Birdman mentioned how he took Lil Wayne under his wing after his mother initially resisted. “She didn’t want Wayne with me because she knew how I was living,” Birdman shared in a 2018 Apple Music interview.

Birdman also recounted how BG lived with him while recording his album. He explained, “BG has lived with me. His mother gave him to me.” At the time, BG and Lil Wayne were teenagers, and Birdman, though young himself, took on a parental role. “I was a kid. Young people raise youth,” Birdman reflected.

While Birdman’s story is compelling, there are some discrepancies regarding ages. When BG’s solo debut, “Chopper City,” launched in 1996, BG would have been 15, Lil Wayne 13, and Birdman 26. Despite these inconsistencies, Birdman’s influence and role in raising and shaping these young talents remain undeniable