Who Is Terrance “Gangsta” Williams? Birdman’s Brother and the Man Who Admitted to Being Part of Over 40 Homicides in New Orleans

When it comes to the gritty, street-rooted history of New Orleans, few names evoke more controversy and fascination than Terrance “Gangsta” Williams. Known as the half-brother of Birdman (Bryan Williams) and Slim (Ronald Williams)—the founders of Cash Money Records—Gangsta’s story is one that bridges the gap between the violent underworld of the streets and the glamorous empire of one of Hip-Hop’s biggest labels.

In the 1990s, long before Cash Money Records became a multi-million-dollar powerhouse, Terrance “Gangsta” Williams was already a well-known figure in the city’s underworld. He was a founding member of the Hot Boys—not the rap group that would later include Lil Wayne, Juvenile, B.G., and Turk—but the real-life street crew that inspired the group’s name. Gangsta and his associates were feared across New Orleans for their ruthlessness, reputation, and willingness to go to war.

According to law enforcement and later his own admission, Williams was allegedly involved in numerous violent crimes, including murders connected to the city’s relentless street wars. At one point, federal prosecutors described him as one of the most dangerous men operating in New Orleans. His name carried weight—not just because of his family ties to Birdman, but because of his own legacy in the streets.

Eventually, Terrance “Gangsta” Williams was arrested and sentenced to life in federal prison on drug trafficking and conspiracy charges. But his story took another shocking turn years later. While behind bars, Williams reportedly provided information about unsolved murders—crimes that he claimed were committed by individuals who were already deceased. His cooperation led to a reduction in his sentence and his eventual release, which stunned both law enforcement and the streets alike.

After serving over two decades in prison, Gangsta’s release sparked intense debate and backlash within the Hip-Hop and street communities. Some viewed his cooperation as a violation of street codes—labeling him a “rat”—while others saw it as a man choosing redemption after years of violence and incarceration.

Since his release, Terrance “Gangsta” Williams has turned his focus toward change. He’s become active on social media and in interviews, speaking out about the dangers of the street life that once defined him. His new mission is to deter the next generation from making the same choices that landed him behind bars.

Still, his story remains one of the most complex in Hip-Hop history—a tale of power, loyalty, betrayal, and transformation. From being tied to over 40 murders to walking free after life in prison, Terrance “Gangsta” Williams stands as one of the most infamous yet intriguing figures to ever emerge from New Orleans’ deadly streets. Whether seen as a cautionary tale or a man seeking redemption, his name will forever be etched into the city’s dark and storied legacy.