Gilbert Anthony Milam Jr., better known by his stage name Berner (born October 27, 1983), is an American rapper and entrepreneur signed to
Wiz Khalifa
Cameron Jibril Thomaz (born September 8, 1987), better known by his stage name Wiz Khalifa, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. He released his debut album, ''Show and Prove'', in 2006 and signed to Warner Bros. Records in 200 ...
's
Taylor Gang Entertainment
Taylor Gang Entertainment is an American entertainment company. Co-founded by rapper Wiz Khalifa in 2008, it operates as an independent record label, music management, music production and film company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The recor ...
. He has released over 40 albums, several of which have charted on ''
Billboard
A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...
''s "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" chart. As an entrepreneur, he's credited with the creation of multiple companies including ''Cookies'', and is heavily active in California-based
cannabis
''Cannabis'' () is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae. The number of species within the genus is disputed. Three species may be recognized: ''Cannabis sativa'', '' C. indica'', and '' C. ruderalis''. Alternatively ...
trade market.
Early life
A
Sunset District
The Sunset District is a neighborhood located in the southwest quadrant of San Francisco, California, United States.
Location
The Sunset District is the largest neighborhood within the city and county of San Francisco. Golden Gate Park forms the ...
native, Berner attended
before dropping out. His mother was an office worker and his father was a chef at a Mexican restaurant on
Fillmore Street
Fillmore Street is a street in San Francisco, California which starts in the Lower Haight neighborhood and travels northward through the Fillmore District and Pacific Heights and ends in the Marina District. It serves as the main thoroughfare an ...
.
When Berner was 13, the family moved to Arizona, where his father planned to open a restaurant. During high school, Berner began
battle rap
Battle rap (also known as rap battling)Edwards, Paul, 2009, p. 25. is a type of rapping performed between two or more performers that incorporates boasts, insults and wordplay. Battle rap is often performed or freestyled spontaneously in live ...
ping and in 2006 he released his first mixtape, ''Dirty Sneakers...Plenty Ways to Get It''.
Musical career
After forming his own label, Bern One Entertainment in 2007, Berner released his debut album, ''Track Money & Pack Money'', with Equipto. His first solo album, ''Weekend at Bernie's'' arrived in 2009, along with four other albums.
In March 2012, Berner signed to
Wiz Khalifa
Cameron Jibril Thomaz (born September 8, 1987), better known by his stage name Wiz Khalifa, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. He released his debut album, ''Show and Prove'', in 2006 and signed to Warner Bros. Records in 200 ...
's
Taylor Gang Records
Taylor Gang Entertainment is an American entertainment company. Co-founded by rapper Wiz Khalifa in 2008, it operates as an independent record label, music management, music production and film company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The recor ...
. ''Urban Farmer'', Berner's first collection to be released on Taylor Gang Records, was released on October 2, 2012. In 2013, Berner embarked performed on the "Under the Influence of Music Tour" alongside Khalifa,
A$AP Rocky
Rakim Athelaston Mayers (born October 3, 1988), known professionally as ASAP Rocky ( ; stylized as A$AP Rocky), is an American rapper, music producer and record executive. Born and raised in Harlem, he embarked on his musical career as a membe ...
,
Trinidad Jame$
Nicholaus Joseph Williams (born September 24, 1987), better known by his stage name Trinidad James (often stylized as Trinidad Jame$), is a Trinidadian-American rapper. In 2012, he signed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings. The label d ...
and
Joey Bada$$
Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott (born January 20, 1995), known professionally as Joey Badass (stylized as Joey Bada$$), is an American rapper, singer, and actor. A native of Brooklyn, New York City, he is a founding member of the hip-hop collective Pro ...
. In 2015, Berner released ''Contraband'', a collaborative album with
Cam'ron
Cameron Ezike Giles (born February 4, 1976), better known by his stage name Cam'ron, is an American rapper, record executive, and actor from Harlem, New York City. Beginning his career in the mid-1990s as Killa Cam, Giles signed to Lance "Un" ...
, as well as ''Drought Season 3'' with deceased rapper
The Jacka
Dominick Newton (August 12, 1977 – February 2, 2015), better known by his stage name The Jacka, was an American rapper from Pittsburg, California.
The Jacka began his career as part of the rap group Mob Figaz.
He was killed in a shooting in ...
. In 2016, Berner released the solo album ''Hempire'', also producing a 4/20 show at the
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (formerly San Francisco Civic Auditorium) is a multi-purpose arena in San Francisco, California, named after promoter Bill Graham. The arena holds 8,500 people.
About the venue
The auditorium was designed by re ...
with a lineup that included Cypress Hill, Juicy J, Dizzy Wright, J Boog, Kool John, and Berner.
''Urban Farmer'', another of Berner's albums, features
Iamsu!
Sudan Ameer Williams (born November 16, 1989), better known by his stage name Iamsu! (stylized as IamSu! or IAMSU!), is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is also a part of the production team The Invasion and lead ...
from
The HBK Gang
The HBK Gang (abbreviation for the Heartbreak Gang) is an American hip hop collective based in Richmond, California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded by Iamsu!, Chief, Skipper and P-Lo in 2008, members also include singer Kehlani and rapper ...
on two tracks; and the Jacka,
Rydah J. Klyde
Rydah J. Klyde is a Bay Area rapper from Pittsburg, California best known for his affiliation with the rap group Mob Figaz. Around 2002, Rydah signed a solo deal with Mac Dre's Thizz Entertainment label. In 2003, he released his album ''Tha Fly ...
and
San Quinn
Quincy Brooks IV (born October 24, 1977), better known by his stage name San Quinn, is an American rapper from San Francisco, California. He is the cousin of Messy Marv, Stevie Johnson, and Ya Boy.
Early life
Brooks was born in Oakland, Calif ...
on ''21 Gunz''.
Berner's single, ''20 Lights'' reached #95 in ''
Billboard
A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...
''s 200 chart. It was released on January 6, 2015. "Best Thang Smokin" is the lead single in Berner's album ''Hempire'', released April 1, 2016.
On May 4, 2019, he released a new album with one song featuring T3R Elemento star Kris Nava called El Chivo.
Business career
Berner ran a
cannabis club from age 18 to 25; after meeting Wiz Khalifa, the latter heard Berner's release with Equipto, and signed him under the
Taylor Gang.
Berner opened a clothing and lifestyle store in San Francisco called "Cookies", selling items such as lunch bags,
duffle bags and "smell proof" backpacks.
He is associated with the "Cookie Family" of
marijuana
Cannabis, also known as marijuana among other names, is a psychoactive drug from the cannabis plant. Native to Central or South Asia, the cannabis plant has been used as a drug for both recreational and entheogenic purposes and in various tra ...
geneticists, who produce strains common in California, such as "Girl Scout Cookies" and "Sunset Sherbet".
In August 2022 Berner was the first cannabis executive to be featured on the cover of
Forbes Magazine
''Forbes'' () is an American business magazine owned by Integrated Whale Media Investments and the Forbes family. Published eight times a year, it features articles on finance, industry, investing, and marketing topics. ''Forbes'' also repo ...
since it launched in 1917.
Discography
Solo albums
*''Dirty Sneakers... Plenty Ways to Get It'' (2007)
*''Weekend at Bernie's'' (2009)
*''The White Album'' (2011)
*''Urban Farmer'' (2012)
*''Drugstore Cowboy'' (2013)
*''
20 Lights
''20 Lights'' is the first solo extended play by American rapper Berner. It was released on January 6, 2015 via Bern One Entertainment. Production was handled by Cheeze, Cozmo, Ricky P, Sean T, Sledgren, The Elevaterz and Max Perry. It features g ...
''
EP (2015) – US
''Billboard'' 200 No. 95
*''
Hempire
''Hempire'' is the fourth solo full-length studio album by American rapper Berner (rapper), Berner. It was released on April 15, 2016 via Bern One Entertainment. Hip hop production, Production was handled by several record producers, including Dru ...
'' (2016) – US ''Billboard'' 200 No. 54
*''Packs'' (2016)
*''Berner (DJ Michael Watts Swisha House Remix)'' (2016)
*''Sleepwalking'' (2017)
*''The Big Pescado'' (2018)
*''RICO'' (2018)
*''11/11'' (2018)
*''Drugstore Cowboy (DJ Michael Watts Swisha House Remix)'' (2019)
*''El Chivo'' (2019)
*''La Plaza'' (2019)
*''Russ Bufalino: The Quiet Don'' (2020)
*''Paulie Cicero'' (2021)
*''Gotti'' (2021)
*''From Seed to Sale'' (2022) – US ''Billboard'' 200 No. 20
Collaboration albums
*''2007: Track Money & Pack Money (with Equipto)
''
*''2008:
Drought Season (with
The Jacka
Dominick Newton (August 12, 1977 – February 2, 2015), better known by his stage name The Jacka, was an American rapper from Pittsburg, California.
The Jacka began his career as part of the rap group Mob Figaz.
He was killed in a shooting in ...
)''
*''2009: Demolition Men Presents: Duffle Bag Money (with Equipto)''
*''2009:
Drought Season 2
''Drought Season 2'' is a collaboration album between American rappers Berner (rapper), Berner & The Jacka, the second album of their ''Drought Season'' series. It did not match the success of the first volume, but it still peaked at #66 on the R& ...
(with The Jacka)''
*''2009:
Blow
Blow commonly refers to:
*Cocaine
*Exhalation
* Strike (attack)
Blow, Blew, Blowing, or Blown may also refer to:
People
* Blew (surname)
* Blow (surname)
Arts and entertainment Music
*The Blow, an American electro-pop band
Albums
* ''Blow ...
(with
Messy Marv
Marvin Watson Jr. (born March 19, 1976), better known by his stage name Messy Marv, is an American rapper who began his career in the Fillmore District of San Francisco, California. Messy was also known as a collaborator in the rap group Kaalman ...
)''
*''2009: Traffic (with
Ampichino
Anthony Hunt (born 1976), better known by his stage name Ampichino or Amp, is an American rapper and producer from Akron, Ohio. His 2002 single "Do the Damn Thang" featuring Yukmouth peaked at #15 on the Hot Rap Songs and Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Ho ...
)''
*''2010: Traffic 2: Trains Planes & Automobiles (with Ampichino)''
*''2010: Blow (Blocks & Boat Docks) (with Messy Marv)''
*''2012:
Border Wars (with The Jacka)''
*''2013: Cookies & Cream (with
San Quinn
Quincy Brooks IV (born October 24, 1977), better known by his stage name San Quinn, is an American rapper from San Francisco, California. He is the cousin of Messy Marv, Stevie Johnson, and Ya Boy.
Early life
Brooks was born in Oakland, Calif ...
)''
*''2014: Prohibition (with
B-Real
Louis Mario Freese (born June 2, 1970), known by his stage name B-Real, is an American rapper. Since 1991, he has been one of two lead rappers in the hip hop group Cypress Hill, along with Sen Dog. He has also been a part of the rap metal band ...
)''
*''2015: Drought Season 3 (with The Jacka)''
*''2015: Harvest Season (with Liqz)''
*''2015: Prohibition Part 2 (with B-Real)''
*''2015: Contraband EP (with
Cam'ron
Cameron Ezike Giles (born February 4, 1976), better known by his stage name Cam'ron, is an American rapper, record executive, and actor from Harlem, New York City. Beginning his career in the mid-1990s as Killa Cam, Giles signed to Lance "Un" ...
)''
*''2016: Prohibition Part 3 (with B-Real)''
*''2016: Public Enemies (with Lil Evil & Aftah Sum)''
*''2016: Guilty By Association 2: Criminal Enterprise (with Rich Rocka aka Ya Boy & San Quinn)''
*''2017: Vibes (with
Styles P
David R. Styles (born November 28, 1974), better known by his stage name Styles P (also known mononymously as Styles), is an American rapper, best known as a member of hip hop group the Lox, alongside childhood friends Sheek Louch and Jadakiss. ...
)''
*''2017: Tracking Numbers EP (with
Young Dolph
Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. (July 27, 1985 – November 17, 2021), better known by his stage name Young Dolph, was an American rapper. In 2016, he released his debut studio album, '' King of Memphis'', which peaked at number 49 on the ''Billboar ...
)''
*''2018: Terra Firma EP (with Omni Alien)''
*''2019: Slimey Individualz (with
Mozzy
Timothy Cornell Patterson (born June 24, 1987), known professionally as Mozzy, is an American rapper from Oak Park, Sacramento, California. He is signed with CMG, Interscope Records, Blackmarket Records.
He started rapping in 2004 under the na ...
)''
*''2019: Pheno Grigio (with
Curren$y
Shante Scott Franklin (born April 4, 1981), better known by his stage name Currensy (often stylized as Curren$y), is an American rapper. In 2011, he founded the label Jet Life Recordings.
Music career
2002–2008: No Limit and Young Money ...
)''
*''2020: Los Meros (with B-Real)''
*''2020: The Warning (with R-MEAN)''
*''2020: Cooks & Orange Juice EP (with
Larry June
Larry Eugene Hendricks III (born April 8, 1991) is an American rapper from San Francisco, California. He is known for his EPs ''Larry'' and ''Orange Season'' and has toured with musicians such as Cousin Stizz, Berner, Curren$y, and Post Malone. ...
)''
*''2020: Respect The Connect (with Cozmo)''
*''2021: They Land Better In Manchester EP (with Tunde)
''
Compilations
*''2010: The Best Of Goldtoes & Berner''
*''2014: Dirty Money Compilation (Volume 1)''
*''2017: Dirty Money Compilation (Volume 2)''
*''2017: Dirty Money Compilation (Volume 2) (Chopped Not Slopped)''
Singles
*''2008: Purp (Remix) With The Jacka''
*''2009: Got Work – Feat Bun B''
*''2010: This Love Feat Supa Sag''
*''2011: Flyn Feat Homewrecka & Smiggz''
*''2011: Dirty''
*''2011: Yoko Feat Wiz Khalifa & Big Krit''
*''2011: Day Dreamin
*''2011: Yoko (Remix) Feat Wiz Khalifa & Big Krit & Chris Brown''
*''2012: Exhale Feat Cozmo''
*''2012: No Handcuffs Feat Chevy Woods''
*''2013: Vega (Freestyle)''
*''2013: Wide Open Feat Project Pat''
*''2013: Goodstock – Berner, Chevy Woods & Tuki Carter''
*''2013: If I Don't Gotta Feat Freeze & Smiggz''
*''2013: Paradise Feat Wiz Khalifa''
*''2013: Me & You Feat Suga Free''
*''2013: All In With San Quinn Feat Baldhead Rick''
*''2013: Fly Away With San Quinn Feat Equipto''
*''2013: Get High''
*''2013: Working Girl''
*''2013: That's How The $ Money Came''
*''2013: Get High (Remix) Feat Designer D, Strae Bullet, Nit Da Pit''
*''2013: Don't Stop Feat Gage Gully''
*''2013: Home Of The Cookies Feat Anonymous That Dude''
*''2014: Dirty Money''
*''2014: Chapo Feat Wiz Khalifa''
*''2014: Dizzy''
*''2014: 20 Joints''
*''2014: Trippin' (Freestyle)''
*''2014: So Much Joy Feat Anonymous That Dude''
*''2014: Thru''
*''2014: Mess''
*''2014: Check Talk Feat Slicc Pulla''
*''2014: All In A Day Feat YG, Young Thug, Vital''
*''2014: Everything Everything – Berner, Wiz Khalifa, Iamsu!, JR Donato & Kool John''
*''2014: Sell It All (Freestyle)''
*''2015: Still I Ride''
*''2015: Money First With Dinero G Feat Lucky Luciano''
*''2015: Street Money (Freestyle)''
*''2015: Mind Blown Feat Anonymous That Dude''
*''2015: Murda Murda With Paul Wall & Demrick''
*''2015: Foreign Feat Keak Da Sneak, Sage The Gemini, Snow Tha Product''
*''2015: Lifetime''
*''2015: 100 P's (Part 2)''
*''2015: Dopeboy Dance Feat Nef The Pharaoh & Dyce''
*''2015: Why Wait? With Camron Feat Wiz Khalifa & 2 Chainz''
*''2016: Changes Feat Mistah FAB''
*''2016: On My Own (Freestyle)''
*''2016: Gun Play (Remix) Feat Wiz Khalifa & Hollywood''
*
*''2017: Deep Thoughts Feat AG Cubano & Don Chino''
*''2017: Hello Feat Jimmy Da Butcher''
*''2018: Light Show Feat
Kevin Gates
Kevin Jerome Gilyard (born February 5, 1986), better known by his stage name Kevin Gates, is an American rapper, singer, and entrepreneur. He is currently signed to Bread Winners' Association with a partnership with Atlantic Records. His debut ...
''
*''2019: Cookies In A Bag (Remix) Feat San Quinn, Swinla, Young Boo''
*''2019: Ima Hustla With Prodkt & Louie Loc''
*''2020: No Mids Feat G-Mainey''
References
External links
*
*
Taylor Gang profile
{{DEFAULTSORT:Berner
Living people
American male rappers
Rappers from San Francisco
American rappers of Mexican descent
Hispanic and Latino American rappers
West Coast hip hop musicians
21st-century American rappers
1983 births
21st-century American male musicians
Rappers from California