Bryan Christopher Williams, better known as Birdman, has announced that he’s going to change his legal name. In an Instagram story posted on December 16, he admitted that he’s already begun the process of leaving behind the name Bryan Williams and again taking the name that he got from his mother: Bryan Brooks. 

The video where he broke the news featured Birdman talking to the camera, beginning with stating, “2023, I’m changing my name,” The ‘Big Stunna’ artist added, “I was born Bryan Brooks. My momma died, and my daddy got me out of the boys home, and I became a Williams. I love my daddy with every piece of my soul, but in 2023, I want to die Bryan Brooks.” He’s already been known by quite a few stage monikers: Baby, Birdman, Bubba, The #1 Stunna, and Beatrice. 

He quickly clarified that the change wasn’t a result of declining health or any impending end to his life. “Not saying I’m about to die. I’m just saying I’m going to change my name to Bryan Brooks in 2023. February 2023, I won’t be Williams no more. I’ll be Bryan Brooks.” Birdman concluded. 

Surprisingly, Birdman isn’t the only one who has announced plans to change their name at the turn of the new year. In a recent appearance on The Talk, singer Ray J also alleged that he would dub himself Tron in 2023.

He said, “My real name is Willie. Willie Ray Norwood Jr. I’m a junior, so Ray Jr., but my dad has owned Willie. That’s his name. That’s my dad’s name. He’s Willie. So, I’m Ray J, but I’m changing that too.” He explained that he was ready for a change that felt more like himself and that he would be doing so as soon as next year. “I’m going with a new name at the top of the year. Ray J, he’s lived, you know what I mean. It’s time to evolve…My new name will be Tron.”