Gilbert Anthony Milam Jr., known professionally as Berner, is an American rapper and entrepreneur from San Francisco, California, celebrated for his prolific music career and his pioneering role in the cannabis industry.
He gained recognition for albums like Hempire (2016) and Gotti (2021), with four releases charting on the Billboard 200.
As the co-founder and CEO of Cookies, a globally recognized cannabis and lifestyle brand, Berner has built a business empire, becoming the first cannabis executive featured on the cover of Forbes in 2022.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Gilbert Anthony Milam Jr.
- Stage Name: Berner
- Born: 27, October 1983
- Age: 42 years old
- Birthplace: San Francisco, California, U.S.
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Rapper, Entrepreneur, Producer
- Height: 1.70m
- Parents: Unknown
- Siblings: Unknown
- Spouse: None
- Girlfriends: Unknown
- Children: 1
- Relationship: Not married
- Net Worth: $150 million
Early Life and Education
Gilbert Anthony Milam Jr. was born on October 27, 1983, in San Francisco’s Sunset District to a Mexican-American father who owned a taco restaurant and an Italian-American mother who worked as a headhunter. When he was 13, his parents divorced, and he moved with his father to Arizona, where his father planned to open a restaurant.
Berner attended Galileo Academy of Science and Technology in San Francisco but dropped out during high school to pursue music and work in the cannabis trade. His early exposure to Bay Area rap legends like E-40 and Mac Dre shaped his musical ambitions, and he began battle rapping as a teenager. His ethnicity is Mexican-Italian.
Career
Berner began his music career in 2006, initially gaining recognition with his debut mixtape Dirty Sneakers… Plenty Ways to Get It (2007) and his first album Track Money & Pack Money (2007), a collaboration with Bay Area rapper Equipto under his own label, Bern One Entertainment. His authentic Bay Area rap style and relentless work ethic helped him build a solid fan base.
In 2012, Berner signed with Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang Records, releasing Urban Farmer, which captured the essence of Bay Area rap and expanded his reach. Over the years, he has released 22 solo albums, including notable projects like 20 Lights (2015), Hempire (2016), Gotti (2021), and From Seed to Sale (2022), with the latter reaching number 20 on the Billboard 200.
He has also produced 29 collaborative albums with artists such as The Jacka, Cam’ron, and B-Real, cementing his status in the hip-hop community.
Beyond music, Berner has established himself as a successful entrepreneur, particularly in the cannabis industry. In 2010, he co-founded Cookies with cultivator Jai Chang, creating the iconic Girl Scout Cookies cannabis strain. What started as a San Francisco-based brand has grown into a multinational enterprise with over 70 dispensaries across the U.S., Canada, Israel, and Thailand by 2024, alongside a clothing line under Cookies SF.
Berner also launched Hemp2o, a hemp-infused beverage, and Vibes Papers, expanding his footprint in lifestyle products. His business achievements earned him a Forbes cover in 2022, with Cookies valued at $150 million. Despite facing legal challenges in 2023 related to alleged kickbacks, these lawsuits were later dropped, allowing him to continue his entrepreneurial pursuits.
In addition to his music and business ventures, Berner is actively developing media projects that reflect his brand and lifestyle. He is working on a TV series titled Marijuana Mania and a film called Packs, directed by Daniel Ragussis, which aim to further showcase his influence in both the cannabis culture and entertainment industries. His dual success as an artist and entrepreneur highlights his versatility and commitment to building a lasting legacy in multiple fields.
Social Media
- Instagram Handle: @berner415
- Facebook Handle: Berner
- Twitter Handle: @berner415
Personal Life
Berner is private about his personal life but is a father to a daughter, who is involved in her own clothing line, Heartblaster Clothing. He has not publicly disclosed details about his romantic relationships or spouse.
In 2021, Berner was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, which went into remission after chemotherapy. He has spoken about the loss of his mother to cancer and his close friendship with rapper The Jacka, who died in 2015. Based in Los Angeles, Berner is known for his strong work ethic, hands-on approach to business, and advocacy for cannabis legalization, often reflecting his experiences in his music.
Filmography
- Gifted Hands (2009)
- Marijuana Mania (TBA)
- Packs (TBA)
Discography
- Track Money & Pack Money (2007)
- Drought Season (2008)
- Weekend at Bernie’s (2009)
- The White Album (2011)
- Urban Farmer (2012)
- 20 Lights (2015)
- Hempire (2016)
- The Big Pescado (2018)
- La Plaza (2019)
- Russ Bufalino: The Quiet Don (2020)
- Paulie Cicero (2021)
- Gotti (2021)
- From Seed to Sale (2022)
Net Worth
Berner has an estimated net worth of $150 million. His wealth stems from his music career, with 22 solo albums and numerous collaborations, as well as his business ventures, particularly Cookies, which generated hundreds of millions in revenue, and Cookies SF clothing, which earned $60 million in a single year.