Willie D
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| Willie D | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | William James Dennis |
| Born | November 1, 1966 |
| Origin | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Genre(s) | Hip hop |
| Associated acts | Geto Boys |
| Website | official myspace |
Willie D (born William James Dennis on November 1, 1966, Houston, Texas, U.S.) is an American rapper who gained fame as the lead member of the pioneering rap group from Houston, the Geto Boys. Although much of his music is edgy, Willie D defies gangsta rap stereotypes and many of his lyrics contain a positive social message. He is also actively involved in community efforts and speaks at universities, high schools, and community & social Events.
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[edit] Biography
Shortly before joining the Geto Boys with Scarface and Bushwick Bill in 1989, via Rap-A-Lot Records Willie D released his first album, Controversy an album that for the most part addressed the social and political woes in America. It is a hip-hop collector's item as it is out of press. That same year the Geto Boys released the underground sleeper hit Grip It! On That Other Level. The album sold over 500,000 copies despite the absence of radio play and the Geto Boys were awarded their first gold plaque (500,000 or more sells). After the Geto Boys' breakthrough with We Can't Be Stopped in 1991 which immediately went platinum (1,000,000 or more sells) anchored by the chart topping single Mind Playing Tricks on Me co-written by Willie D, in 1992 he left the Geto Boys to pursue a solo career and released his second album I'm Goin' Out Lika Soldier which like Controversy also targeted social and political issues. Fueled by the female likable Clean Up Man Soldier became a Billboard Top 10 Album. However, due to a contractual dispute after the release of Soldier, Willie left Rap-A-Lot Records all together and started his own now defunct label imprint Wize Up Records.
In 1996 after a four year defection, to the delight of their loyal legion of fans, Willie D rejoined the Geto Boys to orchestrate what many Hip Hop enthusiast believe to be their best overall musical effort and one of the greatest reunion albums in music history. The Resurrection debuted at #1 on Billboard Top 100's chart and earned the Geto Boys their third consecutive gold plaque. In addition, 1996 introduced the public to a more mature, refined Willie D. He became the National Spokesperson for No More Victims, an organization that helps people in crisis situations. Perhaps sparked by his new role as a public servant, when offered the chance by then program director Robert Scorpio to have his own radio talk show, rather than using the opportunity to play his own music, Willie surprised even his most loyal supporters and utilized his newfound position as a platform to engage his fans and listeners in meaningful and provocative dialog. For nearly 3 years he served as the host of the number one rated weekly Willie D's Reality Check on KBXX 97.9 The Box radio station in Houston. The show's content primarily consisted of political and social commentary aimed at community awareness and involvement. The show's popularity has never waned as Willie continues to get requests from Reality Check fans hopeful of an encore.
In early 2005, the Geto Boys released another reunion album entitled The Foundation co-written and produced by Willie D.
In 2006, Willie D founded Relentless Music Ventures and signed the groups Nay Nay and Huntzville. He also became the Director of Sports & Entertainment for Dream Flights Luxury Travel an intermediate charter jet service that utilizes a network of over 5,000 private jets worldwide. His duty is to facilitate celebrity and high profile clientèle.
In the mid-2000s, Willie D lived with his family in Paris, before moving to Baku, Azerbaijan and becoming a real estate investor.
[edit] Boxing career
In 1999, Willie D (fighting under his real name, Willie Dennis) returned to his first love and took up a career as a boxer, ambitously turning pro at the late age of 33. Fighting within the Light Heavyweight Division, Willie D won his first two fights by first round knockout, boxed to a four round draw in his third fight, and then was knocked out in the first round by one Kevin Butts. He has since made no attempt to return to the ring.
[edit] Discography
- Controversy (1989)
- Clean Up Man (1992)
- I'm Goin' Out Lika Soldier (1992)
- Still Black (You Still A aggiN) (1992)
- Trouble Man (1993, Ichiban Records)
- Play Witcha Mama (1994)
- Creepin' (1995)
- Is It Real (My Mind Still Playin' Tricks On Me) (1995)
- Dem Boys (2000)
- Loved By Few, Hated By Many (2000)
- Relentless (2001)
- Unbreakable (2003)
