Willie D (born Willie James Dennis November 1, 1966, Houston, Texas, USA) is an American rapper who gained fame as the lead member of the Geto Boys, a controversial group known for explicit violent and sexual lyrical content. Although his music is explicit, 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 is often reserved for speaking engagements.
Shortly before joining the Geto Boys in 1989, Willie D released his first album, Controversy, an album filled with misogynistic themes that targeted racism in America. Out of press, it remains one of the most sought after collector items on Ebay.
In 1999, Willie D (fighting under his real name, Willie Dennis) took up a career as a professional boxer. Fighting within the Light Heavyweight division, Willie D won his first two fights by knockout, followed by his third fight which ended in a draw. He lost in a first round technical knockout in his fourth and final professional fight in October of 2000, and has since made no effort to return to professional prize fighting. His record stands at 3-1 (2 KOs) [1]
In 2004 Willie D moved his family to Baku, Azerbaijan to pursue real-estate interests. [citation needed] In early 2005, the Geto Boys released another critically acclaimed 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).
From Wikipedia:Willie D (born November 1, 1966 as William James Dennis in Houston, Texas, U.S.) is an American rapper who gained fame as the lead member of the pioneering rap group from Houston, Geto Boys. Despite his reputation for being a hardcore artist who pens often provocative lyrics, Willie D is known for his diligent work in the community and many of his songs contain positive messages. He is often called on to speak at universities, high schools and youth facilities.
A gifted athlete, Willie took up boxing at the age of 11. Willie D was so good at boxing that in 1985, he became the Golden Gloves Champion for the State of Texas. With a Golden Glove championship under his 17-year-old belt it looked like Willie D was well on his way to becoming a professional boxer, but fortunately for hip hop fans fate intervened. Like any teenager growing up in the early 80?s Willie D was captivated by the music of his generation. A fan of hip hop, he listened intensely to the music and set his sites on becoming an emcee.
Soon Willie D was earning a reputation around town as a fierce MC. Eventually Willie?s reputation reached J Prince, founder of Rap-A-Lot Records. At the time Prince was looking to revamp the now legendary Geto Boys and knew that Willie D would be a key factor in the group?s success. Once Willie D was on board, Bushwick Bill and Scarface were added to complete the group.
Considered the classic line up, Willie D, Bushwick Bill, and Scarface first emerged as the Geto Boys in 1989 with their Gold record, "Grip It! On That Other Level." The record contained the songs "Gangsta of Love," "Do It Like a G.O.," "Size Ain?t Shit," and "Read these Nikes," all penned by Willie D. Willie went on to record a string of critical and commercially successful solo and group albums including the Geto Boys? "We Can't Be Stopped" (Platinum), which featured the single "Mind Playing Tricks on Me," co-written by Willie D.
In 2009, Willie D was featured on a song called "Down South Hustlaz", along with Young Buck, Trae, Bun B, and Rick Ross. He is currently in the studio with Z-RO recording a new CD presently untitled.