Willie D (born William James Dennis November 1, 1966 in 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.

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.