Willie D facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Willie D
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Willie D in 2017
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | William James Dennis |
| Born | November 1, 1966 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Genres | Southern hip hop |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 1983–present |
| Labels | Rap-A-Lot |
William James Dennis (born November 1, 1966), known as Willie D, is an American rapper from Houston, Texas. He became famous as a member of the hip hop group Geto Boys. He formed this group in 1986 with other Houston rappers, Scarface and Bushwick Bill.
Willie D signed with Rap-A-Lot Records to release his solo albums. These included Controversy (1989) and I'm Goin' Out Lika Soldier (1992). The second album even made it onto the Billboard 200 chart. He also shares his thoughts on important topics through his online videos. His YouTube channel, started in 2011, has grown to have over one million followers.
Early Life and Boxing
Willie D started boxing when he was 11 years old. In 1985, he won the Golden Gloves Championship for the State of Texas. Instead of becoming a professional boxer, he decided to become a rap music MC. He attended Forest Brook High School but left before graduating.
Music Career
Willie D's talent caught the attention of J Prince, who founded Rap-A-Lot Records. Prince wanted to make the Geto Boys group even better. He believed Willie D was key to their success. Once Willie D joined, Scarface was added, completing the group.
This group, with Willie D, Scarface, and Bushwick Bill, became known as the classic Geto Boys lineup. They first gained fame in 1989 with their gold record, Grip It! On That Other Level. This album featured songs like "Gangster of Love" and "Do It Like a G.O.", which Willie D wrote.
Willie D continued to make successful solo and group albums. The Geto Boys' album "We Can't Be Stopped" sold over a million copies. It included the hit song "Mind Playing Tricks on Me," which Willie D helped write.
In 2009, Willie D was featured on a song called "Down South Hustlaz." He worked with other artists like Young Buck, Trae, Bun B, and Rick Ross. In April 2012, he released "Hoodiez" with Scarface, D-Boi, and Propain. This song quickly became popular online. It was a tribute to Trayvon Martin, a teenager who was shot.
Family Background
Willie D's mother, Marvelous Dennis, was born in Houston, Texas. She worked as a cafeteria cook for the Houston Independent School District for many years. She named him after his grandfather, Willie Dennis. His father, Alfred Deboest, was from Lake Charles, Louisiana. He worked as a carpenter and in construction.
Willie D was raised by his mother in Houston after his parents separated when he was four. He took care of his father when he became ill. In 1991, with his first big earnings from music, Willie D bought a house for his mother.
On September 3, 1994, he married Bridget Bonier, who is an engineer. They had two children: a daughter named Caen, born in 1995, and a son named Blake, born in 1999. Willie D has four siblings: Karen Williams, Warren Vann, Ernestine Dennis, and Isaac Dennis.
Return to Boxing
Even though Willie D chose music over professional boxing, he returned to the sport in the 1990s. He won his first professional fight in 1992. He had two more fights between 1999 and 2000, winning both. He also had a draw in August 2000. His last professional fight was in October 2000.
Discography
- Studio albums
- Controversy (1989)
- I'm Goin' Out Lika Soldier (1992)
- Play Witcha Mama (1994)
- Loved by Few, Hated by Many (2000)
- Unbreakable (2003)
See also
- ... Life – a 2001 American crime drama film where Willie D appeared
