Willie’s World
Rookie rapper makes his debut on the upstart Aphilliates Music Group

Review By Joe Walker

Hip-hop artists, analysts and admirers often refer to the music as “the game.” Many dream to play in the big leagues but few have the determination and talent to make it. Willie The Kid made it; his major label debut Absolute Greatness is his first shot. He was the first artist signed to Aphilliates Music Group/Asylum Records (a division of Warner Music Group), drafted number one by AMG founders Trendsetter Sense, Drama and Don Cannon (they’re known collectively as award-winning DJ trio The Aphilliates).
He’s not on their team to just warm the bench, either.

“I’m one of those [artists] who really understands what the game is about,” he says. “I’m here because I understand the story of the game. I’m here to make a contribution, not just get a check and go home.”

For Willie The Kid, a hip-hop career isn’t about the money. He used his signing advance to pay for his sister’s college education. A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Willie moved to Atlanta to further his own education at Clark Atlanta University.

“My college education wasn’t just something to fall back on in case I didn’t make it as a rapper,” he says. “It was part of my plan to make it as a rapper.”

He met platinum-selling producer Don Cannon while still attending Clark. By the time he received his mass communications degree, he’d already achieved a masters in rhyming. Willie’s work ethic and skill impressed Cannon.

“For me the studio is like the gym; I’m the first one there and the last one to leave: twice a day,” Willie says.

Being surrounded by DJs is a comfortable position for Willie The Kid. His father was a DJ. “[Hip-hop] is in my blood,” he says. “My father played the sport. My brother played the sport.”

Ten years ago Willie watched his brother —AMG President Lason “La The Darkman” Jackson — sign a deal with the Wu-Tang Clan. His brother’s 1998 debut album Heist of the Century sold over 300,000 copies. Willie The Kid paid close attention. “I understand what it means to be in this position,” he says. “I know this is a professional level; this is something serious.”

Seriously, Willie The Kid’s no stranger to playing with the pros. His first major appearance was on “Cannon Remix” alongside Lil Wayne, Freeway and T.I. His second was Drama’s single “Taking Pictures” with Young Jeezy, Jim Jones, Young Buck, Rick Ross and T.I.  Willie’s first single “Love For Money” features his brother, R&B singer Trey Songz and rap stars Gucci Mane, Bun B of UGK, Flo Rida and Yung Joc. Willie compared his effort to that of the players in the NBA and NFL making the most of their opportunity to excel at their profession.

“It takes time, and it takes effort and dedication to make this happen,” he says. “You can’t be somebody who can just shoot a jumper, or just throw the football, or just get the rebound. You have to be somebody who can do it all and respond and react in the final seconds.”

Hopefully, he’ll continue to get lots of playing time.