No I.D.

Ernest Dion Wilson, Dion Wilson, Ernest Wilson, Immenslope

2 songs 1 albums

No I.D. on the track, let the story begin. Also known as “The Godfather of Chicago Hip-Hop,” Ernest Dion Wilson is a Chicagoan producer perhaps best known for his extensive work with fellow windy city native and childhood friend Common, including the classic “I Used to Love H.E.R.” and mentoring Kanye West at their mothers' request. Indeed, Wilson has played a key part in his career since Ye was 14: guiding him, contributing production to multiple songs including “Heartless” and “Gorgeous,” and challenging him to make the beat that would ultimately become “Otis.”

Like many of his peers Dion (then called Immenslope) started out as a DJ, forming a group with Common, and was given his name by Twilite Tone who later joined. Initially thinking it wouldn’t work out, he went to college only to get back into music after leaving. He began going to seminars, learning the culture, got into production and signed with Relativity, eventually beginning to learn management. Early on he admired the likes of Pete Rock, Large Professor, The Beatnuts and A Tribe Called Quest and started on an SP-1200, a very limited machine. The WHPK radio station was home to the Late Show which he hosted with Tone, where Common and West actually had a rap-battle in 1996.

In 1997 he released his debut album, Accept Your Own & Be Yourself (The Black Album). He’s scarcely rapped since, but appeared on Logic’s “America.”

More info