Edwin Freeman, a native New Yorker, was born in Brooklyn and spent his formative years in nearby Queens. During his childhood, he demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for art, consistently receiving accolades and commendations for his creative endeavors. In fact, one of his drawings was showcased at the esteemed Queens Museum of Art in Flushing, Queens.
As he grew older, Edwin's talents extended beyond the realm of art. In 1988, he emerged victorious in a citywide art contest for Fire Safety, sponsored by the New York Fire Department. This prestigious achievement was recognized by Mayor Ed Koch himself, who presented Edwin with an award during a well-publicized ceremony on April 13th.
Edwin's passion for sports was also evident during his junior high school years, when he briefly played for the neighborhood youth football team. However, an injury prematurely ended his stint on the team.
In 1992, Edwin embarked on a rap career, adopting the stage name Billy-D, bestowed upon him by his friends due to his smooth, laid-back demeanor and charming personality. Over the course of his career, he released three independent albums: All About the Money (1999),Take it to the Bank (2001),and Crunk Muzik (2005).
Years later, Edwin had the opportunity to relive his football dreams when he was cast as a football player in Julie Taymor's 2005 production of "Across the Universe."
