Wesley Willis was a prolific and distinctive figure in the realm of outsider music, born on May 31, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois. He gained a cult following in the 1990s for his unique brand of music, characterized by his frank and often humorous observations of urban life, set to the backdrop of simple, pre-programmed electronic beats. Willis's life was marked by considerable challenges; he was diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia, and his lyrics sometimes reflected his struggles with mental illness as well as the gritty realities of street life. Despite these difficulties, or perhaps because of them, Willis's artistry resonated with those who found both pathos and joy in his unvarnished expression of life as he saw and experienced it.

Prior to his death in 2003, Wesley Willis's discography was extensive, with a vast number of albums and songs that showcased his prolific songwriting abilities. His work was often characterized by repetitive, rock-influenced keyboard riffs paired with shouted, spoken-word vocals that were both irreverent and oddly endearing. Albums like "Troubled Onez," "Rush Hour," and posthumously released "Rock n Roll Will Never Die" exemplified the energetic and raw spirit of his music. Willis's often autobiographical and confrontational lyrics, coupled with his signature headbutt greeting, left an indelible mark on the world of alternative music, earning him a fanbase that cherished his authenticity and creative freedom. His legacy continues to influence musicians and fans who find beauty and truth in the fringes of musical expression.