Ernie D., A.K.A.is Diesel Man. Ernest C. Darden was raised in Suffolk, Virginia, where he was born on Feb 8. As a kid he found himself interested in hip hop at a very early age. Because of his hip hop talent he quickly became well known as a unique individual. When break dancing hit the scene, Ernest gained much respect on the streets by battling opponents on the dance floor. As his reputation grew, he became better known as Ernie D, the man who rocked the spot.