Artist Spotlight: Donny Goines

If you’re an online hip-hopper, chances are you’ve heard the name Donny Goines. The New York native has appeared on countless websites, magazines, television and radio show over the last couple of years. This past December he finally released his debut album, Minute After Midnight, on Amalgam Digital. So we figured there was no time like the present to catch up with this young hustler to talk about the album, his career, and his experiences. Here’s how it went down…

TIHH: What’s goin on Donny? First of all, congratulations on the new album, Minute After Midnight. The album is incredible. How’s the feedback been so far?

Donny: Thank you fam. The feedback has been really good so far overall. You can’t please everybody but for the most part the people enjoyed the album and I’m glad it got so much love.

TIHH: So is it safe to say you’re pretty much please with the how the album turned out?

Donny: Yes. I never regret anything and learn from all experiences so I wouldn’t change a thing. I made my album for myself, it was something I had to get off my chest so if anyone was able to understand it that’s a blessing.

TIHH: Can you tell us about the concept behind the album? Also, who do you have featured on the album with you?

Donny: Well essentially the idea is simple. I wanted to create a project that was very original and authentic to myself. I called it “Minute After Midnight” because I felt some of the principles in the Cinderella parall to Hip Hop. A lot of it fantasy based and imaginary but in the story all of the magical stuff disappear after midnight, hence the name.

I stay away from features on this album mainly because I wanted to prove myself as an MC for my first album. The only other vocalist on this album is my girl Tess who sings on a couple hooks. Other then that though I really wanted to showcase my inviduality and style with this album.

TIHH: Dame Grease was the executive producer on Minute After Midnight. Was there any pressure having him putting the proverbial “stamp of approval” on your project?

Donny: Not really. If anything it actually helped to lighten the load so to speak. He gave me a lot of advice and helped me to see things in a different light. I needed someone who has been down that road before and he has helped to craft some of the most classic records in the game so it was only right.

TIHH: You grew up in New York, right? Lots of dope hip hop out of NY. How was it growing up? And did growing up in New York have an impact on your music and your career as a whole?

Donny: My upbringing was very similar to any child growing up in a urban environment I’m sure. Lot of have nots, drugs, death, etc. It wasn’t all pain and struggle but I definitely had my fair share of issues. Besides that though, I had a pretty normal childhood and just like any other kid I listened to a lot music. One thing I love about being a New Yorker though is that the Hip Hop culture is heavy here and I was influenced at a very young age by it. There is no question about it, the music and city have influenced my sound greatly but that’s a good thing as far as I’m concerned.

TIHH: Where do you see the New York hip hop scene going now? Is it making a comeback?

Donny: It never went anywhere really to be honest. That’s how I feel at least. We did drop out of the forefront abit but that’s to be expected. Everything comes in full circle and I think that NY is going to make a serious resurgence in the near future. There are just way too many talented artists coming up not to.

TIHH: You were also a member of the U.S. Navy for a short period, right? When did you serve? I’m former Air Force myself; wouldn’t change a thing. How was your experience? Did your time in the service play a part in any decisions you’ve made with your hip hop career?

Donny: I served from 2000 to 2003. It was a crazy experience for me because I had never really been in a situation like that before and it was a difficult transition at first. I didn’t understand the structure of it, agree with the methods and most of all hated the conformity aspect of it but as time passed I got used to it. They taught me a lot of things that I still carry to this day. Discipline, will power, a strong work ethic and more but in the end I realized it just wasn’t for me. The lessons I learned though are still ingrained in me and I carry them with me everywhere I go, including the Hip Hop world so my past in there affects my future out here.

TIHH: Not too long ago, you did an EP with Hip Hop DX in which, you asked up and coming producers to send you beats and you’d pick some of them for the EP. Indeed, you did. This is a great thing for the producers, yourself, and for hip hop in general. What made you decide to do this? Was it risky? Do you still keep in touch with any of these producers and have any of them gone on to do more work since that EP? Do you plan on doing another one of these in the future?

Donny: My whole thing is simple. I’m really big on working with others and helping to give people shine alongside myself and that’s where that whole idea came from. Shout out to my dude Shake from 2dopeboyz cause he helped me put that contest together but I think the project was dope. Shout out to Remot, The Graduates, Tecknowledgy, Quincy Tones, Danger Beats and the rest of producers on that ep. I thought it was something dope and I like to take chances with music. People will see that as time goes on. I haven’t got the chance to work with any of them again yet but who knows what the future holds.

TIHH: Winning the UMA’s must’ve been a big deal for you. As Award Winners ourselves, we’ve noticed a rapid rise in hits, fan base, and interest. Has the same happened to you? Has it changed your approach to your music and how you deliver it?

Donny: Honestly it didn’t really change much I think. For me, the best thing about winning that award was that the people voted for me to win. That is a beautiful thing to know, that people out there really want to see you win. I felt very good about that.

TIHH: Not that you are ’slow’ by any means, but the tortoise did win the race. Is it safe to say that your come up, your grind, your struggle, has been slow, but precise and steady? What are some of the greatest obstacles you’ve faced in the hip hop scene?

Donny: Its funny you mention that because honestly that’s really on purpose. I wanted to build a solid foundation so I was never worried about signing a deal or things like that. I was just focused on establishing a solid fan base and great resume as an artist. Now I’ve done everything from the internet to MTV and no one can argue with my successes, nor take them away from me. This year though I’m turning it up a notch.

TIHH: How in touch are you with the producers you work with? Are you a hands on kind of emcee, where you really tell them what you want and set out to get that done, or do you just let the beats come to you?

Donny: A little bit of both honestly. I have a team of producers I like to go to in order for my serious projects such as my album like DJ Static, Dub Z (Co Executive Producer on the album along with Ariel Borujow), Apple Juice Kid, etc. but I fuck with ALOT producers all across the world and I try to be as hands on as possible. Sometimes its difficult because some people are not able to be in the booth with me but I try my best to build great relationships with producers.

TIHH: So what’s next for Donny Goines? I know the album just came out, so I’m sure you’re still promoting it now. But, any more videos planned? Any word on radio picking up any of your singles? Any new collaborations this year? Thinking about the next album yet?

Donny: I have a lot of different things I’m working on. My video for “What Happened” has got picked up by MTV and will be in rotation soon. Stay tuned for that. I have another project I’m working on but for the most part I’m taking a bunch of meetings at labels and such.

TIHH: One more question before we let you go… Desert Island Hip Hop… what one hip hop album do you have with you?

Donny: Life After Death by B.I.G. The best album ever made.

TIHH: Excellent choice. Thanks again for taking time out to chat. Feel free to hit us up if you ever need anything. Any closing words? Shout outs?

Donny: Much love for conducting this interview. I really appreciate it. Your support throughout the years has been a blessing. Thank you to all the readers. I appreciate you taking the time out to check me out. Make sure to pick up “Minute After Midnight” at iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon or Amalgam Digital. Much love.

• Donny Goines on MySpace

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