In the world of literature, there are always authors who have a specified following. Lawyers read John Grisham. Sports fans read George Plimpton. Politicians read George Will. And gangstas, hustlers, pimps, macks, players, and rappers read Donald Goines, who was murdered in 1974, allegedly by gangsters who thought his stories were too real for comfort and may be used as clues for solving real-life crimes. New York rapper Donny Goines, like his nom de plume’s namesake, also gives his audience the cautionary tales of the street life, among other topics, on his debut LP, Minute After Midnight.
The Buzz Factor Award-winning rapper, who gave us his weekly BARS segments, gives those who are using this album as introduction to his work a pleasant surprise: an album with no guest rappers; a concept that is becoming increasingly obsolete. The only guest is Tess, who provides guest vocals on two tracks. Donny’s lyrics, while not following in the East Coast tradition of wordplay, do pack the punch that comes with his straightforward style. “Ghetto USA” explores the common elements that link ghettos everywhere across America, “from BK to Crenshaw.” Goines showcases his storytelling ability over a soulful Statik Selektah beat on “Ricky’s Story,” which follows the familiar formula from Slick Rick’s seminal “Children’s Story.” Goines also channels other nostalgia classics like “Juicy” and “Old School” for his commentary on today’s hip-hop game in “What Happened.”
The album deserves praise for not sacrificing its old school mentality and focus on social concerns by throwing in club bangers or “something for the ladies.” Donny’s ear for beats is unquestionably great, as the production is solid throughout. The main knock on Goines is that he isn’t an exciting or engaging MC. A friend of mine made a great point: “I don’t sit around and think ‘Damn, I wanna hear some Donny Goines.’” He doesn’t have to channel Busta Rhymes or Redman, and as this is his debut album, he has time to develop and fine-tune his craft. This album is a solid stepping-stone for him. By this time next year, let’s hope there is another Goines album; one that applies the same messages, but with a more-refined craft. His great potential is evident.
77/100
Standouts:
Ghetto USA
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What I Am
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What Happened
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Soo 2008.
Though an amazing album. Good read.
I’m not really feeling what I’ve heard of this LP, but his past releases make Goines someone to watch in ‘09. With a name like Donny Goines, I wish he was a better storyteller, and I definitely agree that this album wasn’t very engaging, evidenced by the fact that I still haven’t gotten through it. I don’t really think “What Happened” is a standout track, it’s been said and done over and over, and the type of audience Goines caters to already agrees with the song’s message.
interesting comments X.
Great review though Fred, as always… we talk about up and coming artists, how about the effing writer of this piece
Regardless, I hope to see more from Donny.. he’ll keep on doing his thing