Donny Goines: No Studio Thug

Harlem-based emcee, Donny Goines speaks on the streets like one can only if they've really lived it. Truly on his grind, Donny understands the importance of staying focused and getting shit done. His songs inspire the greatness he will soon achieve and he's real hush hush about his groupies.

L and F: Your music is real, down-to-earth and positive. What do you feel is most important for your listeners to take away?

DG: The truth. Although I talk about a lot of subjects that people may or may not be able to relate to I want them to know that I'm giving them apart of my life and story. Even though music is entertainment for the most part I try to give people real stories they can relate to because not everyone drives a Bentley, has a Mansion and a bunch of jewelry.

L and F: Tell us about The Excerpt.

DG: The Excerpt is a small part of a much larger story. I
wanted to give the people an idea of some things you can expect from me in the future so thats where the initial idea came from. I decided to make it concept album which focuss on one part of the story which is "The Artist", so every song on this project has some sort of hip hop influenced theme to it. Its also a progressive album that has a beginning, middle and ending (which is open ended). Its the first part of a trilogy.

L and F: You have a weekly blog on ballerstatus.com. Reading it, it is evident that you are a smart dude and having just started in 2006, you are already the authority on how to not fuck up in the music business. What kind of feedback have you received?

DG: Well I wouldn't go THAT far haha but I know a little bit. Overall the feedback has been positive. I wanted to do something for others out there who were just like me (coming up without guidance). Instead of having a self absorbed blog that focused all on me I felt that passing along knowledge to others served a better purpose and the people seem very receptive and appreciative.

L and F: Ohword has your back all day and they are very picky when it comes to their hip hop. Tell us about the Stand Up! show coming up on Dec 6th and what one of your shows is typically like.

DG: Well that show is going to be dope. I have a 20 minute set and will be performing along side other talented artists such as Cause, Hired Gun, NY Oil and a Special guest. I am really looking forward to it. What you can expect from me at a show? I give it my all. I just did a show last week and there were about 7 people in the room. I performed like it was 7000. Its all about giving your all.

L and F: What is the groupie situation like? We want some stories.

DG: Hahaha...... Thats the first time someone asked me something like that. As crazy as this might sound I really don't "indulge" so to speak with the groupies. I have a lot of women on my ass to be truthful but I am just one of those type of people that really immerse myself into things so I really don't have time for that. Maybe when I'm sitting on a couple mil and I can relax a bit Ill have something for you haha.


L and F: When you get super big, will you become a media whore, driving around drunk and showing your privates like some celebrities we know?

DG: I doubt it. Kind of goes along with what I said before. I dont drink or do drugs (did enough of that coming up), had my share of DWI's, women, parties, blah, blah, blah WAY before rap. Ive partied enough for two lifetimes honestly and right now my only goal is greatness. Others can pursue those things.

Get the Donny Goines Experience here and there are some downloadable joints but definitely click that link to buy the full album