Q&A WITH HIP HOP ARTIST DONNY DEE
Donny Dee is a very talented hip hop artist based in Sydney, Australia who digs down deep and draws emotion from personal experiences to create his best work which is not only raw but heavily relatable to his listeners. The artist has recently released a new track ‘What 2 Say’ which is his first release of the year and really showcases his ability to be real with his audience. Huge thanks to Donny for letting us do this Q & A with him which you can read below and don’t forget to stream the new track - out everywhere.
We would love to start off by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself, what first really got you into music, Where your love of rap and hip hop came from, and what you love to do when you aren’t creating music.
So basically i had music around me growing up and didn't take any notice until i was about 21-22 when I went on tour with some Aussie icons in the rap game... Then i saw what hip hop was really about! The raw, lie energy had me inspired instantly! Its different experiencing music being performed when you're with the setists doing it as opposed to watching them from in front.... At that time in my life I had bad drug addictions to prescription drugs and was a career criminal. I had a big case just after that and it really got me thinking about my current situation.... I decided to take a break from the crime stuff and dove straight into trying to become a rapper. In conclusion, music wasn't just a choice, but it was a life-changing decision I merely had to make in order to stay out of jail which I don't regret.
Your latest track ‘What 2 Say’ came out last week and dives into some themes of internal conflict. Can you talk more about these themes and where they came from?
My life has been a massive tornado since my dad committed suicide, it didnt only crush me but it tore my whole family apart, both my mothers side and my fathers. This traumatic experience really made me the person who I am today! I treat my music as a platform to lay my emotions out totally as they are. This song is an internal battle not only of that current moment but of my existence. What 2 Say is about overcoming my obstacles and finding yourself as an individual. It isn't just for me, it's for everyone. I know I'm not alone and others feel the same way, hence me being so open about my story and that's half the reason why I do music.
Talk us through your creative process when it came to writing this new track. You have a lot of depth to your music, so it’s interesting to hear how it comes to life.
I freestyle all my music and I'm a self taught “singer”. I used to watch artists like “toosi” and “Tory Lanez” record. Their processes really inspired me because I was writing all my stuff before that and the consistency wasn't there. I Switched up my process and haven't looked back since! I tend to record 1-2 bars at a time, although it really depends on the moment. This song was recorded fast from memory and it was recorded in 2021 by myself in my bedroom.
What are some significant highlights you have gotten throughout your career so far and how do you feel about them?
I can't lie, my career has been a blessing since day 1. I've managed to get on platforms such as Fbi radio, Milky Aus, MTV Australia & Nz, Aus Music Scene, JJJ Unearthed and about to be on Purple Sneakers. My debut Ep attained over 125k streams and my streams across Youtube and Spotify are about to total at 500k. I've got a collab with Rocnations artist “Rjae” and have a song planned for soundcloud release with “Trippie Redd”
You have collaborated with US artist Rory Fresco, what was that experience like?
So far it's been great. Rory has been generous enough to let me have him in my music video “Sinner” and in total we have 3 tracks. “Teflon” which is yet to be released this year. I plan to travel to LA to work with him in person and hang out! All in all Rory is a superstar and is about to blow up in the US rap game. I intend to make more hits with him and keep the friendship going.
Drawing from a lot of tragic experiences in your life, do you find it hard to be so vulnerable in your music and share that with the world?
Initially yes, I did feel uncomfortable telling the world how I really felt. Although it's a blessing in disguise because it has helped me with my insecurities as a young man and helped me gain satisfaction out of being honest with myself. It's also in my eyes a form of therapy. As opposed to going to a counselor and telling them stuff I just say that into the mic. When I listen back it gives me that sense of relief like counseling would do for some.
Lastly, if you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
I'd have to say “Sleepy Hollow” because I feel a major connection when I listen to his music and I feel my lyricism is also quite similar to his. Without knowing I found our styles were quite alike the more I got into his craft and his persona. He's an all time great and it would be an honor to work with him!