TGLR: Hey Donny, how are things?
Donny Goines: Everything is cool fam. Working hard on many different things but overall just trying to keep my cool in this heat. Hate summers haha…
TGLR: As of late you have been blowing up on the internet, and you recently dropped a free EP entitled, 20X, can you tell us the inspiration behind that project?
Donny Goines: For those who don’t know, I am working on my new album titled “Yesterday’s Tomorrow” and this is going to be a monster. I am really taking alot of time to craft something very special for the people, and being that I knew how long this process would take I wanted to put out something in the meantime to keep people tuned in. That’s where 20X comes in. That project was presented by Rocksmith Tokyo and was a really dope EP. It represents a new era, time and direction for me and I think that the people really enjoyed it. 20X is much more then a project title though, its a really state of mind.
TGLR: There are a few tracks of yours that I have been rocking for a while, one is off of 20X and the others are from your mixtape The Breakfast Club, what was it like making “Can’t Be Stopped” and “Can’t Get It Right”?
Donny Goines: Two interesting tracks right there you brought up. The latter, was on my second album titled and was something that was alot of fun to make. 6th Sense Produced the record and we all just got in the studio and banged it out. That was the premise behind The Breakfast Club really, different people from different backgrounds coming together in one room to make great music. That is the parallel to the classic movie. As for “Can’t be Stopped” that’s actually one of my my polished and well written records to date I believe. Very musical, truthful and overall exciting. Reminds me of a climatic movie ending, love it. Shout out to K Quick and DJ Static for helping me to create that.
TGLR: Who did the production work on “Can’t Get It Right” because that track is straight fire!
Donny Goines: Like I mentioned before, 6th Sense Produced and also did the hook on it aswell. That dude is a BEAST!!! He has produced some of my favorite records and I think he is one of the best emerging producers in the game. Period. He also has a crazy record on my new album, so look out for that.
TGLR: When did you realize that making music was your calling?
Donny Goines: I can remember it like it was yesterday. January of 2006 I went to Circuit City after to work to grab a few flicks. I came across two that caught my attention, Reservoir Dogs and Fade to Black. After watching the latter, I just felt this sudden need to pursue music seriously. It was an epiphany, that’s the only was to describe it. I felt compelled at that point to become a musician and I never looked back since.
TGLR: Since you breaking into the music industry, what would you say has been your coolest experience?
Donny Goines: That’s a hard question. There have been so many great experiences that it’s hard to single out just one. Meeting some of my favorite artists and producers, performing alongside legends, seeing myself on TV, etc. all of these are great moments within their own right. I think one of the “coolest” experiences though happened recently at a spot called Santos. My homie Nyle (dope artist) had called me last minute to perform with him for the NYU Graduation party. I went down there not knowing what to expect, and ending rocking with him, Fresh Daily and P.So. We started rocking, first Nyle, then fresh and P.So and afterwards me. By the time the set was coming to a close we had the spot going CRAZY!!! Women were climbing on stage, the whole crowd was wilding out and it was a zoo. You would’ve thought Drake was performing or something. I love, I repeat I LOVE drunk college kids. Best show to date.
TGLR: If you could collaborate with any music on a track, who would it be and why?
Donny Goines: Another difficult question. My mood changes frequently and I’m into different people at different times. Right now, if I could collab with anyone it would probably be Lady Gaga. Sounds crazy right? I’d do a whole EP or something with her though. She is my favorite new artist at the moment and I think she is not given the respect she deserves. Sonically, some of the best music I’ve heard in a long time. Very creative too if you break down the mainstream aspect. I fucks with her heavy.
TGLR: I know 20X has been out for a bit now, but when can music fans expect to hear a new project from you?
Donny Goines: Late 20X. I’m working on the new album as we speak. I wont put it out until it is exactly what I want to be. My goal with this next project is show show people that I am a serious force to be reckoned with. I feel I am very underestimated and I promise you this much, for anyone doubting me they are going to feel really stupid when I’m done. My fans though will be very happy. I am just trying to create something amazing for them.
TGLR: Name the Top 10 MC’s in the music industry right now.
Donny Goines: Emimen, Jay Z, Nas, J. Cole, B.O.B, Mickey Factz, SlaughterHouse and Drake (not a fan of the singing but he be killing the rhymes)
TGLR: Name the Top 5 Producers in the industry right now.
Donny Goines: DJ Premier, Will.I.Am, Kanye West, Just Blaze and DJ Static
TGLR: XXL recently released their Freshman 10 for 2010. Who do you think should have been on that list and was left off and who do you predict will be on the Freshman 10 list of 2011.
Donny Goines: I don’t even want to get into this anymore hahaha. Bottomline, XXL is entitled to this own opinion and I think it’s a dope list. Do I felt I could’ve or should’ve been on it? Yep. Do I felt other people could’ve made the cut. True indeed. At the end of the day though, I know alot of behind the scenes information and also am very knowledgeable of how the industry works so I know its much more then meets the eye with those sort of things. Suffice it to say, it is what it is. As for next year, that remains to be seen.
TGLR: Alright, at this point of the interview, I decided that we can do a speed round of questions where we just give you two options, and you pick one! Let’s start with this… 2Pac or Biggie?
Donny Goines: Biggie
TGLR: Subway or Jimmy Johns?
Donny Goines: Subway (have no idea who or what is Jimmy Johns lol)
TGLR: Mac or PC?
Donny Goines: Mac but I’m stuck with this stupid ass PC for now hahaha
TGLR: Kanye West or 50 Cent?
Donny Goines: 50 Cent
TGLR: Pepsi or Coke?
Donny Goines: Throw me a Kilo….
TGLR: Nike or Addidas?
Donny Goines: Swoosh!!!
TGLR: Tha Good Life Reviews or Some Other Site?
Donny Goines: www.donnygoines.blogspot.com (Fuck Tha Good Life reviews hahaha)
TGLR: Recording In The Studio or Performing Live?
Donny Goines: Performing
TGLR: Sedan or Van?
Donny Goines: Van
TGLR: CSI or Law & Order
Donny Goines: Law & Order (SVU)
TGLR: Shaq or Kobe?
Donny Goines: None. Not a sports fan
TGLR: ABC or Fox?
Donny Goines: I don’t watch either.
TGLR: Superman or Batman?
Donny Goines: Batman. Gotta love a superhero that doesnt have superpowers and can still kick ass!!
TGLR: Well that concludes our interview, I am looking forward to some more heat from you in the near future!
Donny Goines: I appreciate the love and support. Dope site (I was obviously kidding before) and I love what you guys do. People can check me out at… www.twitter.com/donnygoines, www.facebook.com/donnygoines, www.myspace.com/donnygoines.
