Donnis
Encyclopedia
Ladonnis Decurtis Crump (born June 2, 1984), better known by the stage name Donnis, is an American
rapper based in Atlanta, Georgia
. He released his debut mixtape, Diary of an ATL Brave, in 2009, and signed to Atlantic Records
in 2010.XXL Staff (February 15, 2010). “http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=70413”.
before moving to Atlanta. His inspiration to begin rapping was sparked by listening to Kris Kross
, Kilo Ali
, and the Dungeon Family
while he was younger. He started to create and craft his own rhymes at the young age of 9 years old. After high school he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Tokyo, Japan. While on base he began performing and recording music, earning spots opening for such acts as T.I.
, Chingy
, 112
, and Erykah Badu
. After about 2 1/2 years in the Air Force, he stopped so he could finally pursue rapping as a full on career. Donnis stated in an interview with Amanda Bassa that his time in Japan helped to influence his sound and help him craft it into something a little bit different. Being around an entire new culture gave his sound a bit of an edge; saying that, "The Japanese are always a few steps ahead, that's why I love looking to them for what's next." .
In an interview with Honey Mag, Donnis explained that he stays humble and keeps an underdog mindstate. Which is good quality for up-and-coming artists. Stating that, "I always keep an underdog mentality. I try not to act like I’m winning so much because I have idols out there that I watch kill it every day. I just saw John Mayer and said ‘Wow I hope I can fill up the Garden one day.’ And I watch Kanye and Andre 3000… these people get so much respect and were at one point the underdogs. And at the end of the day I want that same respect as one of the greatest, so I follow that lead." .
, Diary of an ATL Brave, in 2009 with the backing of streetwear brand 10 Deep. The mixtape led to a one single deal with Fool's Gold Records
to release his single “Gone”. The success with this mixtape also earned Donnis on the very sought-after spot on XXL Magazine's 2010 Freshmen list. With one mixtape Donnis was shot into a bit of a spotlight. He felt that he was brought into too much, too fast; but he still proceeded to deliver.
According to XXL Magazine he chose to ink a deal with Atlantic Records in early 2010. Donnis Atlantic won in a bidding war between Def Jam, Jive, Asylum and Downtown Records. “You know [Atlantic] put in the work and I feel like they the best label in the game right now,” he said. “I mean they makin’ the most money and makin’ shit happen.” He also felt that the label offered good, friendly competition so he could push himself and grow as an artist. XXL Staff (February 15, 2010). “http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=70413”.
In March 2010, he appeared on the cover of XXL
magazine for the magazine's annual list of Top 10 Freshman, which included J. Cole, Pill
, Big Sean
, and Wiz Khalifa
. On March 31st, 2010 he performed at New York City’s Highline Ballroom with other members of the Freshman 10.
June, 2010 saw Donnis release two mixtapes. The first, "The Invitation," was hosted by Atlanta notables DJ Infamous and DJ Holiday and featured freestyles of Usher
's hit OMG
and N.E.R.D.'s Everyone Nose
. The project also featured early versions of tracks from "Fashionably Late."
"Fashionably Late" was hosted by Clinton Sparks
and DJ Ill Will and included guests John Legend
, Estelle
, GLC, Yelawolf
, and Atlanta natives OJ da Juiceman
and Pill
. The mixtape features production by Needlz
who also produced Donnis' first single, "Gone."
On September 28, Donnis made his major label debut with the Atlantic Records release of the "Fashionably Late EP."
Donnis' New mixtape "Southern Lights" was released on April 11, 2011 announced via twitter. He also stated that there is major growth between this project, "Fashionably Late", and "Diary of an ATL Brave". His goal for "Southern Lights" was for it to offer a more personable feel to it. Each song involved more personal stories and events that helped to form this mixtape. Even the house on the cover art was the same house he grew up in during his youth in Atlanta, GA. "Southern Lights" was also made to show that Donnis wasn't a fluke. He wanted to show that he can consistently put out records and prove that he does indeed have what it takes to have earned that 2010 Freshman spot. In 2011, Donnis collaborated with Japanese lifestyle brand Onitsuka Tiger for the EP Nippon Sounds that featured original music and remixes by Japanese producers DE DE MOUSE, Joe Iron, and Taku Takashi.
Donnis is currently working on an album which is tentatively titled "Basic Training", in reflection of his experience in the Air Force. This project will explain more of the military side of his life that he's held back from his mixtapes; offering an entire new reason to listen. He's in the process of choosing beats for the project and he feels that he is about thirty to forty percent in. One other artist that is rumored to be featured on this upcoming project is John Legend
.
2011
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rapper based in Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
. He released his debut mixtape, Diary of an ATL Brave, in 2009, and signed to Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
in 2010.XXL Staff (February 15, 2010). “http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=70413”.
Early life
Donnis was born on June 2, 1984 in Montclair, CaliforniaMontclair, California
Montclair is a city in San Bernardino County, California, United States. The population was 36,664 at the 2010 United States Census.The current mayor is Paul M. Eaton.-Description:...
before moving to Atlanta. His inspiration to begin rapping was sparked by listening to Kris Kross
Kris Kross
Kris Kross was an American rap duo of the 1990s comprising Chris "Mac Daddy" Kelly and Chris "Daddy Mac" Smith. The duo are best known for their hit 1992 song "Jump", which was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks and was certified double platinum as a single...
, Kilo Ali
Kilo Ali
Kilo Ali , formerly Kilo, is an American rap music Artist from Atlanta, Georgia. Kilo Ali recorded mainly bass music , but also hip hop tracks with a less distinctive southern flavor...
, and the Dungeon Family
Dungeon Family
The Dungeon Family is a hip hop/R&B/soul musical collective, based in Atlanta, Georgia and specializing in Southern hip hop with heavy funk and soul influences. The group derives its name from "The Dungeon", the name given to record producer Rico Wade's basement studio where many of the early...
while he was younger. He started to create and craft his own rhymes at the young age of 9 years old. After high school he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Tokyo, Japan. While on base he began performing and recording music, earning spots opening for such acts as T.I.
T.I.
Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....
, Chingy
Chingy
Howard Bailey, Jr. , better known by his stage name Chingy, is an American rapper.Chingy grew up in the Walnut Park section of St. Louis and began rapping in earnest in his late teens...
, 112
112
Year 112 was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Traianus and Cornelius...
, and Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu
Erica Abi Wright , better known by her stage name Erykah Badu , is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Her work includes elements from R&B, hip hop and jazz. She is best known for her role in the rise of the neo soul sub-genre, and for her eccentric, cerebral musical...
. After about 2 1/2 years in the Air Force, he stopped so he could finally pursue rapping as a full on career. Donnis stated in an interview with Amanda Bassa that his time in Japan helped to influence his sound and help him craft it into something a little bit different. Being around an entire new culture gave his sound a bit of an edge; saying that, "The Japanese are always a few steps ahead, that's why I love looking to them for what's next." .
In an interview with Honey Mag, Donnis explained that he stays humble and keeps an underdog mindstate. Which is good quality for up-and-coming artists. Stating that, "I always keep an underdog mentality. I try not to act like I’m winning so much because I have idols out there that I watch kill it every day. I just saw John Mayer and said ‘Wow I hope I can fill up the Garden one day.’ And I watch Kanye and Andre 3000… these people get so much respect and were at one point the underdogs. And at the end of the day I want that same respect as one of the greatest, so I follow that lead." .
Career
Donnis released his first mixtapeMixtape
A Mix Tape or Mixed Tape is a compilation of songs recorded in a specific order, traditionally onto an audio Compact Cassette.A Mix Tape, which usually reflects the musical tastes of its compiler, can range from a casually selected list of favorite songs, to a conceptual mix of songs linked by a...
, Diary of an ATL Brave, in 2009 with the backing of streetwear brand 10 Deep. The mixtape led to a one single deal with Fool's Gold Records
Fool's Gold Records
Fool's Gold Records is an independent record label based in Brooklyn, New York.- History :It was founded in 2007 by DJs A-Trak and Nick Catchdubs, introducing singles from artists including Kid Cudi and Kid Sister...
to release his single “Gone”. The success with this mixtape also earned Donnis on the very sought-after spot on XXL Magazine's 2010 Freshmen list. With one mixtape Donnis was shot into a bit of a spotlight. He felt that he was brought into too much, too fast; but he still proceeded to deliver.
According to XXL Magazine he chose to ink a deal with Atlantic Records in early 2010. Donnis Atlantic won in a bidding war between Def Jam, Jive, Asylum and Downtown Records. “You know [Atlantic] put in the work and I feel like they the best label in the game right now,” he said. “I mean they makin’ the most money and makin’ shit happen.” He also felt that the label offered good, friendly competition so he could push himself and grow as an artist. XXL Staff (February 15, 2010). “http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=70413”.
In March 2010, he appeared on the cover of XXL
XXL (magazine)
XXL is a Hip-Hop magazine, published by Harris Publications.In 1997, XXL was founded by former Source staffers as well as other Harris Publication employees, who wanted to create their own magazine about the hip-hop music and culture using the model developed by the founders of The Source...
magazine for the magazine's annual list of Top 10 Freshman, which included J. Cole, Pill
Pill (rapper)
Tyrone Rivers, better known by his stage name Pill, is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia.-Career:In early 2009 Pill's first mixtape 4180: The Prescription and his first single "Trap Goin' Ham" was released. Pill was featured in The Source's Unsigned Hype section. The mixtape received praise...
, Big Sean
Big Sean
Sean Michael Anderson , better known by his stage name Big Sean, is an American rapper. Big Sean signed with Kanye West's G.O.O.D...
, and Wiz Khalifa
Wiz Khalifa
Cameron Jibril Thomaz , better known by the stage name Wiz Khalifa , is an American rapper. He released his debut album, Show and Prove, in 2006, and signed to Warner Bros. Records in 2007...
. On March 31st, 2010 he performed at New York City’s Highline Ballroom with other members of the Freshman 10.
June, 2010 saw Donnis release two mixtapes. The first, "The Invitation," was hosted by Atlanta notables DJ Infamous and DJ Holiday and featured freestyles of Usher
Usher (entertainer)
Usher Terry Raymond IV , who performs under the mononym Usher, is an American singer-songwriter, and actor. He is considered around the world to be the reigning King of R&B. Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100...
's hit OMG
OMG
OMG may refer to:*Oh My goodness, or Oh My Gosh, a common abbreviation used in SMS and Instant Messaging*omg!, a celebrity news and gossip Web site run by Yahoo.com...
and N.E.R.D.'s Everyone Nose
Everyone Nose
"Everyone Nose " is the first single by American band N.E.R.D from their third studio album Seeing Sounds. The song was accompanied by music video and was directed by Diane Martel...
. The project also featured early versions of tracks from "Fashionably Late."
"Fashionably Late" was hosted by Clinton Sparks
Clinton Sparks
Clinton Sparks is a Boston-based radio, mixtape & Club DJ as well as a recording artist, writer, producer and TV personality.-Biography:...
and DJ Ill Will and included guests John Legend
John Legend
John Roger Stephens , better known by his stage name John Legend, is an American singer, musician, and actor. He is the recipient of nine Grammy Awards, and in 2007, he received the special Starlight award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.Prior to the release of his debut album, Stephens' career...
, Estelle
Estelle
-Proper name:* For the female given name and list of namesakes see Estelle* Estelle , British singer/rapper* Don Estelle , British actor* Estelle Designs, Canadian giftware and crafts line-Fictional characters:...
, GLC, Yelawolf
Yelawolf
Michael Wayne Atha , better known by his stage name YelaWolf, is an American rapper. He is currently signed to Shady Records, Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment and Interscope Records...
, and Atlanta natives OJ da Juiceman
OJ da Juiceman
Otis Williams, Jr. ,better known as OJ Da Juiceman, is an American Southern Rapper and a member of 1017 Brick Squad. OJ Da Juiceman is also founder of vanity label 32 Entertainment.-Early life:Otis Williams, Jr...
and Pill
Pill
Pill or The Pill may refer to:* Pill , referring to anything small and round for a specific dose of medicine. The term is used colloquially in several ways:** A tablet or capsule which replaced dosing via pill...
. The mixtape features production by Needlz
Needlz
Khari Cain, better known by his stage name Needlz, is an American record producer, Grammy Award Winning, engineer and composer.-Life and career:...
who also produced Donnis' first single, "Gone."
On September 28, Donnis made his major label debut with the Atlantic Records release of the "Fashionably Late EP."
Donnis' New mixtape "Southern Lights" was released on April 11, 2011 announced via twitter. He also stated that there is major growth between this project, "Fashionably Late", and "Diary of an ATL Brave". His goal for "Southern Lights" was for it to offer a more personable feel to it. Each song involved more personal stories and events that helped to form this mixtape. Even the house on the cover art was the same house he grew up in during his youth in Atlanta, GA. "Southern Lights" was also made to show that Donnis wasn't a fluke. He wanted to show that he can consistently put out records and prove that he does indeed have what it takes to have earned that 2010 Freshman spot. In 2011, Donnis collaborated with Japanese lifestyle brand Onitsuka Tiger for the EP Nippon Sounds that featured original music and remixes by Japanese producers DE DE MOUSE, Joe Iron, and Taku Takashi.
Donnis is currently working on an album which is tentatively titled "Basic Training", in reflection of his experience in the Air Force. This project will explain more of the military side of his life that he's held back from his mixtapes; offering an entire new reason to listen. He's in the process of choosing beats for the project and he feels that he is about thirty to forty percent in. One other artist that is rumored to be featured on this upcoming project is John Legend
John Legend
John Roger Stephens , better known by his stage name John Legend, is an American singer, musician, and actor. He is the recipient of nine Grammy Awards, and in 2007, he received the special Starlight award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.Prior to the release of his debut album, Stephens' career...
.
Tours
2010- Crowd Control Tour (with Kidz in the HallKidz in the HallKidz in the Hall is an American hip hop duo from Chicago, Illinois.-History:Group members Jabari Evans and Michael Aguilar met in 2000 during a talent show at the University of Pennsylvania. They began recording songs, making demos, and performing at local shows which eventually led to Double-0...
, 88-Keys, Izza KizzaIzza KizzaIzza Kizza is an American hip-hop musician, rapper and MC, currently signed to Timbaland's Mosley Music Group label...
) - Homecoming: The Return of an ATL Brave (Japan)
- Swelly Life Tour (with Chiddy BangChiddy BangChiddy Bang is an American alternative hip hop band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The group consists of Chidera "Chiddy" Anamege and Noah "Xaphoon Jones" Beresin. The duo was introduced through former band member Zachary Sewall in late 2008 during their freshman year at Drexel University, in...
) - Sidewalks Tour (with Matt & Kim)
- Doo Wop and Hooligans Tour (with Bruno MarsBruno MarsPeter Gene Hernandez , better known by his stage name Bruno Mars, is an Filipino-American singer-songwriter and record producer. Raised in Honolulu, Hawaii by a family of musicians, Mars began making music at a young age...
)
2011
- Sgt. Schlepper's Who Needs Hearts Club Band Tour (with Travie McCoyTravie McCoyTravie Lazarus McCoy is an American singer and rapper. He is the lead vocalist of the alternative hip-hop band Gym Class Heroes. He released his debut solo album Lazarus on June 8, 2010....
, Pete Wentz, XVXV (rapper)Donavan Johnson better known by his stage name XV is an American rapper, singer and songwriter from Wichita, Kansas. He first gained major attention after the release of his twelfth mixtape Everybody's Nobody. In which he received two awards from DJBooth.net.His name, XV, refers to the age at...
, Bad Rabbits) http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1656540/travie-mccoy-pete-wentz-tour.jhtml
Mixtapes
- 2009: Diary of an ATL Brave
- 2010: The Invitation
- 2010: Fashionably Late
- 2011: Southern Lights
- 2012:southernfuturisticferrarithumpmuzik h
EP
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Fashionably Late EP
|