We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Donathephoenix a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Donathephoenix , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue music as a hiphop artist is when I was writing lyrics and winning local talent shows in my neighborhood in Brooklyn . years later I signed my first record deal to Cormega independent label Legal Hustle in 2003. I released six songs on the Legal Hustle compilations album. I began to do tours in Spain and spots in NYC! Fast-forward to now I decided I wanted to start my own label DNA. I released the first song The Phoenix after my long hiatus of 10 years. I reinvented myself as an artist and named myself Donathephoenix because it was the rebirth of my rap career and I released my first music video during the pandemic titled the Phoenix. Following up with several singles such as O.T.I.S, seasons change , Grandmas hands still available on all streaming platforms. and 2024 I released my new EP ME VS ME with dope lyrics and production by the Legendary Havoc from Mobb Deep and my in-house producer epic . And I look forward to dropping new music for 2025 performing more shows in and out the states.. thank you

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

So Music always been a part of my childhood my uncles were DJs. My uncle owned a Record shop in Brownsville. All the dope rappers used to come to the record shop. that’s when I fall in love with hip hop. I start recording with a local producer in my neighborhood.. and the demo was hot and that was only the beginning. I mastered and focus on writing all of my own lyrics and sometimes I help with the production.. I wrote six songs on the legal hustle album with the Hooks.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I remember coming back from touring with Cormega and I dropped out of college and I thought everything was going to be glamorous but than I got a taste of real life. I wasn’t making no money off my publishing or anything! I became a mother and I stop doing music because my business wasn’t right. But I never gave up writing and after 10 years I started releasing music again independently. I created a studio in my house and recorded my own music. And so far I’ve been engaging with my fan base. I been on the radio in London I have a lot of write ups in different blogs and magazines. And I’m making the music that I love that I can be proud of.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

My music is therapeutic for me and a lot of people can relate to it. I write about things that’s going on in my life and I try to have a positive message in it. It’s the best feeling in the world when someone tells you that you know, your music touch them. and me being a female rapper and my peers in the industry is mostly males and they respect me and my craft.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Donathephoenix
• Youtube: Donathephoenix
• Other: All of my music is available on all streaming platform, Spotify, Apple iTunes

Image Credits

Yfwproductions
Mbviews