In the latest episode of Cook’N UP 215, host Smooth sits down with artist Donny C for an insightful interview that covers everything from his musical journey to his aspirations for 2024. The Philly native, known for his melodic music style and creative music videos, opens up about his path, personal struggles, and what’s next.
Donny C’s story isn’t just about music; it’s also about football, family, and resilience. Hailing from Uptown Philadelphia, he credits his mother, a singer, for inspiring him to pursue a career in music. But before the music career took off, Donny was deeply involved in football, even coaching and winning a national championship. His connections to the NFL run deep, as he played alongside DeAndre Swift, which ties him to a broader community of athletes and artists.
When it comes to his music, Donny C stands out for his melodic approach rather than the typical drill rap that dominates the scene. Known for his cinematic music videos that blend movie themes with his sound, he’s quickly become recognized for his creativity. He’s collaborated with producers like Jake Crum and Jumbo, and while his music has gotten some radio play, it wasn’t always smooth sailing.
After taking a hiatus for a year or two to deal with personal issues, Donny is back in the studio, working on new music from scratch. In addition to his music, Donny is branching out into other creative endeavors. He’s launching a YouTube show called ‘Raising Kings’, centered around his family life, and also has a clothing line, ‘Radiant’, with his cousin.
Beyond his music, Donny’s family plays a pivotal role in his life. A father of two young boys, with a third child on the way, Donny sees his children showing musical talent like him. However, the violence in his hometown has deeply impacted him. Because of this, Donny plans to eventually move his family out of the city, prioritizing their safety and future. Despite the challenges, he remains focused on his goals, refusing to let the city’s hardships derail his dreams.
Donny reflects on his early years, noting how his initial focus was on R&B, often performing with live bands. But the road to recognition wasn’t easy. Over time, he adapted, blending his R&B roots with more modern, melodic beats. This shift helped him carve out a sound that’s uniquely his own.
Donny’s journey took another turn after attending BET Weekend, where he had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in entertainment.The experience reignited his drive to not just succeed in music, but to break into other areas of entertainment as well. His ultimate goal? EGOT status—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. “That’s where I’m headed. Music is just the start for me,” Donny reveals. He envisions creating a TV show that brings back the authentic comedic storytelling of shows like ‘Martin’ or ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’.
Looking ahead, Donny is eager to release new music in 2024 and expand his reach by collaborating with other artists. Reflecting on his work with Freeway, he shares that it’s been a dream come true.
