Born in September at Kileen AFB near San Antonio Texas, d.o.n. is the only child of a military family. This fact, while seemingly meaningless, is a key element in his style, and vast subject matter as an emcee. After living in such cities as Savannah. GA, and Weisburg Germany, d.o.n.'s family moved to New Orleans LA, where he has resided ever since. Growing up around various forms of music found while digging through his dad's modest record collection, he enjoyed everything from James Brown, Otis Redding, Rick James, and others, but it was only when his father purchased the first rap record to memory, The Fat Boys Are Back! that d.o.n. got to experience rap music on a more consistent basis. This along with the inception of MTV, BET (in the early years) and summer trips to South Carolina to visit his cousin, who seemed to have more cassette tapes than anybody he knew, would d.o.n. be a certifiable hip hop head.
In 1994, a year before graduating high school, d.o.n., born Donald C. Purvis Jr. experimented with writing his first rhyme. After reading it, he decided that he would throw the rhyme away, due to the fact that it portrayed him in a light that wasn't his own. d.o.n. would'nt attempt to write another rhyme until 1996. d.o.n. is not afraid to rhyme about his spiritual beliefs either. "When I first started writing, I wanted to be the dopest Gospel rapper that anyone had ever heard, but I ended up using a great deal of profanity in the process, which while being a conflict of interest, and having in 2004 recommitted my life to The Lord Jesus Christ, I veiw it as a part of my growth as an rapper, though I would'nt say certain things now so as to not cause anyone to get the wrong impression of me or my music."
d.o.n. would continue to hone his craft while attending Delgado Community College to pursue a degree in dentistry, which he would later change to business. He eventually quit to find a job, and focus on the music career that he dreamed of attaining. Through years of different jobs, and continued writing, and study of the music industry, d.o.n was fortunate to come in contact and build relationships with some very talented artists who were willing to teach him more about his craft, and the industry. Ace Lo, whom d.o.n. met while attending Delgado, was also a local rapper in the New Orleans area, and was the first person to put d.o.n. behind the microphone.
In 2001, after coming to terms with where he was as far as skill and content, d.o.n. enlisted the help of friend, and fellow artist Rami Sharkey professionally known as Ballzack to record his first demo. d.o.n. would make the beats using a Roland 909 Groovebox borrowed from an acquaintence who could'nt figure out how to use it. Despite sending the 5 song demo to various hip hop lables such as the now defunct Coup De Tait, Def Jux, and Sound Ink Records, it failed to make any real noise outside of his friends and family. He decided to take the songs and revamp the five songs with different beats, having learned how to better utilize the machine, add on 5 more songs and make them an album which would be 2002's The Prologue. This album contained a song called Night Life, which got the attention of A&R at Priority Records; that would ultimately fall through and leave d.o.n. to go back to the proverbial drawing board and start over.
In 2004, d.o.n. began working, saving, borrowing, and hustling (legally) to purchase a MPC2000XL from a pawn shop, and began working on his sophomore effort Employee 0387 which while having better production, and apparent growth in style, flow and content, didn't get noticed by the lables like he hoped. It did garner him more respect from his peers as an artist. In 2006 after Hurricane Katrina, d.o.n was able to gather equipment for a home studio, by way of financial blessings in light of losses incurred by the highly publicized and deadly storm. But God taking what was meant for evil and turning it around, enabled d.o.n. to work on the self produced/mixed/mastered album The Basics. That album was the only album to be reviewed by critics. John Book of Music For America, writer for Okayplayer Magazine, and Left Hip Magazine, a Canadian publication, reviewed d.o.n.'s album with favorable reviews. He began to do more shows in and around the New Orleans area and sold a few copies, but still was unable to make any real progress.
d.o.n has worked and shared stages with some of the most talented artists in the New Orleans underground hip hop scene such as, Ace-Lo, Ballzack, DJ Skratchmo, Guerilla Publishing Company, with whom thanks to the gritty production of Prospek, he has made some of his best work to date, Impulss, SWAT Team, Caligula and Nomad the Butcher of Cult Flick, Private Pile, Dubla and Juskwam of the Twen Bumbs, Majesty Sozey, ATM, Soapbox, Able Chris, Tony Skratchere. d.o.n. has also shared the stage with artists not from N.O. such as MC Paul Barman and Crucial. He hopes to spread his net even further through collaborative efforts like the upcoming EP Commercial Free Broadcast with producer Dubla of Dubla Music, who has released work from such artists as Twen Bumbs, Juskwam, BlacKring and YourCuzn It.
Despite setbacks, and the struggles of everyday life having the responsibilities that come with a family and a day job, along with trying to be a premier rap artists not ashamed or apprehensive about sharing his Christian faith, d.o.n. will continue to push forward in his walk with Christ; as a husband and father, and and artist. He doesn't want to bring back "real hip hop" or "change the game." d.o.n., by God's grace, just wants to be heard....and buy a diamond encrusted flying saucer with the spoiler on the back like the Vietnamese dudes be havin, and rims...47 inch rims you know how weeee do!...Holla at ya later on in the game!!!
Brand New Day
D.O.N. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Old fashioned love and old fahsioned views
And close the door
Open the blinds smile as they shine
Oceans of light shining for miles
Life's getting away from you
Don't close the blinds
Time spent standing in the rain
Life is begging you to stay
And start another brand new day
A time to move on a time to find love
Peace in your heart a sign from above
Surrendor your soooooul
Time spent standing in the rain
Is time spent pissing down the drain
Life is begging you to stay
And start another brand new day
And start another brand new day
Start another brand new day
Start another brand new day
Sart another brand new day
The lyrics to “Brand New Day” by D.O.N. are a celebration of success and perseverance. Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton aka Salt-N-Pepa, rap about their journey to fame and acknowledge their hard work and determination throughout the years. They represent an attitude of overcoming obstacles and staying true to themselves despite challenges.
The song portrays the message that one can achieve anything with hard work, dedication and the right attitude. Salt and Pepa highlight their achievements while also encouraging others to strive for greatness and pursue their passions. This motivational and uplifting song inspires listeners to push through difficult times, stay positive, and ultimately believe in themselves.
Overall, “Brand New Day” is a powerful anthem that celebrates hard work and success while championing self-belief and determination.
Line by Line Meaning
Got the brand new, uh, attitude, what
I have a new, strong and powerful mindset
Raw to the core, hardcore to your gut
I am sincere and fierce in everything I do
Notorious, just scandalous, can't handle this
I am well-known for being rebellious and daring, and some people cannot handle it
Black Miss, worth a twist
I am a black woman with a unique and valuable twist
America, here to remain, maintain
I am an American who is here to stay and keep striving
Blowin' up, out the frame, we uppin' in the game
I am succeeding greatly and becoming a well-known figure in my industry
Ten years on your knees, no mercy
I have worked tirelessly for ten years without rest or pity
You want to curse me, I'm the queen of controversy
People may want to criticize me, but I am the ruler of creating buzz with my boldness
You're thirsty, wonderin' how I got the power
You envy my strength and are curious as to how I gained it
Hour after hour, phat tracks as the money stacks
I work hard for long hours and am constantly making great music and gaining success
Keep comin' back with the bomb, to the dawn
I consistently deliver impressive work from morning until night
Uh, I keeps it on without a break
I maintain my passion and drive without any pause
While others try to fake it, I make it
Others may pretend, but I truly succeed
She's gotta have it, see what I want I take it
I am aware of what I want and will take it without hesitation
No rest with duress, I'm on a quest for fights
I am constantly seeking challenges and battles without ever resting
(My mic sounds nice) Send a kiss without desire
My voice and performance are impressive, yet I do not need others' affection
You give me props in my presence, compliments I'm phattest
You may compliment me in person, but I already know I am the best
Status got me high, but that should never matter
My success and fame are great, but they are not what truly matters
Success, blessings, lessons, I got plenty
I have gained ample success, blessings, and lessons in my journey
Rough roads, I travel many
I have faced many challenges and obstacles in my path
Paid dues so I choose, I call you out, you owe me
I have worked hard and earned my position, and you owe me respect
Made a way for you, don't play like you don't know me
I have opened doors for you, do not act like we have no connection
Can't end till I say when, now come again
I will not stop until I am ready, but then I will continue with even more strength
With the yes, yes, and then
I am positive and full of agreement and affirmation
Check it, check it out, ladies say, ow
Listen carefully, ladies exclaim with excitement
To the beat yo, fellas gotta, ho
Men will dance to the beat and show enthusiasm
You gotta earn my respect, break a sweat baby, work it
You must work hard and impress me to earn my respect
Eliminate the job, turkey, or you can jerk it
Stop working badly or get out, do not waste any more time
Take it to your face with taste and play on
Accept the challenge directly and confidently and continue with the game
Billboard chart (Rap part), stay on
My music consistently succeeds and remains on the charts
Arrive with the mic, it's live and Memorex
My performance is both alive and accurate, whether in person or on recording
Promote safe sex, the best, one love, respect
I advocate for safe sex and believe in love and respect for all
Once again I got the roughneckin' beats, funk sound
I have once again created powerful and funky music
Peace to my peeps, be strong, lock down
I send good will to my friends and family, and ask that they stay strong and secure
Big up to everybody gettin' tons, gettin' funds
Kudos to everyone who is making lots of money and enjoying success
Makin' runs, lookin' out for their sons
People are being productive and taking care of their children
Here we come, fly girls make your moves
I, and other women like me, are making significant strides and taking action
Gotta get the dollar-dollar bills so we livin' how we choose
We need to make money to have the freedom to live the way we want
Brand new, forever reign, you know my name
I am constantly renewing and reigning supreme, and you know who I am
Cream always rises to the top and it don't stop
The best will always succeed and continue to do so
Ain't no stoppin' us now
We cannot be stopped on our path to success
We're on the move
We are constantly progressing forward
Ow, come on it, jump on it
Get excited and join in on the success
We're brand new
We are fresh and innovative
We got a new attitude, yeah, yeah
Our mindset and way of presenting ourselves is different and improved
Yeah, see I be crankin' up my Kirk Franklin spirituals
I listen to gospel music to feel inspired and uplifted
Believe I can fly, like the, I Believe in Miracles
I have confidence in myself and believe that anything is possible
Must recognize the one up above
We should acknowledge and have faith in a higher power
Less gunshot, uh, more self-love
We should focus more on loving ourselves and less on violence
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Andy Phelan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mark Butash
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