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!!!
In These Times
D.O.N. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A roar down the road of a rumbling war
I have faith in these desolate times
A chill from the eyes of a man of political skill
I have faith but for how much longer?
It seems to me, bitter trees, full of fleas
Summarily hold the branches
Stealing keys, to our ranches
I have faith in these desolate times
A score to the sound of the feet of a journeyman's tour
I have faith in these desolate times
A feel and a hope and belief that man's peace will be still
I have faith but for how much longer?
The village green, people seen, full of beans
Imagining the course of action
And in between, shopping scenes, plasticine
Suburban dreams, an empty faction
I have faith in these desolate times
Show fear, and the smoke of a gun trigger pulling finger pressure comes near
I have faith in these desolate times
Before long, the lamb and the lion may lie with the lass in the grass at dawn
I have faith but for how much longer?
The lyrics in D.O.N.'s song "In These Times" convey a sense of resilience and optimism in the face of challenging and uncertain circumstances. The repeated line "I have faith in these desolate times" reflects the singer's unwavering belief that there is still hope and possibility even amidst chaos and conflict. The mention of a "rumbling war" and a "man of political skill" signifies the turbulent and divisive nature of the world the singer finds themselves in, but despite this, they choose to hold on to faith.
The imagery of "bitter trees full of fleas" and "falling leaves watching thieves stealing keys" paints a picture of a world where corruption and deceit run rampant, where trust is easily broken and individuals are left vulnerable. This sense of disillusionment and betrayal is juxtaposed with the singer's belief in the power of faith to endure and overcome these challenges, even as they question how long this faith can last.
The song touches on themes of community and collective action, as reflected in the mention of a "journeyman's tour" and the imagery of a "village green" where people come together, full of imagination and hope for a better future. However, there is also a recognition of the superficiality and materialism present in society, symbolized by "shopping scenes" and "suburban dreams," which create a sense of emptiness and disconnection.
The lyrics culminate in a profound reflection on the potential for transformation and reconciliation, as suggested by the image of "the lamb and the lion lying with the lass in the grass at dawn." This moment of harmony and unity amidst adversity offers a glimmer of hope and a vision of peace that the singer holds onto, even as they acknowledge the fragility of their faith. The underlying message of the song seems to be a call for resilience, unity, and the enduring power of belief in navigating the complexities of the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
I have faith in these desolate times
I still believe in better days despite the current situation
A roar down the road of a rumbling war
The loud and unsettling noise of a war approaching
A chill from the eyes of a man of political skill
Feeling discomfort from the actions of a skilled politician
I have faith but for how much longer?
Questioning how much longer belief can be maintained in difficult times
It seems to me, bitter trees, full of fleas
Observing unpleasant situations full of problems
Summarily hold the branches
Taking control of the situation quickly
People we, falling leaves, watching thieves
Seeing others take advantage of the situation
Stealing keys, to our ranches
Taking away our freedom and control
A score to the sound of the feet of a journeyman's tour
A sound track to the steps of a skilled worker's journey
A feel and a hope and belief that man's peace will be still
Having a sense of hope that peace will prevail
The village green, people seen, full of beans
The lively village square filled with energetic people
Imagining the course of action
Thinking about the best plan of action
And in between, shopping scenes, plasticine
In the midst of everyday life, materialistic and superficial
Suburban dreams, an empty faction
The dreams of suburban life feeling unfulfilled
Show fear, and the smoke of a gun trigger pulling finger pressure comes near
Fear causing tension and the threat of violence to escalate
Before long, the lamb and the lion may lie with the lass in the grass at dawn
A peaceful coexistence between unlikely companions may occur
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: TERENCE TRENT D'ARBY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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