“Before 2006, I had never heard of YouTube,” says the Texas native, who was introduced to the site by a friend. “I went up there to watch a fight that had happened at my school. I didn’t know people were singing on it.”
On a whim, Dondria bought a webcam and decided to upload a singing video of her own. Her choice: an a cappella version of Musiq Soulchild’s “Love.” Within two weeks, the video earned over 1,000 views and garnered tons of encouragement from visitors. Inspired, Dondria began searching for instrumentals that she could videotape herself singing along to. At the request of her rapidly growing online fan base, she posted various clips of herself covering songs from “Diary” by Alicia Keys to Rihanna’s “Unfaithful.”
However, it was her stirring rendition of Ciara’s “Promise” – which received over a million views – that took the budding singer from homebound diva to a complete Internet sensation.
“I thought to myself, ‘Wow, I really have something here,’” remembers Dondria of the overwhelming response to the video. “I didn’t get on YouTube to get a record deal. I was just having fun. But when I saw the feedback I was getting, I realized that a lot of people really liked my voice.”
One of those people happened to be So So Def CEO Jermaine Dupri, who tried for several weeks to connect with Dondria on both YouTube and MySpace. Thinking Dupri’s messages were from an impostor, Dondria initially ignored them. “I would get emails all the time from people claiming to be this or that. Most of the time, when I’d blow them off, they’d never hit back. But Jermaine persisted, so I called him up one day and the rest is history.”
Dupri flew the singer and her mom to Atlanta for what Dondria thought was a session with Jagged Edge to make a YouTube video. However, Dupri surprised the young artist by offering her a contract.
“JD was so extra cool,” she recalls. “He just walked over to me, and asked if I was ready. My answer was, ‘I was born ready.’” Officially signing with So So Def in 2007, Dondria, then 20 years old, had a record deal.
And to think, merely a year prior, the Southern songbird was just another small town girl from Sachse, Texas who got her start in music at the age of four by singing in church. “My entire family sang, but I didn’t get passionate about singing until middle school when my choir teacher suggested I take voice lessons.” Dondria took voice lessons, competed in talent shows and over the years studied the likes of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Etta James. She even spent a year at Tarleton State University as a music education major.
All of these experiences prepared Dondria for her long-awaited debut album Dondria vs. Phatfffat. Channeling her natural talent and years of training, Dondria pours her heart and soul into her first single, “You’re the One.” Written and produced by Dupri and veteran songwriter/producer Bryan Michael Cox, “You’re the One” is a timeless throwback to classic R&B and the perfect track to showcase Dondria’s range and vocal maturity.
“Dondria is like a young Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey or Alicia Keys,” says Dupri. “There is nothing that the girl can’t sing.”
Longtime Dupri collaborator and singer/songwriter Johnta Austin also sings her praises. “Dondria has a soulfulness that is just crazy,” says Austin, who recorded a duet with Dondria entitled “Crazy About Your Love.” “There hasn’t been a voice like hers since SWV. When we were working together, I was impressed by how natural she was.”
Her debut album released August 17th, 2010, Dondria vs Phatfffat – (“Phatfffat” is a nickname she picked up in college as a contrast between her skinny physique and ravenous appetite for food) – features a diverse mix of soulful ballads, real R&B and straight up dance records.
“I’m so in love with this album,” Dondria gushes. “You can play it from start to finish without stopping. I love the feedback I’ve been getting from my fans.”
If you haven’t purchased your copy of the album yet, you are missing a treat. Dondria updates a number of online pages daily with content – from a cappellas to covers to silly behind-the-scenes moments – and really leverages the power of the Internet to maintain her relevance and grow her million-plus fan base.
Subsequently, Dondria’s keen understanding of social networking coupled with her raw talent and charisma set her apart in the music industry and is a sure sign that this rising star will be around for a long time.
“As an artist, you need to utilize every aspect of putting yourself out there,” says Dondria. “YouTube made it so easy. It allowed me to show the world the ‘real me’ – my real voice, pitch and presence. Now, with So So Def, I have the opportunity to become a real R&B artist and live a dream. And I’m loving every minute of it.”
Let's Go
Dondria Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Verse 1:]
Baby something just comes over me
When were together and the mood is just
Right it's like I'm losin my mind it makes me
Wanna stop time so we can enjoy this
Moment all night now I'm in love with you
Are from the way you smile yo swagg the way you walk
That's enough to make me take you home and show you a good time
Let's watch a movie take a shower relax and unwind
[Chorus: x2]
Let's go nobody has to kno what we do when
We do how we do our thang
Just do it nice and slow
And make me lose control
Cause I've been feenin for you
To come have your way
[Verse 2:]
Baby don't keep me waitin I'm
Inticipating this night with you
You got me feelin rite and you lookin
Kinda nice I got the music playin
Why don't you show me how you move
Now I'm ready to go baby just take control
I kno tonite will be a nite we won't
Forget I got some things to show you
Places I wanna go so let's get to it baby you
Ready on your mark
Get set gooooooooooo...
[Chorus x2]
[Hook:]
Baby I'm waitin for you
Baby I'm craving for you
Inticipating for your love
No time for playin baby
Don't keep me waitin baby
Let's go I wanna make love with you
[Chorus x2]
The song "Let's Go" by Dondria is a sensual love song that expresses the longing and anticipation of two people coming together to enjoy each other's company. The opening lyrics, "Baby something just comes over me, When we're together and the mood is just, Right it's like I'm losin my mind" immediately sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer becomes lovesick and infatuated with their partner and wishes to prolong the moment. As the song progresses, the singer's desire to "show you a good time" becomes increasingly intense as they urge their partner to "make me lose control."
The chorus repeats the title phrase, "let's go," referencing the duo's romantic encounter. The second verse shares how the singer desired their partner and how their partner's charm and appeal are a perfect fit for them. They anticipate the night together and wish to have the time of their life, with the singer urging their partner to take the lead, promising it'll be a night they won't forget. The repetitions of the phrase "ready, set, go" build up to the climactic moment that they both await.
The hook refers to the buildup of the song and the need for the two to be intimate, with the singer declaring their anticipation for their partner. Overall, the lyrics speak about the desire and excitement of two individuals who want to be intimate with each other, and the sense of urgency and longing they experience for that to happen.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby something just comes over me
Being around you has a strong effect on me.
When were together and the mood is just Right it's like I'm losin my mind it makes me Wanna stop time so we can enjoy this Moment all night
When we're in sync, I feel like I'm losing my grip on time and I want to stay in this moment with you forever.
now I'm in love with you And everythin you do and everything you Are from the way you smile yo swagg the way you walk
I've fallen in love with every single aspect of you: your smile, your walk, your style, everything about you.
Let's watch a movie take a shower relax and unwind
Let's spend some quality time together doing simple, enjoyable things like watching a movie, taking a shower and just relaxing.
Let's go nobody has to kno what we do when We do how we do our thang Just do it nice and slow And make me lose control
Let's be spontaneous and enjoy each other's company without worrying about anyone else. We can take it slow and let ourselves get lost in the moment.
Cause I've been feenin for you To come have your way
I've been craving you and eagerly waiting for you to take charge and make a move.
Baby don't keep me waitin I'm Inticipating this night with you
I'm looking forward to spending the night with you and can't wait any longer.
Now I'm ready to go baby just take control I kno tonite will be a nite we won't Forget
I'm ready and willing to let you lead the way tonight. I know it's going to be unforgettable.
I got some things to show you Places I wanna go so let's get to it baby you Ready on your mark Get set gooooooooooo...
I have exciting things planned for us and I'm ready to share them with you. Let's get this night started, I'm ready when you are!
Baby I'm waitin for you Baby I'm craving for you Inticipating for your love No time for playin baby Don't keep me waitin baby
I can't wait any longer to be with you and show you how much I crave your love. Don't keep me waiting, let's get going.
Contributed by Aaliyah M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
jenny rawles
i love all those songs that you recorded before the deal! they are amazing they need to be on your new record!
NikDaChic
AWW MAN, i almost forgot how many Dallas hits you had, this was also one of my favorites. If you have anymore in that vault of yours keep em coming! - Nikki
Lyandra01
Love it! Sounds like it might be a song that could stand the test of time.
DeviaLadawnJ
Still listening in 2018!!! And forever more. Love dondria.!
Micae7
This is my new fav original from u thus far; loved it to the max!! I can't wait till you realease ur cd.
Kat F
I luv it, this is my type of music u got a really nice voice hope u go further in ur new career best wishes 2 u
SerferTJ
Beautiful song! It has kind of a Beyonce/Destiny's Child kind of vibe to it. But I would immediately buy this if this were put on iTunes!
Samuel Richardson
Dondira I enjoy your music. Keep singing and keep smiling.
Adarine Fenton-Rainer
Loving the song....can't wait to see what else you have for us to hear.
KissedByNIsland
i love this song! omggg its my fav are ya'll debating on putting it on the album?....JD we need this on the album..i love this song