Born in Manhattan, Donny Goines spent his youth going back and forth between Philly, the Bronx, and Harlem. An incarcerated father and a mother recovering from drug addiction meant that Donny would be left to fend for himself and exposed to the allure of the streets at an early age

Ingrained with a street mentality that some can only imitate, Donny knew that to fill the holes in his life, something had to change, something had to happen. His energies had to focus on a positive to avoid the negative. Having been forced to grow up fast, Donny realized in his searching that music was his solace. With an obvious interest in performing, writing and freestyling, Hip-Hop became a more prominent aspect of Donny’s life, it became his salvation.

Putting pen to paper allowed him a release from his real world; yet aware that what he penned people would relate to. Always having to be one step ahead of permanent hardship and in control of his own destiny meant adjustments had to be made.

Having joined the navy in 2000 Donny found himself unable to adhere to the restrictions and conventions that it set forth. He knew his heart was in music, he knew proving himself over the abundance of aspiring artists out there was not going to be easy. But Donny Goines wasn’t ready to fall prey to a life in a place where he didn’t want to be. He was going to make sure he was heard, he was here to be heard.

So leaving the navy after three years, Donny immersed himself within the music industry. This was to become his saving grace; the freedom which music allowed let him voice his frustrations in rhyme. All his life Donny Goines has wanted something better. One thing never under-estimated about him though is just how hard he is going to work for that ‘something better.’

So with a thorough understanding of what real work is about; Donny Goines realized that out there in cyberspace there was a profusion of people who may be able to add some guidance to the mission he was on. A chance meeting online with the late Disco D had the producer take the role of mentor to Donny Goines. And around the same time opportunity knocked again and he met his now manager, ‘Hannibal’ Jack Danz.

CEO of Hookz, Rhymez & Singles, ‘Hannibal’ saw in Donny the mirror image of what Disco D had. Donny was consistent, he was eager and his passion for Hip-Hop couldn’t be ignored. All this combined with an undeniable talent was a formula that any manager aspires to find in an artist.

Blessed him with knowledge, guidance and Donny took on board all the lessons he was taught, the invaluable information that was bequeathed to him from the duo. With D and his manager ‘Hannibal’ Jack Danz supporting his quest, Donny was in a position many people can only dream of. But the devastating loss of not only a mentor but a friend when Disco D took his own life had Donny re-evaluating his position.

Knowing that Disco D would not want him to dwell on what was gone; Donny immersed himself in music. There was not enough hours in his day to do what he and his manager wanted to do. Determined to expose Donny to the world, the partnership that has evolved between the two as time has marched and the results they have seen is what many unsigned artists hope to achieve for themselves.

The duo have utilized marketing tools such as the internet and Myspace.com allowing Donny’s music to be heard beyond the state lines of New York and the confines of the USA. Allowing fans to download his music for free has encouraged a solid fan base across the globe.

He has delivered solid performances at infamous New York industry events, allowing people to see that he is not just a studio rapper. He wowed the audience at the legendary Faces in the Crowd showcase held in New York City. “There is nothing better than seeing people react to you when you perform on stage. When you get a New York crowd rocking, you know you are doing something really right.”

Only this week Donny was the opener for the notorious Breeding Ground showcase during AllHipHop week at SOBs in lower Manhattan. Having appeared on the Breeding Ground in only May of this year this was a great achievement for Donny. He appeared alongside fellow New York rapper Joell Ortiz, M.O.P and amongst numerous other Breeding Ground Alums. Many wish for a chance to stand on that stage but only few are fortunate to garner such a position

Donny prides himself on being a rapper who relates to what fans require. He isn't afraid to put out music for free, he isn't afraid to perform without charging; he knows that to engage fans with his words and his ability, these measures have to be taken.

Now as he gears up to release his new project "The Excerpt" Pg. 1, Donny Goines is proving to the industry, his fans and most importantly himself that his talent never falters, his grind never ceases and he would be a welcomed addition to any label’s roster; given half a chance.