Meet Multi-Faceted Musician & Thought Leader Donelle Valentine
Despite the multiplicity of genres that exist today, R&B music is a safe bet. Everyone should put a little R&B in their life regardless of mood, day or situations. Born and raised in the slums of the South Bronx where rap is embedded and while combining the most effective R&B intonations, Donelle Valentine invites you to a soft lightness and hard melodies. Once merely a fan of the Hip Hop culture but now an active participant, Donelle embodies heavy hooks that create anthems both as a rapper and singer.
Today, the thought leader and multi-faceted musician comes through for a Hype Off Life exclusive, where he hit on topics like surviving the South Bronx, feeling preyed upon by prominent figures in the industry and big plans for the future. Tap in below and be sure to follow up at @donelle.valentine to stay up to date.
What was it like for you growing up in the South Bronx?
Growing up and living in the South Bronx, on 163rd street and 3rd avenue, was wild. I can honestly say that despite the struggles and hardships my family and I faced, I enjoyed my upbringing. But I unfortunately, did see a lot of violence at an early age, in which most children in the hood and neighborhoods alike, become accustomed to.
How does your upbringing shape your perspective and sound as an artist?
My experiences have taught me how gritty and lovely the world can be simultaneously. I’m so grateful to God, that in the mist of shootouts, gang violence, drug dealings, and sex trafficking... that my home wasn’t a broken home. I think the relationship that my step father and mother had as a married couple shaped my songs about, courting a woman, the emphasis for monogamy, healing, and healthy displays of love in relationships.
Yea, we had issues like any other family and monetary issues being the biggest, but some of my friends didn’t have that luxury. And so I think I’ve also adopted this conscious style of storytelling, and depicting some of the hard truths that are presently happening in our society. Whether recalling my near death experiences or living vicariously through my peers I think it’s important to see how raw my people and I are living.
What stretches your creativity the most - rapping or singing?
I would have to say singing! I think the right melody can create an entire song! The difficulty with that is trying not to be repetitive or knowing when to place harmonies and recognizing when it’s not needed. I just think there’s a lot more work being done! You’re essentially conducting and orchestrating a song with your vocal arrangements. And I’m not even mentioning the time it takes once you include vocal effects.
What do you love most about each art form?
I love that there’s so much emotion in each art form. I’m only 25 years old but I grew up listening to Mary J Blige and DMX because of my mother, and they were early inspirations for me in my love for music. But every song was impactful to me because of their tone of voice, raw lyrics and emotion. My favorite artists today embody that as well.
We live an age where social currency grants us access and privileges, to what feels like the next level in our careers or the next step to major notoriety
When did you know music was your calling?
I think it really became abundantly clear that this is what I wanted to do, about two years ago. I was rapping off and on, learning about music production as well as creating my own songs and I had a friend, a female rapper by the name of Lish Speaks ,who was actively pursuing the life of an artist and her drive influenced me to stay consistent. So, I started working with her and producer, Marc James. Eventually, I went and purchased my own equipment to cut studio cost. I told myself that, “I’m gonna stick with this”, and so far I have.
In your opinion, what is the most challenging aspect of being an independent artist?
There are so many challenges being an independent artist, but the biggest one that I’ve noticed with myself and other artists, have been the level of engagement we receive. Now, I’m not only speaking specifically about social media and “fan engagement”, that’s difficult as well. But I’m also referring to building connections with label heads, A&R’s and other artist.
In my opinion, we live in an age where social currency grants us access and privileges, to what feels like the next level in our careers or the next step to major notoriety. With this system in place, I see that we tend to disregard talent and unfortunately, I think that popularity can overshadow work ethic sometimes. No disrespect to those who have “made it work”, but I think in the genre of rap and R&B, there are hidden gems that could use the artist development of a major label, or could use their professional promotion and marketing schemes and overall, just more limelight.
Instead, we get taken advantage of and often preyed upon by bigger names within the industry. I’ve been contacted via Instagram by Fat Joe and even DMX for these “opportunities”. Artists like myself will have to pay enormous amounts of money for “mixtape placements” that generate low plays or pay to be placed on a page for a limited time which equates minimal views. It’s sad to see that we’re being exploited in this way by the very artist we grew up idealizing.
Would you ever sign a deal?
I would love to sign a deal if the contract is conducive to what I’m working toward in my career. I would love to be signed as both an artist and writer. But God willing, I can blow up without major label help.. I’m cool with that too!
You grew up as a Hip Hop fan first. Which rap albums fall into your Top 3?
Sheesh, tough question but I have to say (in no order):
- Jay-Z : The Black Album
- 2Pac: All Eyez On Me
- DMX: It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot
So, you just dropped a new single, “Time 2 Waste”, which is a huge vibe. What type of emotions were you trying to communicate on the track?
On this song, I’m speaking on subject of monogamy once more, and just the intentionality women deserve within a relationship. I’m helping them to see that their time, their love, and who they are worth the wait. So don’t rush into a relationship with someone who can’t reciprocate what you prioritize and value within a relationship and with someone who has no intentions on ever taking the relationship further. Guys like that are so corny to me, hence the lyrics, “I doubt you want a lame”.
How did you link with it’s producers, Goodsickbeats and Katapullt?
I actually found them online. Ive been looking for new sounds and came across this beat and I had to purchase it. I got in contact with them and was able to create this song that we all really enjoyed.
Are you working on any other new music we should keep an eye out for?
Yes! I have a project coming out hopefully within the next two months, entitled “Cameroon”. No love songs on this one, this is a more upbeat and conscious project that’ll be addressing some of the social injustices within today’s society and just overall, 2020.
2021 is right around the corner. What are your intentions going into the new year?
Heading into the new year I just plan to be more productive and consistent. And I recognize that I can't do any of those things without a healthy mind, seeking help and getting the healing that I need. 2020 has been a tremendously rough year for everyone and I think that I have learned how important it is to prioritize family and all the things we love but also living to preserve our future.
What are you most thankful for in 2020?
I’d have to say I’m thankful to just be alive and well.
Anything else we should know?
Yes! Please continue to follow me on Instagram my page is always active. In addition to working on this project I will be releasing singles within the next couple of months that will be on a project but I’m also dropping to songs in the meantime, unrelated to the EP just to hold my fans over.
