Donno - Greater Life

Formally known from being ½ of the groundbreaking rap duo MT Twins, Donno is now a solo artist. The former rap duo racked in over 100,000+ on several music videos and even hit a million on one before calling it one and going their separate ways. That’s actually insane, a million? I can only imagine how hard it was to transition from a group to a solo act when people are constantly reliving the moments of success from the former group. But the spotlight this week is just for Donno and his first solo project, “Greater Life.” We were lucky enough to have a couple of our questions answered and here’s a little about what Donno had to say about “Greater Life.” 

“Greater Life is all about helping people understand that there are more values to life than what the public promotes. It’s a fun but very chill project that expresses the inner thoughts over the past year, speaking on the importance of building closer relationships with family, keeping loved ones close, growing as a man and understanding the difference between the person I was and the person that I am today and even plan on becoming.” Believe it or not, it is reflected in the music. This project is extremely solid. Donno talked a little about the inspiration of the project, highlighting some of the struggles of being the underdog artist in terms of popularity. “I began writing the project about a month or so after the split up of the MT TWINS. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was capable of holding my own without 3xsimpson. Knowing that he was the more popular twin between the two of us, I wanted listeners to get to know me more as an artist. The style of music I like to create, the way I carry myself, even down to the message I give, I feel is completely opposite of what you would have heard from the MT TWINS. The sudden split up made me feel angry and betrayed but at the same time motivated me.” That’s real. If you’re not  able to speak your truth through music then what does that do for you as an artist? Not a damn thing. Greater Life took about three months to write and three months to record and now we have a masterpiece of a project. So let’s get into a few songs. Let’s talk about that.

Now I am not a fan of reviewing entire bodies of work and commenting on every single thing I hear. I think that it makes it less personable. I don’t think people like reading all of that in this type of setting. But y’all… this project is nicccce as hell like i’ve listened to it three times before even beginning to write. When I say this is a solid body of work, this is like next level. This doesn’t come off as “Milwaukee Music” or something that was just thrown together. Greater Life is intentional, nicely produced and arguably one of the best projects to come out of the city--ever. Yes, ever. I’ve heard a lot of music, a lot of wishful thinking music, the kind of music whereas you wannnnna like it and kindaaaaa sound goood but the bars kind’ve lame and the artist can’t catch the beat. Dis ain’t dat.

One of the songs I really enjoy on the project is Breathe, which is track 12. Here, Donno is expressing the anxiety that he gets from people always breathing down his back. He is essentially talking about needing to breathe because it’s always seemingly suffocating around other people. He is having conversations with himself while other people are giving unsolicited advice and I know that shit irritating ‘cause nobody asked y’all. There’s a lot of “how” questions and if you think you have some unsolicited advice to pass on, keep it. These questions are rhetorical. He basically said let him breathe, damn. Y’all doing a lot.

Another song I enjoy on this 12k Freestyle. This is definitely like a drake flow freestyle like if you listen to it, you’ll know what I mean. It’s fire. He just went in, nonstop. One of his favorite lines from this song is “I just wanna make this song cry / Indecisive thoughts, I hate changing my mind / I was dead at a point of time , I finally revived / Tryna change life for the friends who give family vibes.” Flame de la flame. 

It’s hard to even critique anything because this entire project is SOLID. From the bars to the multiple flows to these nice ass beats. THIS IS HOW YOU GO SOLO.

He does want his fans to get something out of this project. He says, “I want them to hear the difference between solo Donno and MT Donno. There are all sorts of different styles records on this project that I believe it’s something on there for everyone. I want listeners to relate to what I’m saying and not just sing along because it is a catchy record. You’ll hear me actually rapping way more than what fans have heard in the past and giving more bars. The goal of the tape is to motivate, education and inspire the youth!”

Well, I know i’m not the first to say this is incredible and I damn sure won’t be the last. You are destined for more man, this project is definitely the ticket. I am so proud of you bro. Stay on their necks and keep making great music. 

We love it here.

Stream Greater Life on all streaming services today with ya crusty self. Apple Music, Spotify, Youtube, allll det. YKWTFGO. “It’s vibe” and you’ll get the reference when you listen to track three. HANNN. See what I did there? 

HEY LOOK AT ALL THIS IMPORTANT SH*T

Instagram: @greaterlifedonno

Youtube: MT Twins (Donno’s videos are here)

/Imani for CW