ABM- So how'd you get your rap name?
My rap name came from Don the Player, so I abbreviated it to Don P AKA Donny Pimpin!! It also comes from my real name Don. I was born a Don.
ABM- Where you from?
I'm from Oakland California, born in San Francisco. I was raised on East 23rd, in the dubbs.
ABM- What are some of the experiences you have growing up there?
I saw all the big time drug dealers growing up. I saw the hustle. I seen crack hit real hard, and I seen a mutherfucker get shot in the face with a shotgun, 12 gage, right in front of me. That isn't all that I've seen. I knew in life I was gonna have some struggles, so I knew in life that I'd have to focus on my hustle.
ABM- Ok, so on to the music side of you'r life, what are you currently working on?
I got my album, "Talkin Bout Money" on iTunes. I also got my new album, "Mob Boss" coming out soon. I also got a new mixtape coming with Shadyville G Unit DJ Young Carvelli called "Money Motivated Part Two - Swagg-O-nomics". I also got a hot new record out thats gone viral titled "Havin Money", which features E40 and Mac Shawn 100, who was recently signed to Snoop Dog's Doggystyle Records. I got a bunch of hot new records to look out for. I also got another hot street banger called "Chippers" featuring 40 Glocc. Also on 40 Gloccs new music video "Welcome to California", which was featured on MTV Jams. I also got a new album coming with my homie Rich Money Cashanova, called "Kush Hour", which features my homies Nump Trump, and Mack B, with dope production by Rich Money, check him out. I am also featured on a bunch of new records in the bay area, Aftahsum & Lil Rue Album, and a new album with Lee Majors.
ABM- Whats some of the high points you've had in your career?
My high points, definitely working with some major artists like Keyshia Cole, Dwayne Wiggins of Tony Toni Tone, going oversea's out of the country. First time I left outta the country to do a show felt real good. I went up to Vancouver Canada, that was the first time I ever left the country, that was real good. Just seeing the fans appreciate my music. The biggest high points is when fans come up to me and tell me they appreciate my music and that they like it. Another high point was working with Collin Tilly, for my video "Distractions" featuring The Jacka, which won a west coast hip hop award. I see he won a MTV Music Video Award with Justin Bieber. It was dope working with him…we actually did four videos together. We did "Distractions", "VIP", and "Lil Mama" featuring Mistah Fab, and one other.
ABM- What influences you to go forward with your music?
I just love doing this shit. I love music. I love making dope records. I love hearing good music, and shit…you know. I really do this shit for people like me who just want a better life. For the average little nigga, who wants a better life. Who's lived it and seen it, I do it for people like them really. Thats what motivates me. Theres little guys like me coming up who want to live a better life, so they motivate me to go forward with my music.
ABM- Where can people find you?
Find me on Twitter @DonPlaya, on iTunes, and Facebook/DonPlaya, YouTube.com/TheRealDonP, and my website TheRealDonP.com
ABM- Any last words or shout outs?
Shout out to Jazzy from Jazzy Management, who works with Blu Division and Cash Money, I'm real happy to be working with him right now. Also looking forward to lighting shit up for 2012, it's the MOB.