Long beach- based musician Donn John$on cemented his position as one of the most known underground artists from his city. 

Known for his out the box artistry and business savy mindset, Donn John$on is definitely an artist you shouldn’t sleep on. 

With childhood influences such as snoop dogg and lil wayne, Donn John$on recalls penning and setting his sights on a rap career as early as age 17. 

Donn John$on started off with hoop dreams and thought basketball would be his way to make it out the eastside of Long Beach. After high school he took a liking to music and decided he would pursue that instead. 

Around the age of 24 is when he really started taking music seriously and began releasing music videos such as “LA NIGHTS” and Go to work.” He also managed to get a Joe Moses feature and released a single titled “Westside in Me” in 2016. 

After seeing the reception for “Westside in Me” his hunger and passion to be one of the greats grew immensely. He started doing shows and showcases and opened up for artists like Bad Azz, RJ and Troy Ave just to name a few. 

“Performing is one of the best things about being an artist. It’s nothing like feeling the energy from the crowd, and seeing them react to all the hard work you put in from writing and recording songs.” - Says John$on in an interview with the Andsomemoreofit show on Dash Radio. 

After doing various shows, Donn John$on took a big chance and decided to headline his own events in 2018 and 2019 at the Federal Bar in Long Beach, CA. Both shows sold out and he gained even more respect in his city and from his peers. 

Fast forward to October, 2020 Donn John$on released a single titled “Touch It” featuring one of the hottest artist in LA Bino Rideaux. The song instantly became a hit and is close to 1 million streams across all streaming platforms. That is a big accomplishment for an independent artist and “Touch it” still gets played daily across the world. 

He also started up his own podcast is January, 2022 “Mawlz and Donn” and released his Debut Album “First of Many” the same month which has gained a lot of attention and praise from his following. 

It’s safe to say Donn John$on is one of the artist you should be on the lookout for and The sky is the limit. He also plans to release another project in June, 2022 called “The Follow Up.” Get used to the name, he will be around for a long time. 

Connect:

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/donn-john%24on/1464091431

Views: 94

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Atmosphere
Friday, Feb 13 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Kamaiyah
Saturday, Mar 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Juvenile
Friday, June 5 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
22 hours ago
realmuzik posted a discussion

The Hated Crew to Release Highly Anticipated Album “DNA” June 5th

More than just another project, DNA represents the core identity of The Hated Crew—its influences, struggles, sound, and artistic vision woven together into one cohesive body of work. The title itself reflects the idea that music is embedded in the group’s very makeup. Every track explores the elements that form their musical “genetic code”: rhythm, storytelling,…See More
yesterday
realmuzik posted a discussion

Cole Lumpkin Moves With the Music, Letting Life Shape Every Note

Cole Lumpkin doesn’t create from a distance. He creates from inside the moment. As a New York City native, his artistry reflects motion, curiosity, and constant self-interrogation. Music for Lumpkin isn’t something you step into once everything is figured out. It’s something you carry with you, refine on the move, and allow to grow alongside real life. A self-taught…See More
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Monday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
Monday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
Monday
Zofia P updated their profile
Sunday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted videos
Friday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

THROWBACK (2nd & 4th Wednesdays) featuring Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist at Hello Stranger Bar, Oakland

March 11, 2026 at 9pm to July 8, 2026 at 1:45am
WEDNESDAY, MAR 11 THROWBACK (2nd & 4th Wednesdays)Experience the ultimate Throwback party! 🎵 Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist spins all your fave jams from back in the day! 🕺 Featuring Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist (True Skool)at Hello Stranger Bar, 1724 Broadway, Oakland. Doors 8pm. DJ Set starts at 9pm. No cover!RSVP:…See More
Friday
realmuzik posted a discussion

“They Tried to Bury Me” — Wadena Drops ‘Bum Busta’ With Grammy Winner Zaytoven After Decade-Long Industry Feud, Brain Injury Recovery & Father’s Death

As Black History Month closes and Women’s History Month begins, a comeback story rooted in resilience, loss, and legacy is unfolding.The industry might want to pay attention.R&B singer Wadena has officially stepped back into the spotlight with her new single “Bum Busta,” produced by Grammy-winning Atlanta heavyweight Zaytoven — and the early numbers are turning…See More
Feb 26
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Prentice Grant: From Vauxhall to Legacy — The Rise of an Independent Hip-Hop Force

The first time Prentice Grant realized music could change his life, he was just a kid in Vauxhall, New Jersey, staring at the TV. Two kids not much older than him were on the screen — backwards clothes, fearless energy, commanding the world. It was Kris Kross performing “Jump.”And in that moment, something clicked.It wasn’t just the beat.It wasn’t just the crowd.It was the power.From that day forward, Prentice didn’t just listen to hip-hop — he became it.He sharpened his pen studying legends.…See More
Feb 26

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service