Don Neil Interview
Perception is a powerful thing. Be it powerful or negative, it has the ability to shape how we think and feel. Baltimore’s own Don Neil, a rapper with a conscious lean, is aware of the potential impact his music can make. Armed with a positive message, Neil is working to paint his hometown of Baltimore in a positive light through songs that leave listeners smiling. Vivid Seats spoke with the upbeat artist about his music, BMORE and his future ambitions.
Vivid Seats: Tell us your story. Who is Don Neil?
Don Neil: Don Neil to me is the person I want to be; the guy, the friend you can always count on to make you smile. I’ve been creating music since I was about 16, but I got my first real look into music when I was 20. After experimenting with a lot of sounds I found the message I want to give.
VS: Your hometown of Baltimore is an important part of your identity. What does Baltimore mean to you?
DN: Baltimore means everything. It’s where I achieved and learned a lot of things I didn’t think were possible. Just like the city’s nickname, you can BMORE.
VS: You cite Kid Cudi and J. Cole as influences. What have you learned from their music and what aspects of their music have you incorporated into your own?
DN: What I learned from J.Cole and Kid Cudi is that you should be a big brother figure to others. Their music reflects what a lot of people are going through inside and instead of making sad music about it they say words of encouragement to let you know to keep going. So I take that aspect from them, I strive to be the beacon of hope someone needs to become a better version of themselves. We need more smiles in this world.
VS: You’ve got a positive message in your music. What inspires you?
DN: My upbringing, I guess it could be considered a typical Baltimore upbringing. I grew up around a lot of street related activities, and I don’t want to repeat the same things I grew up seeing. My inspiration comes from within to show people who grew up like me that they aren’t cursed to that lifestyle and that you can follow your dreams, your heart, and do something better.
VS: You recently worked with Chicago’s Lyrical Lemonade. How important was that co-sign for you?
DN: That co-sign means a lot to me because in 2015 I went to one of the Chance the Rapper’s open mic nights and met some other great people in Chicago. I knew since then that I always wanted to be included in the Chicago scene. I’m super grateful to make a personal connection with Elliot for giving my music a listen and being a supporter since. It’s really exciting to become friends with those you have a fan view point about. It’s inspiring.
VS: As we start a new decade, what sort of changes do you think we can expect in hip-hop?
DN: Personally, I think the positive music scene is going to get bigger because of all the drugs and sadness going on. As we’re getting older I believe people will want music that will inspire them.
VS: What’s next for Don Neil?
DN: The next thing on my agenda is continuing to expand my team and build upon the foundation I started. With that being said, albums, videos, the whole nine yards. I’m going to make sure Baltimore gets known for something positive.
Follow Don Neil on Instagram and SoundCloud