Mental health advocate and hip-hop musician/producer Gengis Don is a man on a mission. Aiming to remove the taboo while raising awareness on the complexities of mental health in Black communities, the multi-talented musician is using his voice to amplify and inspire. PopWrapped are delighted to premiere Gengis Don’s inspiring new single, “Power” featuring Kumbaya and we caught up with the versatile musician to find out more about his new music, creative process and the lessons he’s learned on the way.
Today you are premiering your single “Power” which comes out tomorrow. Tell us about the single and the meaning behind the song if you would please.
“Power” is a song that focuses on a specific way we cope with mental health issues. The power of the tongue and being able to speak to someone, whether that someone is a friend, professional, etc. It features vocalist/MC Kumbaya, who’s a Brooklyn Native.
What do you hope your listeners take away from this track?
I wanted to kind of bring to the listener’s attention that it’s ok to discuss your issues and what you’re going through mentally and emotionally with someone. It doesn’t have to be a taboo topic.
What do you find is the most important part of your creative process? What is the most challenging?
Remembering that the music I create really isn’t for me. I’m a vessel and my gift is music. The most challenging part a lot of the time can be just getting started. As creatives we sometimes put additional pressure on ourselves to make every song be better than the next.
You studied Jazz in college, how has the genre inspired the music you make? Who are some jazz musicians you feel don’t get enough recognition?
Jazz has shaped my ear harmonically. Knowing what chords will work for XYZ. Also, jazz has helped my rhythm tremendously because there’s a natural swing in my production that I kind of have. I’m a huge advocate for bands led by drummers. We sometimes don’t get enough credit as writers. So, some of my favorite musicians who I also don’t think get enough credit and recognition are mostly drummers: Norman Connors, Victor Lewis, Chris Dave, D’antoni Parks.
Throughout your musical career, you have worked with some major heavy hitters. What has been the biggest career highlight thus far? What is or are the biggest lesson(s) you’ve learned along the way?
To be honest, I think forming my own band and playing in Festivals and Major NYC venues has been my biggest career highlight. Being a side man for a major artist has its benefits: less responsibility, good pay, traveling the world, etc. However, your name isn’t who the fans came to see. Being able to lead my own band that has my name on it knowing that people came to see me, is a feeling that can’t be duplicated.
Your album Sweet Pea comes out on July 16th and features various rising talented artists. How do you find up and coming acts? Is there anything particular you seek out in an artist or collaborator?
I want to eventually own my own record label and sign artists, so I’ve been developing my ear for talent over the years. It just so happens that majority of the time, I end up developing relationships with these artists, and now many of them are my close friends in the industry.
You’ve been playing instruments since you were a youth, are there any past instructors you look up to? What qualities did they have that you admire?
Certainly. I only had one drum teacher growing up. His name was Leslie Ming. One of the funkiest drummers you’ve probably never heard of. He’s most famous for playing drums on the Juicy Record. You know, the joint Biggie Sampled with P-Diddy – yeah that was Leslie on drums.
Do you follow a process or ritual before a performance? Any tips on getting rid of nerves or performance anxiety?
To be completely honest, I don’t really get nervous when I’m about to perform. It’s more of a stress reliever and escape from reality for me than anything else.
What are some of your musical goals?
To win a Grammy by 2024. To start my own record label and sign talent I really enjoy. Also to be able to allow myself and my family to live comfortably from my accomplishments in music.
Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
Remember that the best way to live is through serving others. If there’s anything that I want my fans to take away from my music, it’s that.
Give “Power” a listen below and for more information on Gengis Don, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
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