Don Woodz: A Gentleman and a Gangsta Leading with Love

Written by Alexandria Anglade

From his earliest days growing up surrounded by music and emotion, Don Woodz was destined to become an artist. Between ages five and eight, he found inspiration through the music his aunts and older cousins listened to while babysitting him. He noticed how certain songs could alter moods and tell stories, sparking his own desire to write. By age eight, he was already crafting rhymes to escape the harsh realities of his city, unaware that he was building the foundation of a lifelong calling.

Over the course of thirty years, Don Woodz’s creative process has evolved alongside his growth as both an artist and a man. He wrote his first full song at age eleven about a girl he met at a skating rink, capturing youthful innocence and curiosity. As a teen, his music was raw and fueled purely by emotion, but in his twenties, he began to chase hits, a phase he admits felt forced despite strong lyricism. Now in his thirties, Don Woodz has returned to his roots. He listens deeply to each beat, studies its every curve, starts with the hook, and lets the rest of the song flow naturally from that core inspiration.

Growing up during the legendary Biggie and Pac era, Don Woodz credits Biggie Smalls as his first true influence, the reason he picked up a pen. Over time, he drew inspiration from icons like Rakim, Big L, DMX, Method Man, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Juelz Santana, and Lil Wayne, who remains his favorite rapper. His sound, initially dismissed by some in Florida for not fitting the “Miami sound,” has grown to reflect a universal love for music itself. From Linkin Park to Adele, reggae to jazz, Don Woodz is more than hip hop, he is the embodiment of sound and soul. He describes himself as an ancestral being and vessel for the universe, letting his creativity flow freely through his art.

At the heart of Don Woodz’s music lies a simple yet profound message: love. His songs explore humanity in all its forms, goofy, intelligent, emotional, spiritual, and resilient. He expresses a deep love for people, life, and music, even as he admits that love has been tested in recent years. Still, his mission remains clear, to promote unity and compassion in a world that often forgets both.

The road has not been easy. His recent single, To The Top featuring Slide Life 305, reveals the struggles he’s faced with record labels, financial hardship, broken friendships, and betrayal. Don Woodz reflects on the changes in hip hop over the years, feeling caught between old school authenticity and new school trends. As he says in his song, “I shoulda been a lil older, coulda came in the game when love was in it.”

Despite the challenges, Don Woodz finds his greatest reward on stage. Whether performing in intimate clubs like Burn, strip clubs like G5, or larger venues such as Marlins Stadium, he thrives off the crowd’s energy and connection. Performing, for him, is a celebration of purpose, a moment to share his story and feel the audience’s love in return.

If success were measured by material things, Don Woodz admits he might have two houses and two cars by now. But for him, music has always been about passion over profit. With over three decades in the game, he now focuses on writing for others and dreams of launching a record label to uplift the next generation of local stars. His catalog continues to expand with projects like A Gentleman and A Gangsta (out now), A Gangsta and A Gentleman releasing on Thanksgiving, and Allapattah Style Vol. 1 set to drop next year.

Don Woodz lives by three guiding principles: live, laugh, and love. He has built a respected name and catalog rooted in authenticity and heart. For him, music is not just an art, it’s a legacy.

Instagram: @whoizdonwoodz

https://www.youtube.com/@donwoodz