Written by Alexandria Anglade
JHONDONA’s journey into music began not with a grand plan, but in a moment of crisis. For years, people urged him to take his talent seriously, yet he dismissed the notion as a long-shot fantasy. It wasn’t until life bottomed out that his perspective changed. At rock bottom, he discovered there was nothing he’d rather do—whether it made him a fortune or simply gave him a way to breathe. Music became a path to endure the days he once dreaded, and in that lowest place, JHONDONA found himself.
When it comes to creating, he likes to freestyle first. Letting raw thoughts and feelings guide him, he plays around with new sounds and genres, then reworks the lyrics for clarity. He’ll polish the track with multiple recordings, punching in where he feels a line is lacking. Unlike artists who thrive in a packed studio, JHONDONA prefers just him and the producer, embracing an intimate environment that keeps the focus squarely on the song’s spirit.
He describes his sound as an intersection of hip hop and classic rock, conjuring feelings of nostalgia—those moments in life you’d relive if you could. There’s a “new school VH1” vibe to his tracks, a certain familiarity blended with modern flair. He credits a wide range of inspirations, from Missy Elliott and Pharrell to Juicy J, XXXTentacion, and Kid Cudi. What draws him most are the boundary-pushers—artists who aren’t afraid to be outlandishly creative, blazing their own trails.
The emotional undercurrent in JHONDONA’s music is vulnerability. He urges listeners to immerse themselves in their pain or frustration but also to avoid remaining stuck in that darkness. Life is hard, but the smallest hit of love or happiness can break the cycle. That duality—feeling every ounce of hurt while still maintaining hope—is at the heart of his work. He wants people to know they’ll be all right, even when everything feels off-balance.
His biggest hurdle has often been himself. He’ll ride waves of loving and hating his craft, a cycle that comes from pouring everything into what he does. Yet, he’s found ways to battle those internal doubts, such as setting weekly and monthly music goals. He performs open mics at spots like Eden Lounge, Chronic Guru, Plush Studios, and Fame and Fortune Studios, all while generating buzz for his upcoming EP, Heartbreaks & Headaches, set to drop on April 1st in memory of his friend Samuel “Jr” Metellus.
For JHONDONA, the most rewarding aspect so far is the evolution he’s undergone—growing from the kid freestyling at house parties to the artist who meticulously crafts his tracks, books shows, and lives in every musical moment. This sense of progress feels like a gift to both his present and future self, reassuring him that he’s on the right path.
Looking ahead, he envisions touring, hitting festivals, and amassing a loyal following that can’t be ignored. Taking vocal lessons and learning to produce or engineer his own work are next on the list, along with gathering a team that can open new doors. Personally, he thrives on experiences, harnessing life’s thrills to feed his art. Every success, every struggle, and every chance he takes further shapes his story—one that he’s determined to keep writing on his own terms.
Instagram: @jhondona_
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