By Angela Valente Romeo
Sometimes our destiny seems predetermined. Other times we create our own destiny. Other times it seems to be a mix of both.
Khan (a.k.a. Donald Brown) was born to perform. His parents are both in the arts. His mother, Aneka Brown, is an interior design associate and owner of the former Aneka Brown Gallery in Palm Springs. Even with the pedigree, Khan struck out on his own path.
As a child Donald played the flute. While few rap artists are known for their classical training, it provide the background for his love of the arts. Donald acted in musical theater. Even in the iconic role of the Tin Man in the musical production of The Whiz, Donald added his own twist. This Tin Man was popping and locking with a street vibe that was far removed from the Tin Man of Nipsy Russell. A graduate of Palm Springs High School (2013), Donald’s gift for word play made him popular in the local rap/hip hop community. Honing his skills Donald went on to create his own rap lyrics.
Not content to be a performer, Donald is studying Sound Engineering. Armed with these skills, he arranges and produces his own music. His recording label, African Violets, has begun to produce other artists as well.
Donald’s self-produced projects show his versatility. His latest release 95Till Infinity is a combination of 90’s old school rap, R&B and hip hop. The lyrics, however, are contemporary commentaries that are bringing Donald/ Khan to the attention of the rap community.
“My influences are as diverse as me. I have a connection to the old school through the eclectic types of music I grew up listening to at home. Music was all around – from the sounds of Nina Simone to Fela Kuti to Roy Ayers and everything in between. But the past is the past, I am the now. I want to show that Khan is the real thing,” said Donald. “I am very aware of the world around me – from Ferguson to desert Hot Springs. I want to be a voice.”
Donald is very involved in his community. “Giving back is an important part of my upbringing. Charity is more than words. It is action. I walk in the yearly MS Walk-a-thon to honor my aunt who lives with this disease. I produced a maxi single and donated 100% of the proceeds to Team Carolyn MS Walk 2015. We are a community when we share regardless of race, religion or physical condition.”
But it is music where Donald is making his impact felt. Why music? “Music is powerful,” continued Donald. “It can move people. It can cause a reaction. It can say a lot in minutes. I have something to say. People always want to compare an artist, especially a new artist like myself, to someone else. Comparisons may be flattering but I am Khan. I am ready to stand on my own and be judged by the music I create. This beginning is just that – a beginning. I have much to offer and have only just begun the journey.”
To learn more Donald Brown/Khan visit www.facebook.com/KHANTHEKID.
