Friends Of The Mercer: Donny
What are you currently working on?
“Silent Partner, a Creator infrastructure company that builds the foundation early-stage artists and creatives need to scale. Also, a streetwear brand called 'Build Never Beg' that I started with my bros Trey, Keesh and Pote.“
What's one piece of advice you'd give to others?
“It's not who you know, it's what you're known for. I see a lot of young creatives chase rooms before they're ready to be in them. Know where you are in your development and pace yourself, you have forever to do this shit.“

What makes New York so great for you?
“I'm from the South, where all I really knew growing up was Black, white or Mexican, and if you didn’t have a car, you're stuck. New York is the most accessible and diverse place I've ever been. In one day, with $15 for train fare, you can stand where Malcolm X spoke in Harlem, Wall St and Soho That kind of access was the missing piece for a lot of great people where I’m from.”
What's something you're looking forward to?
“Everything we have mapped out for 2027. Build Never Beg pop-ups in Atlanta, New York and LA. Funding partners for Silent Partner so we can invest capital in 100 artist companies, while also expanding my own brand with video interviews, curated panels at NYU, a couple Bars & Books discussions on my favorite albums in partnership with Brooklyn Public Library”
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