DONI JO - The Waterman

DONI JO — “The Waterman” (from As It Was It Is)

“The Waterman” from DONI JO’s As It Was It Is album is a short but potent statement — a track that wastes no time setting its tone and leaving its mark. Ethereal soul samples and gritty drum loops form the foundation, creating a dusty, head-nod landscape that feels rooted in tradition while still sounding alive and present. It’s the kind of beat that speaks before a single bar is delivered.

Doni Jo slides effortlessly across the production with sharp, focused lyricism, finessing each line with the confidence of an MC who knows exactly who he is. There’s no excess here — just tight rhyme work, purposeful delivery, and an understanding of when to let the beat breathe. The contrast between the soulful textures and rugged drums gives the track a raw elegance that feels intentional and refined.

What really stands out is the respect for craft. The sample flips nod to crate-digging culture and the art of production, while the bars reinforce Doni Jo’s seriousness as a lyricist. “The Waterman” may be short and sweet, but it perfectly captures the spirit of As It Was It Is — a focused, soulful reflection that values hip-hop fundamentals, mood, and authenticity in equal measure.