Seattle's Young Star Royell Raxx Is Latest Loss To Drug Epidemic

Seattle’s Young Star Donny D’usse Is Latest Loss To Drug Epidemic

UPDATE: 6/25/2019 – After releasing this story, Donavyn King’s family reached out and wanted to share what they loved about him with the community. Continue below for the original article.

A message from Donavyn’s family:

“Donavyn was fun, adventurous and loved trying new things. Not just an artist, he loved simple things like playing video games, shopping and spending quality time with his many friends and family. Donavyn will be remembered for his style of humor, his love for others, his infectious smile, and caring personality. “

Donavyn took great pride in being a big brother, uncle, friend and most importantly father to his daughter, Abigail, as well as the bundle of joy still on their way into the world with his other half, Riley. Donavyn loved his entire family with all his heart. His dad, Kelly King, and him shared an unbreakable bond that only grew stronger with time.

Though Donavyn’s death was sudden he left an everlasting mark on the people around him that shall never be forgotten. He will be sorely missed by his family and all his loved ones.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzE8RnfnO8T/

A message from Donny D’usse’s manager, mentor, and friend, Damion Reed:

“At this time, I think it’s most important to talk about how extremely talented he was. No doubt, he would have taken his music all the way to the top! He was loved by many and was known for his loyalty and a strong connection to family. He wasn’t in search of money or fame. He wanted to open up doors for all of his loved ones.

“Donny D’usse liked to have a good time but was very anti-drug and anti-drug culture. We are still unclear as to what happened. We do know, for sure, whatever happened was completely out of character for this young man. We ask that you celebrate his life and his love for all of you. His talents were unequaled and we have suffered a great loss in our community.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzGuyv4A131/


It’s with a heavy heart that I write this article, as another gifted young star has been lost to the drug epidemic. This article isn’t another cautionary tale, my dude, Donavyn King aka Donny D’usse formerly known as Royell Raxx wouldn’t want that. It is what he was, an absolute explicit disruption to your train of thoughts. Raw and uncut, both politely improper and brazenly in your face all from the most loving place you can imagine.

I had the pleasure of having Donavyn in the studio withTaane TV and on After Dark with James Street. He and his closest homie Scooter Bandz made an immediate impact on me. Effortlessly they would feed off each other in such a way that you knew they were meant for success at the highest level.

Leaving behind a young daughter, loving family, and an endless trail of impressions upon his community, enough good things can’t be said about this young man. His life has ended in tragedy while getting carried away as wild youth is known to do. I know if the more of leaders in our industry, the role models we emulate as creatives, focused their influence on glorifying a lifestyle that fed the soul more than the ego we’d lose fewer lives in needless ways.

Donny D’usse

donny d'usse

Too Late Could Come Any Second

Imagine you could get a message from someone who fucked up, a message from, “too late”, what would they say? I can’t even begin to speculate what Donavyn aka Donny D’usse would say. There is no coming back from too late and no one can replace you or him. He was one of a kind with the charisma and articulate wisdom far beyond his years.

There is an unprecedented upswing in recent times of what amounts to a lack of awareness resulting in tragic endings. We are losing people not just to drugs and alcohol but mental health, the streets, the police and so much more. The call is the same every time, we can all repeat it, we’ve been desensitized.

When Will This Time Be The Last Time?

Nipsey helping someone without security and getting caught up. XXX stunting on the gram and in public caught up. Mac Miller relapsing to old behavior and going too far. It’s no different for a relatively unknown artist or famous one. We get caught up in the moment. Whether in despair, anger, or joy, it amounts to losing sight of the big picture and ourselves in the moment.

Obviously, we are all susceptible to these moments, it is part of the human condition. Fact is, that it just happens more in our community than almost any other. Creatives buck the system and are often fighting the battle between letting go and finding control of the uncontrollable. The community has a responsibility to talk about this more and stop compartmentalizing these loses as isolated circumstance or incidents. The trend should be alarming and solutions need to be discussed.

We save lives in person, one at a time. Letting our brothers and sisters “just be themselves” and stand by while they put themselves in danger, is easier. It is also costing people their lives. We have to do a better job looking out for each other. It starts with lifting people up for shining, making good choices and being good people when no one is looking. Spreading love when you see someone alone by talking and caring. This life is so precious and if we focus our awareness on the present moment, not in a cliche way, rather use that focus to find the next right action for our passions and contribution.

Donny D’usse On Taane TV

Our Community Needs Love and Action

Be the corny public service announcement by truly being above the influence. Make your art about whatever you want but make your life about contribution, in whatever way that makes sense for you and your self expression. You don’t have to be whatever you think that means. Simply be authentically you, speak up when you need help and lending a hand when you are up. Most of all take responsibility, for your life and your gift. Whatever you do or create that expression is uniquely yours.

This message is for me as much as it is you, I was in this man’s life too. I should have got him back in the studio and in his ear and continued to coach him and empower his talents. We have been given your blessings and platform, no matter how big or small, by whatever chance or source that creates this life. Every day we are given chances to be the example we wish we had in this world, so get into action and stop waiting. If we don’t you could be next, I don’t want to wear your “RIP-Tee” I want to wear your merch and experience your art. Honor those who go too soon with love, in the end, it’s the only thing that prevails.

Rest In Paradise Young King

Final Words From Donavyn King’s Family

His Girlfriend, Riley:
I just want everyone to know how much of an amazing dad he was to Abigail and how much he loved her. He didn’t let many people see that side of him but he loved her so much.

His sister, Dominique:
I love you and miss you so much. You are the best brother and friend I could have ever asked for. There won’t be a day that I won’t think about you or see your smile in my head. Every time I was down, you always had my back. I love you brother to the moon and back we all miss you so much.

His second mom, Tina:
I want everyone to know that it was an honor for him to choose me to be his mom.

His best friend, Jusaiah:

I lost my brother and my best friend. My life will never be the same with his loss. I not only lost a brother, but I lost a piece of my soul. I love you bro and I will forever keep your name and spirit alive. You live through me and will forever be my little brother, I love you man.

His sister Kristal:
I love you little brother. I can’t stop the tears from falling down my face, you were and will always be my brother. This tragedy has taken a toll on my life and it will never be the same. Tell my daughter I said I love her and give her kisses. Until we meet again little bro.