Dondric Joseph better known as Donnie Houston is a Houston-born and based music journalist, historian, DJ, voice actor and music producer.  A graduate of Texas Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Donnie’s love affair with music began at birth, through his older sister.

Soon, that love would spread beyond collecting albums and tapes, reciting raps by Run-DMC and watching Jam Master Jay work the turntables. At the age of 15 years old, he became a DJ himself and adopted the moniker DJ Don, which led to DJing and producing for local rappers across the city. In 2013 he began to have aspirations beyond making music and would change his name to Donnie Houston, fitting his love for his hometown but not limiting him to just a DJ/Producer. However, he continued to DJ and produce which led to opportunities for him to doso for Houston legends like Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Z-Ro, Lil’ O and more.

In 2019, Donnie’s love and curiosity about origins of the Houston Hip Hop scene led him to create his own podcast. Through his work with the Donnie Houston Podcast, he has been able to answer many questions that himself and Houston Hip Hop fans alike, across the world, have always wanted to know by interviewing various luminaries tied to the tightly-knitted fabric that make up Houston hip-hop scene from music executives to producers, radio hosts, DJs, rappers and more.

Donnie’s growth with the Donnie Houston Podcast has led him to become one of the more sought-after voices in Houston, as he’s been honored by several publications for his work including the Houston Chronicle and more. He’s taken on the mantel of an educator, through non-traditional means of teaching newfound fans about the genesis of Houston’s music culture, whether about the early rise of Rap-A-Lot, DJ Screw, Swishahouse and more.

His talents have taken him from the sets of BET’s 106 & Park to the Isiah Factor on Fox 26 to the set of his Donnie Houston Podcast. In 2023, he partnered with the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs for a series of events that educate and promote the importance ofpreserving Houston’s rich music history.

Donnie has also centered himself squarely within the community, helping give back through various charities and honoring the name of his late cousin Christopher Barriere, better known to the world as Mr. 3-2, via several tributes.