[1][2] Donald D began his career in 1978 in the Bronx, New York, when he became a member of the Universal Zulu Nation joining forces with Afrika Islam, DJ Jazzy Jay, Kid Vicious and others as the group the Funk Machine.
From 1983 to 1985, the group has released several 12" singles via Vincent Davis' Vintertainment and Morgan Khan's Streetwave labels,[4] including a 12-inch extended play Cuttin' Herbie, which peaked at #90 on the UK Albums Chart.
[5] When the group disbanded, Donald D released a single "Dope Jam / Outlaw" with DJ Chilly-D via Rockin' Hard Records in 1987.
In 1985, Lamont met West Coast rapper Tracy 'Ice-T' Marrow and later went to Los Angeles, California to join the Rhyme Syndicate.
In 1995, Donald D, Kurtis Blow and Prince Whipper Whip were featured on the track "Old School Jam" from DJ Honda's self-titled album.