Greedmont Park

Don Cannon: Game Changer [Interview]

Saturday, May 1, 2010 by Team Greedmont | 3 Comments; | Category: Entertainment, Music, Rap

Continuing with my game changer series I recently interviewed Philly native, heatmaker, the ultimate co-sign and former CAU classmate Donald Cannon bka DJ Don Cannon about projects, life changing events, and his vision…LEGGGOOOO!!!

What propelled you into the production game?

Producing goes hand in hand with deejaying. Coming up I always wanted to be a dj/basketball player/rapper but as a child you don’t think that deeply into but when I got into the game I naturally made that progression.

In the sea of dj’s what keeps you relevant?

Just having the opportunity to change the game each time and being blessed with the ear to do so. Also not being that “arrogant asshole” I show people love and when you bring them up with you; you get that respect in return

How did the infamy radio show come about with DJ Infamous and Lil Duval?

Studying! And by studying looking at other people’s success and the path they took to achieve it. I was in Philly at my mom’s eating breakfast and listening to the Tom Joyner morning show on the radio and I saw he had the talk, music, and comedic elements and I wanted to mirror that but in a music base with a comedic feel. So I sat down and drew out a plan and met with Dj Infamous. He agreed, I took the plan to Sirius Radio and the rest is history.

What was your “I made it moment”?

I had two of those moments/turning points actually the first was after I dropped out of school I was sleeping on friends couches going apartment to apartment it was rough! Then the jeezy/jay-z record came about and I knew I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. The second was after the mixtape raid in ’07 I was sitting in jail thinking about my life and when I came out I knew I had to fight back harder to erase the black stain above my head and then I had the record with 50 cent. It went platinum and was one of billboard’s top singles

What are some of your upcoming projects?

I just did a song for Macy gray, I’m working on the Jeezy album and mixtape, and I’m trying to get T.I and Rick Ross together. Also I’m doing songs with Shareefa for her next project and I’m also working with new artists such as Laws, Dom Kennedy, and Curren$y. Honestly, I’ll work with any artist that has potential and is going to work hard. If you’re going hard I can work with you because I’m going hard.

What is the difference between the east coast market where you’re from and the atlanta market?

East coast everyone wants to be the best. So it’s a little harder because it’s more competition and a bit of crabs in the barrel mentality. Atlanta everyone enjoys making records together. They’re just trying to get their money and get the hell on.

In 5 years where do you see yourself in the industry?

Honestly I don’t know because the climate of music is so bad. I do know I don’t want to work in the building (corporate side). Even if I have my own label I still want to be hands on, out in the streets. I want to continue with artist development. I want to be on the Timbaland and Pharrell level. This is technically my 1st 5 years in the game so in the next 5 years I want to continue developing into a legend.

By the way, you can shout at this present and future legend on twitter @doncannon