Early Life and Influences
Maestro Cannon, known on Instagram as @Maestro_Cannon, was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Peoria, Illinois. His journey into music began in 2005, sparked by the influential sounds of Lil Wayne’s “Squad Up” series. This inspiration came not only from the music itself but from his older brother, Wayne, a devoted Lil Wayne fan. The experience of hearing Wayne’s intricate lyrics over other artists’ beats ignited Maestro’s passion for writing and wordplay.
Musical Journey and Evolution
Throughout high school, Maestro Cannon honed his craft, rapping to anyone who would listen. His college years at Knoxville College, a historically black college, provided him with a rich musical education through a Music History course. His outspoken freestyle skills made him a prominent figure on campus, where he initially performed under the name “Sin The Masire,” inspired by Nas’s character in the movie “Belly.”
At Knoxville College, Maestro formed a group with other campus rappers, leading to his first mixtape, “The Treble Clef.” A standout track, “80s Baby,” caught the attention of Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest, who invited Maestro to California. This collaboration revived Phife’s writing spirit, resulting in several songs and performances together. Maestro reflects on this period with pride, forever cherishing his connection with the legendary Phife Dawg.
Discography and Notable Works
Maestro Cannon has since released two mixtapes, “Ride My Wave” and “Feature Presentations,” and an album, “MaeDay.” Released in 2020, “MaeDay” faced promotion challenges due to the pandemic, but its tracks, including “Pick a Side,” “FaceTime,” and “Payback,” are now gaining traction and winning over fans.
Memorable Moments
Maestro’s career is marked by significant milestones, such as writing with Phife Dawg’s Grammy nomination award at the top of his notebook and receiving a compliment from Mos Def, who remarked that Maestro looked like a rapper. His mention in SLAM magazine as “King Cannon” was a pivotal moment, inspiring a name change and a renewed sense of identity.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
Currently, Maestro Cannon has released three singles: “Chanel,” “Nakitaa,” and “IceSpice,” available on all platforms. Fans can look forward to his upcoming show in Harlem this September and the release of his second album, “MaeHam,” set for early 2025.
Stay Connected
To keep up with Maestro Cannon’s latest releases and performances, follow him on Instagram (@Maestro_Cannon) and check out his music on various streaming platforms. As he continues to evolve and make his mark in the hip hop and rap genres, Maestro Cannon remains a dynamic and influential artist worth watching.
