When times are tough (like literally right now), we sometimes lose our confidence because we’re not sure what is to come next. But even if you do lose your confidence, God is pushing it for both of you.

Canon‘s “Big Dog Walking” (featuring MainMain) drops at a perfect time as the world is attempting to navigate what is to come next together. Many are lost, a lot are confused and most want this to be over as soon as possible. But no matter how much of the times passes, God won’t stop holding up his end of the deal. And that’s exactly what “Big Dog Walking” infuses. No matter how little or a lot of confidence you have, he’s standing right there next to you. And who doesn’t need that right about now?

Keep your head up and push through!

Listen to “Big Dog Walking” below and check out what Canon had to say about the track, the artwork and more!

https://open.spotify.com/album/3DQFksPaKEo6qI0O5SCJzo

RESPECT.: What was the inspiration behind “Big Dog Walking?” 

Canon: As always, I’ve wanted to find ways to encourage my audience in some sort of way they’d understand. I mainly wanted them to understand that even in this crazy COVID-19 time, we can still walk in confidence knowing there are also lives beyond us, a greater power committed to working on our behalf. Our big problems make us feel small but my faith has shown me I can believe otherwise. I feel God has already prepared me to be a force to be reckoned with when dealing with life’s problems back when he changed my life. Now I’m here in great confidence haha even like a little dog but like a big dog, y’all can’t hold me. 

What about ‘The Simpsons’ made you choose them for the artwork? 

I’ve always wanted to give my audience a little bit more insight into who I am, what my influences were growing up. I grew up watching ‘The Simpsons.’ So I figured I’d put two and two together by encouraging my audience while giving them a small piece of my childhood as well. 

You produced this track yourself. Tell us about the process of producing it. 

I’m a studio junkie. This is all I do haha. All my work is done here. I was just working on a new Bop and this one came out of nowhere lol soon after of course the words came along. 

What would you like for listeners to get from this track? 

I want my audience to know that, yes some problems are bigger than what we can handle alone but we don’t have to worry about dealing with anything alone when the Big Guy upstairs got you covered! God brought me here and I believe God will keep me here.

The post RESPECT. Premiere: Canon is the “Big Dog Walking” — Featuring MainMain [LISTEN] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

As artists try to figure out the best way to navigate the industry, RMG’s very own, Canon is speaking up so artists don’t get left in the dust.

Coming off the release of his album, Home, Canon has just dropped the visual for his track, “You Got Me” which speaks to the ups and downs of the music industry. Canon touches on the dangers of not staying alert and paying attention to who you bring into your circle. Though his experiences have been different, Canon has seen what the industry has done to others and through his music, he hopes to help other artists avoid those tough times.

Watch the visual for “You Got Me” below and make sure to listen to Home!

Check out our interview with Canon below and stay tuned for more to come!

RESPECT.: Tell us about the meaning behind “You Got Me” and how the concept came along?

“You Got Me” was aimed towards the culture and the industry. The industry is always looking for who they can expose or exploit next in order to make another dollar for another day. Or in the industries case, thousands of dollars for another day off of your talents and work ethic. “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice then shame on me.” There are so many ins and outs to finding success in the industry but there’s a lot of realities people may not tell you until it’s too late. Thank God I’m not that victim. You’ll soon find how contracts work, the integrity and lack thereof from others in the business, the continual fight for relevance, the art in playing the numbers game, how many streams of income you need to remain successful, touring, marketing an album etc. In my little 19 year old mind, 10 years ago I would have thought, “Oh you just make music in the studio and get paid.” In a sense yes but entirely, no. You have to continue finding outlets for yourself. Not everyone here is for you and not everyone currently here will always be there when your not popping. It’s every man and label for his or herself and you have to keep that in mind. Otherwise you will most definitely give so much in hopes it being reciprocated just to find out you’ve been doing people favors for years and have gotten nothing in return. So…yeah you got me at first but I grew up quick thanks my label and team.

RESPECT.: What do you want listeners/viewers to get from this song?

I want listeners to think for themselves and watch very carefully the people that are in their lives. Either they will bring you up or bring you down. This industry, this world period, is not innocent. Watch closely the people you invite into your career, home and close relationships.

RESPECT.: Tell us a little bit about ‘Home’ and how the idea of the album came about.

I wanted people to be proud of what Home is for them. We live in a very compare and contrast society where clout is the new drug in our generation. And many are slowly overdosing. You can’t appreciate what you have if you continue looking left and right at what the next man has. Every home should reflect culture, history, morals, ethics, irreplaceable relationships, brokenness, vulnerability, emotion, confidence, pride etc.  these in which are beautiful. If Home is where the heart is then our hearts should be reflecting this rather then comparing from what others do or do not have that ends in materialism. In my opinion, we hold on to material so much because we lose sight and appreciation for things that are timeless and could never depreciate in value. The very things that here in our very homes today.

RESPECT.: Do you plan on taking ‘Home’ on the road?

We are planning a Home tour for my Day 1 fans. I pray this draws us closer as I share my life, history and culture with them on the road.

RESPECT.: Overall what is your message to fans? 

Neither one of us is perfect. We are only able to strive for such a thing but will never achieve it in our own wisdom and strength. Just simply focus on loving and serving God and others while challenging yourself to become a better person each day. We don’t need a false perception of you no matter what sells in the media. We need the best you, the honest you, the loving you, the understanding you. The inspiration to many, the friend to some and family to others. We need you, the best you because it’s through you we will make this world a better place. Live and die by your convictions. I’d rather die knowing what I stood for than live not knowing who I am or am becoming.

The post RESPECT. Premiere: Canon Shares Industry Knowledge on “You Got Me” [WATCH] appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

A relentless barrage of words drops from Canon‘s tongue like bombshells and litters itself across near three and a half minutes of challenging instrumentation on his new track “Fighters.” The title itself an allusion to how Canon most certainly views himself, and views his position in a cutthroat music industry. The track includes haunting changes in cadence throughout the course of its runtime, alliteration redolent of the likes of Eminem, Logic, and Kendrick Lamar, and a haunting, hypnotic visual in the background to coincide with the rollercoaster ride the bombardment of words can cause.

Photo by Ryan McIemore

His identification with the word “fighters” stems from its normative definition, with that being a person physically dueling in out with another person within a contained space. “The only thing that can truly limit any fighter is the ring around him,” he says. “Fighters are always pushing their limitations, their styles, their opponents, and, in some cases, their agenda. I’m just doing my part.”

Canon’s last project, Loose Canon Vol. 3, stuck itself to the #15 spot on Billboard‘s Rap Album Charts in November, a consequence of his continually growing lyrical prowess. You can follow the Reflective Music Group persona on Instagram & Twitter, and purchase “Fighters” on iTunes here.

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The post RESPECT. Premiere: Canon’s Barrage of Lyrics on “Fighters” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.