Exclusive Interview With The Multi-Talented: Mario Canon on Music, Acting, and Motivational Speaking
Originating from Springfield, IL, Mario’s journey to success is nothing short of inspirational. Let's delve into the life of this multifaceted talent.
Mario Canon: A Comprehensive Biography
Mario Canon, born Mario Taylor, hails from Springfield, Illinois. Raised in a single-parent household, Mario's early life was marked by strong family bonds and a passion for music.
Now in his 30s, he reflects on his upbringing with a mix of humor and gratitude.
Mario attended the University of Illinois in Springfield, Heartland Community College, and Illinois State University (ISU), though he eventually left college to pursue his dreams.
His initial foray into the music scene involved battle rapping, which soon transitioned into creating songs and performing locally.
With over 800 songs recorded, 100 released tracks, and five albums, Mario Canon has made a significant impact on the rap scene.
His collaborations with notable artists like NLE Choppa, The Game, Twista, and Bizzy Bone highlight his versatility and talent.
His track "Praying Bad" featuring NLE Choppa reached #67 on iTunes and garnered over a million views on YouTube.
Mario's dedication to his craft extended to acting, where he appeared on shows like "Empire" and "Chicago PD."
As an entrepreneur, he owns commercial real estate and several businesses, including an Anytime Fitness franchise in Lincoln, IL.
His entrepreneurial spirit complements his artistic endeavors, showcasing his versatility and business acumen.
Mario has achieved significant milestones, including charting on iTunes three times and performing at the Lovers and Friends festival in Las Vegas in front of over 50,000 people.
His performances and recordings have earned him a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim.
Mario's journey is a testament to resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges, including legal troubles and personal losses, he has risen to become a successful rapper, actor, and entrepreneur.
His story is one of perseverance, illustrating that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
Early Life and Background
Mario Canon grew up in Springfield, IL, primarily raised by his mother in a single-parent household.
His cousins were like brothers to him, and for a period, his mother was married, but the majority of his formative years were spent without a father figure.
From a young age, Mario harbored dreams of becoming an entertainer. He began recording his own songs and tapes using a Radio Shack karaoke machine and a collection of wires he found, showcasing his ingenuity even as a third and fourth-grader.
The Basketball Connection
In addition to his passion for music, Mario was deeply involved in basketball.
He played for his school teams and was talented enough to play college basketball.
A significant influence in his life was Andre Iguodala, a future NBA star with the Golden State Warriors.
They grew up together, and Andre's mentorship guided Mario's high school choice.
Turning Point and Challenges
Mario's aspirations took a hit when he faced legal troubles as a teenager. His dreams of a basketball career and a military stint in the Air Force were dashed, leading him to the streets.
Employment opportunities were scarce due to his record, and he found himself losing close friends and family members to violence.
This tragic loss of his core group of cousins, whom he considered brothers, served as a pivotal moment for Mario.
Rise to Fame
Despite the adversities, Mario's resilience shone through. He landed significant roles and performed on big stages, going on tour with Twista and securing a prominent role on Fox's hit show, "Empire."
His dedication saw him sleeping in his car and traveling at ungodly hours to make it to sets on time.
This perseverance paid off as he transitioned from a background extra to a notable actor and performer.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Mario's entrepreneurial spirit led him to invest in various business ventures.
He currently owns commercial real estate and operates several businesses, including an Anytime Fitness in Lincoln, IL.
His business acumen complements his artistic endeavors, showcasing his versatility and determination to succeed in multiple arenas.
Musical Achievements
Mario Canon's music career is decorated with impressive milestones. He was the youngest artist featured on the Legends of Hip Hop Tour alongside Bun B, Too Short, Scarface, 8 Ball & MJG, Mystikal, and Twista.
He performed at Ludacris' and Usher's Lovers and Friends Festival in Las Vegas.
His track "Praying Bad," featuring NLE Choppa, charted at #67 on iTunes and amassed over a million views on YouTube.
Additionally, he has collaborated with notable artists like The Game, Twista, Bizzy Bone, and Montana of 300, earning millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Popular Releases
Mario Canon has several popular releases that have garnered significant attention:
- Playing Bad
- Prime
- XXX
- Steven J
- Headstones
Social Media Influence
Mario's influence extends to social media, where he boasts over 476K organic Instagram followers.
His posts frequently go viral, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Acting Credits
Apart from "Empire," Mario has appeared on "Chicago PD," working alongside his close friend and mentor, Laroyce Hawkins.
His versatility as an actor and musician continues to open new doors, allowing him to reach a wider audience.
Personal Life and Motivation
Mario Canon's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of transformation.
Despite facing numerous setbacks, he has emerged as a successful rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker.
His story is one of perseverance, illustrating that with determination and hard work, one can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Mario Canon's life is a compelling narrative of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness.
From his humble beginnings in Springfield, IL, to his rise as a prominent figure in music, acting, and business, Mario exemplifies what it means to turn dreams into reality.
His story continues to inspire many, proving that with grit and passion, anything is possible.
Exclusive Interview Mario Canon
- How long has music been a part of your life?
- If it wasn’t for music, where would you be now?
- In what way do you aim to make a difference?
- Who is your fashion icon, and why?
- What's the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
- Where is your career heading?
- How would you describe your style of music?
- How do you put words to paper?
- If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be ?
- What makes you different from the other rappers in the industry?
- Who are your biggest music influences?
- If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be and why?
- Do you have any kooky habits we should know about?
- Who inspires you the most?
- How do you plan to break through, and where do you think the future of the music industry lies?