Don Cannon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Don Cannon
Cannon in 2011
Background information
Also known as	DJ Don Cannon
Born	(1979-08-02) August 2, 1979 (age 45) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop R&B
Occupation(s)	Disc jockey record producer songwriter record executive
Years active	2003–present
Labels	Cannon Music Def Jam Aphilliates Atlantic Generation Now
Associated acts	DJ Drama Lecrae Lil Scrappy R. City The Cool Kids Willie the Kid Young Chris

Donald Cannon, born on August 2, 1979, is a well-known American DJ, music producer, and record executive. He helped create the record label Generation Now with DJ Drama. This label has signed popular artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Jack Harlow. Don Cannon is also part of the Aphilliates Music Group, a team of DJs based in Atlanta. As a producer, he has made songs and albums for many big names, including Jeezy, Lil Wayne, and Eminem.

Growing Up and Learning

Don Cannon was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 2, 1979. He spent most of his childhood in West Philadelphia. When he was just 5 years old, he received his first DJ equipment. This included turntables, a mixer, and a karaoke machine.

By the time he was 11, he was already DJing at many events. This even included his aunt's wedding party! After high school, Cannon moved to Atlanta, Georgia. He went to Clark Atlanta University there.

While at college, he met other people from Philadelphia, DJ Drama and DJ Sense. The three of them formed a group called the Aphilliates. They were a loose collection of DJs who worked together. Cannon also started DJing at parties and clubs in Atlanta.

Don Cannon's Music Career

In 2003, Don Cannon, DJ Drama, and DJ Sense officially started the Aphilliates Music Group (AMG) in Atlanta. Cannon often produced songs for DJ Drama's popular mixtape series, Gangsta Grillz. This series featured artists like Jeezy, Lil Wayne, and Ludacris.

Early Production Success

Some of Cannon's first big production hits with Aphilliates included Jeezy's "Go Crazy" with Jay-Z. He also produced 50 Cent's "Man Down" and Ludacris' "Everybody Hates Chris." Cannon also helped create famous mixtape series. These included Lil Wayne's Dedication and Jeezy's Trap or Die.

He later co-hosted a show on Atlanta's WHTA radio station. He also became a music director for the show Streets Iz Watchin. This show was on the Sirius XM Radio station, Shade 45. The morning show Good Day Atlanta even called him "Atlanta's Best DJ."

Challenges and New Beginnings

In 2006, the Aphilliates Music Group partnered with Asylum Records. However, in January 2007, authorities investigated the Aphilliates' Atlanta offices. Don Cannon and DJ Drama were questioned. Authorities took many mixtapes and recording equipment.

Many people in the music industry spoke out about these investigations. They said that Aphilliates had often worked with permission from major record labels. This was because AMG helped promote their artists. It's important to know that neither Don Cannon nor DJ Drama were ever found guilty of any wrongdoing related to this investigation.

In December 2008, Cannon announced he was leaving the Aphilliates. He wanted to focus on his own company, Cannon Music, LLC. In 2009, he produced the theme song for Tyler Perry's TV show, House of Payne. He also created season themes for the Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Thrashers sports teams.

From 2009 to 2012, Cannon produced and hosted many mixtapes and songs. He worked with artists like Big Sean, The Cool Kids, and Lecrae.

Leadership Roles and New Labels

In July 2013, Don Cannon was named the Vice President of A&R at Def Jam Recordings. A&R stands for "Artists and Repertoire." This role means he helped find and develop new artists for the label. He is known for signing and helping many artists during his time there.

In August 2013, Cannon reunited with DJ Drama and DJ Sense. They started a new group called The Academy. In September of that year, The Academy announced its first group of 23 DJs.

In 2015, Cannon and DJ Drama founded their own record label, Generation Now. This label is part of Atlantic Records. One of the first artists they signed that year was Lil Uzi Vert. Cannon was an executive producer for Uzi's first commercial mixtape, Luv Is Rage, in 2015.

He also helped produce Uzi's 2017 album, Luv Is Rage 2. This album became number one on the Billboard 200 chart! Other artists that Cannon and Drama have signed to Generation Now include Skeme, Jack Harlow, and Killumantii.

Discography

Awards and Recognition