A True Lyricist: Jon Connor

Finding a rapper who really spits with substance is like finding a needle in a haystack.

So LLM would never pass up the chance to feature one of these rare species and snag an exclusive interview with artist Jon Connor (born Jon Kevin Freeman Jr. - pronounced "Yon"). This artist/producer/song writer & Co-CEO of Avie Squad Records knew what he wanted and started going for his dreams at a young age. At 10 years old, Connor began producing and song crafting. As a freshman in high school, he began selling his own mixtapes out of his school backpack and out of the trunk of his mothers car with the help of his older sister. The Calling Pt. 1 served as Connor's official introduction to the world, as it gained him national notoriety (VH1.com, rapcapital.com, planeturban, Urbanology magazine etc.) and a loyal fan base. And it only got better from there. The release of The Calling Pt. 2: The Second Coming hit hard! It even gained Connor exposure on XXL.com along with other up and coming artists. Check out Liv Lux's one on one session with the lyrical genius, himself.

LL: Tell me about your vision when you and your team first decided to start AV ENT.

JC: Man, its crazy to even think back that far! (laughing) Because Jason Monk and I created All Varsity when we were 12 years old. But I think the vision is the same now as it was then, to be the best at what we do, you know? To just make great music no matter the genre. You know myself, Jason, Mateen we all share the same vision to be the best in the world and I believe thats why we've been blessed with so many different opportunities and progressive situations.The ultimate goal is for All Varsity Entertainment to be mentioned in the same light as the Roc-a-fellas, the CashMoneys and the Def Jams.


LL: I have a copy of The Calling Pt. 2: The Second Coming and I play it all the time. I'm pretty sure you do to, lol, but are there any other artists that you listen to regularly?

JC: (laughing) I appreciate the love...you know that's a tough one because I go through phases. I listen to everything. I might have a month where I only listen to alternative music or just two weeks of just hip hop or two weeks of techno. So at this particular time in my music cycle its Coldplay "Viva La Vida", Pastor Troy "We Ready I declare War", Eminem "Relapse" and Kenna "Make sure they see my face". But you know its constantly changing, who knows what I'll be listening to on a regular by next week.

LL: Where do you get a lot of your inspiration from?

JC: I get my inspiration from everything. Life is constant inspiration. You know the things you see, the people you meet, the conversations you have, the places you go... its crazy i look at a bird flying as inspiration you know Lebron hitting the three with one second left is inspiration.



LL: If you could do a collaboration with any artist, who would it be?

JC: Oooh, just one? There's so many... but if I can only pick one it would have to be Timbaland. I just have so much respect for him as a producer and as one of the greatest musical minds of our time, I know he would bring the very best out of me as an artist.

LL: Are there any future endeavors you got planned? I mean, I'm pretty
sure there are lol...so just inform us!

JC: As far as upcoming projects, I have two all original albums that I'm working on, "The Calling Pt.2: The B Side and "Salvation" along with a few mixtape projects to promote the albums. Towards the end of the summer I'm heading out west to do a couple promo tours... as an artist I'm trying to be everywhere!


Check em out on his MySpace page. You won't be disappointed!


-Christopher Nic.