Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Canon.
Hi Mario, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Springfield, IL. Not the safest part of town or were we the most secure financially but my mother always made a way. We moved around a lot as a kid so I attended multiple schools throughout the Midwest and southern region all the way down to Jackson Mississippi! I had to learn how to make new friends quickly!
I started my music career in grade school. I would bring my home studio tapes to my basketball games and hand them out 😂. I would personally draw every cover. My high school years, I became a battle rapper and actually made the newspaper! That was my first time being in a publication for music!
In college, I continued music while pursuing my education. At that time, I began my acting career as well and met the Now star of Chicago PD on NBC LaRoyce Hawkins. We connected and began to build a lifelong friendship that would blossom through the years!
Continuing my acting resume after college I had a few bruises going back to my neighborhood. Losing family members to violence and battling depression and anxiety. I hit rock bottom and one point, I was sleeping in my car. I had no furniture or a bed but I continued to rap and act pushing myself as hard as I could.
I quit my job to pursue fitness and entertainment. Fitness became my néw love helping others! It was perfect! I got so good I eventually bought the gym I worked at while simultaneously working as a background actor on Chicago PD, Empire, Med, Fire, APB and few other films! I would go multiple days no sleep and retrying to train clients 3 hours away!
I landed my biggest role on national television when I landed a guest star ⭐️ role on empire. I re-recorded their theme song “What the DJ Spins” and had dialogue in the season opener!
That boosted my music career which allowed me to open up for 50cent, fat joe, Montana of 300 and colabs with Bizzy Bone, Twisa, Lil B the Based God, The Game.
Twista then decided to take me on the Hip Hop Legends Tour! What an honor! Now I’m playing in front of 10,000 plus people!
Now during this journey, I connect with my now co ceo of Starpower Film Company Ruben Rameriez which has become family and now one of the most exciting and talented directors! He also does stand-up comedy! What a humble soul!
My manager Darryl Stuggis has been key to connecting us with Chicago’s heavy hitters because of his genuine relationships and hard work!
I’m currently touring and giving back speaking to schools across the Midwest and soon country telling my story from poverty to powerful. Owning several businesses while still balancing my entertainment business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been hard. Not only just dealing with rejection and lack of support but I lost everyone I love to gun violence. I look back at my older music videos notice everyone around me has passed.
Now I’m faced with the reality what Am I’m going to do? I changed my heart and music. I promised myself not to promote violence or use profanity. I’ve kept my word!
I still fight to make a difference. Hopefully, my story motivates someone. I’m living proof you can make it kid of any place of poverty no matter how dangerous it is but you have to be committed to your purpose.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a recording artist, actor, business owner and person trainer.
I own Starpower The Elites, Anytime Fitness in Lincoln, a few restaurants and I’m a nationally recognized actor and recording artist!
I won Best Actor in the 48 Film festival in Chicago 2020
I’m known for all of my endeavors in business and the arts!
I’m most proud of the opportunities I’ve been able to provide for others! I’ve been able to share my platform and vision and grow as a team while motivating everyday people to be POWERFUL.
What sets me apart is my willingness to build and give back. I always take time to connect with the youth.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I actually used to be a women shoe manager at Nordstrom and stylist. I love shoes and fashion. I would style women head to toe and still can! Hahaha
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisiscanon/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/OfficalMarioCanon/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisiscanon
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/CanonTH1
- SoundCloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/user-17933311
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7953622/
