Canon has been seen traveling with Lecrae as his hype man, but please don’t box him in as just that. Those familiar with Christian hip-hop will know that Canon is a talented rapper signed to Reflection Music Group. His time in Tennessee, being discipled in Christ while cultivating his skills, has been well spent. After releasing a free album and an EP, Canon breaks out with the full length, Mad Haven. Canon is definitely known for his rapid-fire rapping acrobatics, but he does not fully rely on this. In this case, less is more. When he uses it, it's more appreciated. 

 

So Canon decides to grab inspiration from Robert Frost’s “The Road Less Traveled” (my FAVORITE poem) to deliver the message for “The Road”. Even with the great title and my obvious bias, this song is smooth, but yet bangs. Can a song do that? Thurston Lopes’s vocals has an almost live affect to it as if he was in an empty amphitheatre. Canon advises those to follow God and take that narrow road even when criticism comes your way. 

 

Twenty-four year old Aaron McCain aka Canon always eludes to the fact that he does not know it all even when given advice on the album. He understands that when he puts his life (flaws and all) on display, some may not like him, but he knows that this cannot happen. He expresses this on “Grow Up” featuring the go-to vocals of Tragic Hero. On a side note, I am stoked to hear Tragic Hero’s next release. He gets honest and real on the metaphorical “Mind Vomit”. The title alone says a lot. 

 

For those who were wondering does he have songs that will get you hyped, have no fear. “How We Do It” features heavyweights Lecrae and This’l, and is destined to be one of his “go to” songs. Unashamed of Christ and making him famous is on display on this one. The hook is catchy, but the good (and bad) thing is that Canon’s rap very close to KB’s verse on “One Sixteen” by Trip Lee. So they might as well mash these two songs together for a remix or during a live performance. Derek Minor joins Canon to keep things moving as they explain they will “ball” like they hit the “Lotto”. 

 

Canon tries his hand in dancehall and reggae when he tells “What It Sounds Like” when shots are fired and blood is spilled from those who are having this display on violence. This song is an eerie tell of what really goes on, but it’s very infectious. Speaking of infectious, the beat, synth samples, verses by Tony Tillman and Canon help make to make “Different” a definite highlight on the album. So T-Jay, first signed artist on DA T.R.U.T.H.’s new label, does his good singing on the chorus. 

 

Here is another album that has so much to offer. Canon toys with a variety of rapping styles while holding true to his own style. He ventures out and succeeds. He succeeds in celebrating the life of an unashamed Christian while while showing transparency that unbelievers can appreciate. Dope album.