Meet Jon Black | Rapper/Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jon Black and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jon, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm. This quote is attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius. I like the quote because it reminds me to have patience and to be flexible in mind and spirit, to a point. I’ve found that exhibiting impatience doesn’t help in most situations and usually is only to the psychological disadvantage of the impatient. My being upset about something not going as quickly as I’d like, doesn’t make things happen any faster. All I can do is inquire and wait and inquire again. If it is something I can do on my own, then I will do it and the problem is solved. When times are hard this quote reminds that all winds will subside – I am rooted and will bear the harshness until it does, like the green reed. Even when it seems I’m twisting in the wind I’m still rooted and my flexibility will eventually allow me to realign myself. To me, it is a quote that speaks directly to the importance of a strong mental fortitude.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Rapper/Producer/Concert Promoter, the best some say. What sets me apart from others is that I present who I really am. For some people in Hip-Hop, they feel it’s best to follow an image or create one, and for them it might work. I don’t present myself as infallible, in any sense of the word. I am who I am and make music for those that are comfortable being themselves, or want o start being comfortable being themselves. I enjoy my life and have learned enough to know I know nothing. I do not paint false narratives or present myself in a way that I’m not able to uphold every day. My music is about trying to find peace and happiness, self-acceptance, my community, my family, geopolitics, love, surviving in the streets, accomplishing goals, spirituality, health, financial independence, reducing your carbon footprint and your negative energy footprint and much more. My music is my life and I present it as is with my flaws and my triumphs and my thoughts for my audience to experience and judge.

I’ve been doing music professionally for about 10 years in Houston. Being completely independent has lengthened the process for me to get to where I am for sure. I can’t say that it has been easy at all but it has been worth it. The upside of having to do it all is that I am a jack-of-all trades for what I need. I can write, produce, record and mix music. I also edit videos, create commercials, design flyers, book and promote concerts, produce beats, book tours, design merchandise and whatever else has to get done. It’s like Ice Cube said “When it’s sink or swim, you gotta think to win.” In a sense, starting out the harder way has made things easier for me now.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned, so far in music, is to throw caution to the wind. Go for whatever it is I want to do. People will either like it or they won’t, but I’ll never know either way if I don’t put it out. I realize what I do is subjective like all Art. I liked it enough to make it and that’s good enough for me. If I can put it out and find people that like it as well, then I feel I’m living the dream.

All I want the world to know about my music and my brand is that it stands for positivity and prosperity and appreciation.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’re into food and gaming for the most part so first or last Friday of the month around 9-10pm we would have to go to Joystix . Saturday would be hanging out at Hermann Park and lunch at M&M Grill. At some point in the week we have to go to Ray’s BBQ on OST. Virtual Latency is fun, preferably during the day so there’s less people and less chance of getting smacked in the face with a laser gun. We would also have to go to Boiling 88 on Dairy Ashford. My best friend lives in California so I know he hasn’t had the seafood boil like they make it. Bedrock city is a must as well. I don’t drink often but if I could choose a bar to take him to it would probably be Lei Low. Sunday we would have to go to Emerald Bowl that place is the best.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out God, my Mom, my Dad, Jeremiah, Isaiah, my cousin Lil Breeze, Auntie Gwen, Jess Marrz, Clint Rater, Wavii Babii Clothing, Critical Hustle, Major League Bars, JTS Clothing, Over the Culture, The Movie Gap and Pop Fizz Click

Website: www.Jonblackthegreat.bandcamp.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myraplife

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/jonblackmusic

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/JOnBlackthegreat

Image Credits
Jess Marrz, Isaiah Goff, Jon Black, Jay Shin