Jon Connor Releases New Mixtape "Best In The World: The Appetizer" Following Two Decades in Music
Jon Connor, born Freeman Jr. in Flint, Michigan, is back with a fresh offering for his fans—his latest mixtape titled Best In The World: The Appetizer. Known as the People’s Rapper, Connor’s musical journey spans over two decades and includes collaborations with legendary figures like Dr. Dre and The Game. Despite being signed to Aftermath Entertainment from 2013 to 2019, Connor did not release a solo album during that time, although he contributed to notable projects like Dre’s Compton and The Game’s The Documentary 2.5.
Concept and Inspiration Behind the Mixtape
When asked about the significance of the title Best In The World: The Appetizer, Jon Connor explained, “It represents my love for the sport of being a lyricist” and is a way of thanking his long-time fans. The mixtape aims to provide quality content aligned with his brand while being a free gift to his supporters. Connor emphasized that all his projects reflect his growth, articulating that listeners can hear the evolution in his work over time.
The artist also shared insight into his creative process, stating, “The execution of this tape was very free-flowing; the same as the others […], don’t think too hard, say what you feel, and hopefully educate along the way.”
Musical Influences and Artistic Identity
Connor’s musical roots run deep, stemming from a family steeped in music. “My father is a musician, so when I was little, I would watch him rehearse and perform,” he recalled, noting that his love for rap was initially inspired by his sister. While acknowledging the influence of local artists from Flint, he also drew inspiration from Southern Hip Hop acts like No Limit Records and Cash Money Records, alongside East and West Coast influences.
Regarding his sound, Connor noted, “I don’t know if I can classify my overall sound, or put it into a box.” He seeks to evoke emotions through his choice of beats, explaining that his lyrics are a response to the feelings generated by the music.
The Journey to Aftermath Entertainment
Connor recounted how a chance connection with Xzibit led to his signing with Aftermath, stating, “Xzibit’s son was a fan of my music…he invited me on tour, and after my project Unconscious State charted on Billboard, I got a call from Xzibit saying he wanted to let Dr. Dre hear my music.” While the potential of this partnership was high, he acknowledges that the project did not materialize as anticipated. To address ongoing inquiries, he is currently working on a mini-documentary detailing this pivotal time in his career.
Vision and Aspirations Beyond Music
Expressing hope for what his music can achieve, Connor stated, “I want my music to be a voice of reason for people,” likening it to that of a supportive friend. He is also keen on expanding his career into other areas, planning to grow Connor Culture Studios into a versatile space for film and television production.
As Connor looks toward his future, he mentioned an aspiration to focus on singles throughout 2025 and numerous upcoming collaborative projects with various artists, underlining his continued determination to stay relevant in the dynamic music landscape.
Reflections on the Hip Hop Industry
Regarding the current state of hip hop, Connor commented positively, stating, “I’m happy with the current state of Hip Hop in the sense that it provides an opportunity for my people to eat.” However, he expressed a desire for the overall messaging to evolve toward a more positive direction.
Jon Connor’s journey encapsulates resilience and growth in the face of adversity. His commitment to authentic artistry and the wish to uplift others shine through in his music and vision, positioning him not just as a performer but as a mentor for emerging artists.
As he wraps up his thoughts, Connor urges fans to support artists directly through platforms like connorculture.com for music and merchandise. The rapper resonates with gratitude for his supporters, noting, “Thank you, and I love you to the ones who have been supporting me since day one.”
In a world shifting rapidly beneath the music industry’s feet, Jon Connor’s latest project and ongoing aspirations denote an increasingly significant voice that celebrates authenticity and connection in hip hop.
