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Quick facts
Cion is pronouced "See on"
age: 23
bithday: July 30
Birthplace: Bronx
"....Just
go get it!!
...I know I AM!!"
"....I decided
to start our own label. Puff did it, and Jay did it, why not me?"
"......cant
nobody tell me I cant have it."
"IM here to
set forth my knowledge, and words to these streets; tell MY story."
"I want everything
man, I want that source award, music award, to sell two and three million
records... everything."
"IM one hot
artist amongst a thousand, and I have a story to tell just like the others,.....
...,rappers stories are like books...Lets just say IM going to be the
Steven King of this game."
"I want to
show everyone watching me, reading about me, and listening that anything
is possible, and any vision is worth reaching."
".....You
think R&B artist, and a person like Garth Brooks is teaming up with a
Nas, or Jay-Z because of the culture?...HELL No...its cross over...its
MONEY."
"One conversation
across a table with a wise man, is worth months of study in books"
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Interview
with artist Cion (May 30, 2001)
Questions
1. Where
you from?
2. How was your upbringing?
3. What Inspired you to become a hiphop artist?
4. Where does the name Cion come from or what's the
science behind it?
5. When did you get started with Perseverance Entertainment?
6. How would you describe yourself?
7. How would you describe your music?
8. I heard World Premiere it was bangain you got clean
flows. Tell us a little about that song.
10. What are some of you musical goals?
11. Why should people listen to your music?
12. What
would you like to show the world through your music?
13. Is there anyone you like listening to or any
other type of music you like?
14. What do you think about the state Hip-Hop is
currently in as a business and a culture?
15. Is there any personal quote or lyric you have or
live by?
-------Cion Shout Outs---------
Q. First off where
you from?
A. Aight, what's good.
IM from the Bronx, I was born there. I lived in Eden Wald projects until
I was 8 then I moved to Brooklyn...so I gotta claim both places. I consider
Brooklyn my home, but I stay in the Bronx. I got this thing for the Bronx,
that I cant shake; All my girlfriends are out there. So IM out there a
lot.
Q. How was your
upbringing?
A. My upbringing had
its good & Bad. IM not one of those kids that was neglected by the whole
house hold, or the kid that had to eat cereal with water, but I had to
really live with an abusive father. I think that's a lot worse than eating
some damn dry cereal, or cereal with water. My upbringing was crazy, because
I had all I ever wanted, but I didn't have my pop's. My father lived in
the house hold, but was always drunk, and in his own world.
I had a great childhood other than that. I mean, I
was like the ghetto fabulous kid...you know, the house where all the kids
on the block wanted to be at. I had everything, I had all the atari's,
nintendo's, sega's, a million games, and as a child getting $20 a week
allowance at the age of nine. See, I know you're reading this like, damn...this
kid had it all, he's not like most rappers; Well like I said its the good
with the bad.
I had to live with my father, but I was basically raised
by my older brother JONESY. Like I said my pop's was there, but he wasn't...understand?
Its true I had all that, but all that shit didn't mean a
thing when I had to watch my pop's beat my moms ass, and hit my little
bother, and trying to fuck me up when he could. That drinking shit killed
him mentally, and he didn't know how to act. He'd have card games, and
everybody in the crib shook...See he was a alcoholic, but he wasn't like
on of those drunks that niggaz didn't respect. He had niggaz under pressure.
I remember him fucking my uncle up at a card game he had because my uncle
said that he was cheating...(laughing) word. He was a tough dude, he had
got shot stabbed, all that shit.
So you know it wasn't no better for us. I got hit plenty
of times, but it was mainly my younger brother, and my moms. It was rough
on me, because I was always the one who had to be strong for my moms,
and little brother, but its all good because it made me the man I am today.
So, all and all, fuck all the material things I had, the sega's, nintendo's
and shit because it don't mean nothing...I'd much rather dealt with poverty
than to endured that shit any day.
I used to hate my father. I mean, I hated him, wish death
on him and all. It took years for me to let go of that hate, and now 23
years old, I realize he did best he could.
Q. What inspired
you to become a hip hop artist?
A. Well, I can't really
call one thing that inspired me...its everything to me. I mean, I started
back in 85' when I moved to Brooklyn. I started one night after listening
to the radio. Me and my best friend Frankie (R.I.P) was at my kitchen
table listening to the radio, and we started freestyling. It sounded cool,
so we decided to write it down, you know!
So that's where it all started. I forgot his name, but mines
was G-SLICE (laughing).
I still remember that rhyme to, here's a few lines:
"My name is G-Slice/ and I got the spice/ and when I rock
the microphone/ I rock it real nice/ I got a fly pair of sneakers/ a funky
fly hat/ and I just bought a beeper/ now all I really need now is a fly
car/ a funky fly max, or maybe a Saab"
(laughing) Remember this was in 85' so those terms
Im using was hot then.
So, time past, and I started to focus on my art career, because
I've been drawing since I was five. I did my art thing, kept writing,
and writing, I had NO supporters at all. I think that's what really made
me want to do it, because no one believed in me. Niggaz thought I was
just some little kid talking shit. So I went out to Virginia (shout out
to Norfolk)...I went out there for a couple of years, and them cats ALL
was rhyming out there, and me coming from NYC they just knew I rap. I
really didn't go down there for that at all, I was going down there for
other reasons, rhyming was the last thing on my mind. When I got down
there I hook up with people made friends (shouts to: O.T's , My girl "J"
in Norfolk state) and they basically made me rhyme. I remember they got
me in front of the lunch room, and started a cipher. IM thinking IM just
there, and IM just going to listen, then they passed it to me (laughing)
I was like...uhhhh...nahhh...I don't rhyme. They was like go head, go
head, I know you do, I know you do, you are from New York; Everybody raps
in New York.
So I did it, and got MAD love. So, after that we ripped it
up everyday at lunch. People used to tell me I sounded different than
a lot of the guys rapping. Not different as far as style, but I sounded
like a REAL rapper on the radio. You know how you hear someone rap, and
its just that...a RAP. Well I had a feeling behind my words, I had projection.
That's when I took it seriously. So around 95' I moved back
to N.Y.C , I shop demo's etc. etc. Came to no luck. So 96' came around
I was back into the mind state of leaving it alone, and focusing on my
art career, and I also do movie make up, so I was thinking about going
to college out in cali for that. Around mid 96' I went to the studio with
a friend of mines. That changed my life, because that was the first time
I ever been to a studio, and I now seen a whole other side of the game
besides the writing part. This was the 1st. time I ever recorded anything.
When I came home, like two or three days later JONESY heard the demo tape
my man made that I featured on, and he was shocked. This was the first
time JONESY ever heard me rhyme seriously.
After that, he had me in the studio twice a month recording.
1997 rolled around, and no calls from any labels, so I decided
to start our own label. Puff did it, and Jay did it, why not me?...So
that's how we got it started.
Q. Where does the
name Cion come from or what's the science behind it?
A.Cion' was a name
I came up with one night in like 98'. I had the name ICON , in which I
still use as a 2nd name as Nas use escobar. Well, like I said I had ICON,
which is like a God symbol, a sacred image. That's how I feel. Like IM
here to say what I have to say. God put us all here for a reason, well
I know mines. IM here to set forth my knowledge, and words to these streets;
tell MY story.
Every rapper has a story to tell, its just some are
more interesting than others...its just like reading a book; Some are
good, some you don't bother to finish.
So, I had ICON as my main name, but then I felt that name
could cause a lot of controversy toward me from a lot of people. That's
something I didn't want nor need before I even got my feet in the door.
So what I did was looked at the name I-C-O-N...I-C-ON...I C ON .
I took the "C" and put it in front of the "I", and had Cion...it
went perfect with me, and everything I stood for. I SEE ON...plain and
simple. So, that was that. I had Cion' which basically meant "I see on"
beyond all the bull shit people, and the bull shit people talk about.
I still use ICON because its still how I feel about myself.
Also, look at the word...I-C-ON...or "I SEE ON"...feel me!
Its all the same if you flip it.
Q. When did you
get started with Perseverance Entertainment?
A. Perseverance Ent.
was started in AUG. of 97'. I was like 18-19...I started everything, I
was handling ALL the business at that age. I loved it. It was like having
power. I dealt with lawyers, accountants, managers, running in all types
of big building holding Three and four thousand dollars in my pocket.
It was a rush for me; something new.
Now, IM chilling. I've grown a whole lot, and have adjusted
to the business life, and now its not about flossin anymore. Its now about
long term, and making major moves to live on. This is something I want
to past on to my kids, and my kids kids etc.ect.
Q. How would you
describe yourself?
A. IM a cool guy,
laid back at times, and times I want to bug out. IM the type that has
to know you to joke with you, or even talk to you for that matter. I could
be anti-social at times, but I think that's one of my best qualities.
Niggaz don't try niggaz they don't know anything about. I could be cool
to niggaz, and sweet to the ladies, but I REALLY could be an ass hole
if you try to play me short, or come at me side ways (for those who don't
talk slang thats disrespect me...). IM big on respect. I demand respect,
and that's all I give to people. I don't believe in a man playing another
man. To me, if you disrespect me, you're playing me, or in other words
calling me ass, or less than a man...so I don't know how to handle that
other than letting you know shit is real...any way possible...ANYWAY!!
All and All, IM cool if you are.
Q. How would you
describe your music?
A.I cant describe
it. It changes so much. If I had to choose a category it would be street
though. I don't really listen to too many peoples music because you'll
find yourself doing a little of what that person was doing. I mean, if
you are a producer, and you love Pete rock, and you stay listening to
Pete's shit...9 times out of ten, when you're producing you will end up
doing shit like Pete rock, and you might not even notice it.
It'll take your man's, to come in and listen, and be
like...yoooo...that's hot...it sounds like some Pete rock shit. Nahh...I
don't want that. So I basically listen to a lot of my own stuff.
Don't get me wrong, I love listening to EVERYBODY...I
love it, but I don't make it a habit to start liking something or someone
in particular.
Q. I heard World
Premiere it was bangain you got clean flows. Tell us a little about that
song.
A. Well, World Premiere
was a joint we started with. It was recorded for airplay. Its FAR from
my best material. I was chilling when I wrote that. I had finished that
track like 4am. and I was hyped up so I wrote it in like 40mins. We recorded
it, let people hear it, niggaz was feeling it so we said fuck it...lets
put it out. We are going back into the studio to re-record it soon though.
It will be new lyrics, same beat. IM going to make it a little more street/underground
acceptable. World Premiere was a big thing for me. It was/is my 1st. single,
that's a lot more than a lot of rappers in the streets will ever see,
so regardless if this sells or not IM still going to keep things popping.
Go get that single and represent independents making it happen.
Q.What are some
of you musical goals?
A. My main goal is
to have a successful company. I want to break into the fortune 500...feel
me?!
I want everything man, I want that source award, music award, to sell
two and three million records...everything.
My goals for right now is to get this album out sometime next year...its
going to be sick!
Q. Why should people
listen to your music?
A.(laughing) Should
I say the typical answer.."Because its HOT!!"...lol
Nahh, for real though, IM just myself. IM one hot artist
amongst a thousand, and I have a story to tell just like the others, but
like I said before, rappers stories are like books...Lets just say IM
going to be the Steven King of this game.
Q. What would you
like to show the world through your music?
A.Its not more or
less my music, but my life. I want to show everyone watching me, reading
about me, and listening that anything is possible, and any vision is worth
reaching.
See, I call it visions, because I don't believe in the word
"Dream", but a dream is not reality. Almost all we as people "dream" about
is reality...its right in our face, we just have to figure out a way to
get it. A "dream" to me is a person flying without a plane, or you as
a bird. A "dream" is falling, or jumping of a roof of a 80 floor building,
and living.
But a lot of Rappers today, and people in general tell
you they "dream" about having a lot of money, nice cars, a nice house,
etc. etc. All that shit is real!! All that shit could come true tomorrow...feel
me...Just go get it!!
I know I AM!!
Q. Is there anyone
you like listening to or any other type of music you like?
A. I like all music,
but I really don't pump reggae too much, or country music, but I listen
to pretty much everything. I listen to a lot of R&B...When IM laid back.
I like to relax.
I like my man Joe, Christion, Carl Thomas, Mary Mary, Faith
Evens, and I love old school stuff like Force M.D's , Evelyn champagne
king, Pebbles, Vanity...etc.ect.
I like too many people to name: Az, Nas, Nature, my nigga
JAY-Z, Bleek, Beans, Cormega, B.I.G of course (R.I.P) Rakim no doubt,
M.O.P, teflon, ja-rule, 2 PAC (R.I.P), Pharoah Monch, Mos def, BIG PUN
(R.I.P) the list goes on.
Of course before anyone I love my niggaz, my camp: KNOXX,
ATOM BOMB, FINALE, JONESY!! yall my niggaz.
Q. What do you
think about the state Hip-Hop is currently in as a business and a culture?
A. Man I think we
came so far, but still got ways to go. I mean, we grew from the old cats
getting beat in the head for their royalties etc. etc. , we're young business
men and women now. I think Hip-hop as a culture is deep, but to me its
past a culture right now.
This is a BIG Business now, a WORLD WIDE business, and people
aren't getting involved because of the culture, and as much as I love
the founders of this culture; I cant blame anyone about getting paid.
You think R&B artist, and a person like Garth Brooks is teaming up with
a Nas, or Jay-Z because of the culture?...HELL No...its cross over...its
MONEY.
The way I see it is its your life, and your talent,
do as you feel is right, and FUCK anyone who has a problem with that.
Its really some DEEP brothers in this game straight up for the culture
and nothing other, but the way I see it is its all what's going to put
food on the table, pay the bills, and keep a roof over my head at the
end of each day, and send my future kids to college; is what IM doing!!
Like I said, the culture is cool, but I want to get my money
right, and after writing for 15 years, cant nobody tell me I cant have
it.
Q. Is there any
personal quote or lyric you have or live by?
A.Yes.
"One conversation across a table with a wise man, is worth
months of study in books"
...think about it.
Q. Have any shout
outs or any other comments you would like to make?
A.
No doubt...I definitely want to shout out Daily Dose HipHop for showing
a brother love, and giving me this opportunity to express myself to everyone.
Shouts to My label mates & Team members Nicole, Chanel, Towonna, Ebony,
Robert, Jean...everybody running with me, my niggaz: KNOXX the 3rd coming,
ATOM BOMB the Joe Clark in the rap game...FINALE, Dave Esquire, JONESY
my partner in crime, All my people in BROOKLYN:
Stupid Mike, Spank, Blunt (locked up) Vic, Cor, John, Vee, Prince, Jeff,
etc Check the album credits...(grin).
BREUKELEN The PJ's... Canarsie, E.N.Y, B-Ville, Pink Houses, Linden, Bushwick,
Bedsty, The whole damn BROOKLYN...
All My Niggaz and lady friends in the Bronx holding it down...yall know
who yall are...one love to EDEN WALD PJ's.
Shout to everyone reading this...if you know me, you know LOve is LOve!!
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-1-Maxwell,
Now
-2-Juvenile, Project English
-3-The Isley Brothers, Eternal
-4-Alicia Keys, Songs In A Minor
-5-Jadakiss, Kiss Tha Game Goodbye
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Rapworld.com
Aandbanks.com
[Affiliates]
Click to view
lager image of Cion
{Real audio}
1. Come
To Me
2. For
Those Who Know
3. Forever
For Doe
4. Get Twisted
5. Me
or Him
6. Real
Killaz, Real Niggaz
7. Represent
That
8. Everyday,
Everynight
9. Streets
ain't the same no more
10. Survive
in these Streets
11. What'cha
want
12. World
Premiere
Real Player
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