Nick Cannon says that it’s unlikely he ever releases another rap album. Speaking with HipHopDX about his music career, Cannon explained that he’s never viewed himself as a “rapper.” The crux of the issue for Cannon is that he doesn’t like labels and feels they are inherently restricting.
“To define me is to confine me,” he explained to the outlet. “I never thought I was a rapper. That’s why I think I just kind of never — I wouldn’t say I didn’t take it seriously, but I was more focused on being a producer, a musician.” Cannon released his self-titled debut album back in 2003. It features collaborations with Ying Yang Twins, Biz Markie, R. Kelly, Nivea, and more.
Nick Cannon At The Kids’ Choice Awards
Cannon went on to explain that he grew bored of writing raps as he became more invested in music. “I feel like even when I started I was evolving as a musician, you know, everything from production, being a piano guy, guitar, playing various instruments and stuff. I was always on that,” he explained. “Rhyming words was never that exciting to me. So when people make fun of me, I don’t care — anybody can do that. I’m not impressed by anybody who can rhyme words together. TikTok has proven anyone can do it.”
From there, Cannon clarified that he didn’t intend to downplay the skills of all hip-hop artists. “When you think about someone who really raps, you think of somebody like Symba,” Cannon clarified. “That’s an art form and it’s a young man’s game. I commend and salute all poets and storytellers. Those are the greats. But just being able to put some words together over a beat, anybody could do that. Literally, Dr. Seuss has turned us all into rappers.” Cannon is currently finishing up his Future Superstar Tour alongside Symba, 24KGoldn, Hitman Holla, and others. The final show will take place in New York on April 8 at Palladium Times Square.
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