Hailing from Rochestor, N.Y., rapper Terrance “Caleon” Jones has built his reputation using clever wordplay and mesmerizing hooks. In 2003, he co-founded the independent record label Eyeconz Entertainment; working with many talented artists, producers and DJ’s such as Bad Boy producer Battle Roy and the Coalition DJs, it’s the No. 1 independent label in upstate New York.
The youngest of three, his life experiences, including losing his mother to a stroke in 2009, are his driving force. A diverse, creative and respected artist, Caleon’s earliest hip-hop influence was Run-D.M.C. Later influences included Leaders of the New School and the Wu-Tang Clan. His love for music was instant and has grown into a passion; what started as testing his flow in the school cafeteria and on neighborhood street corners prepared him for the underground hip-hop scene and to compete onstage against other emcees and hip-hop artists with catchy singles like “Did It,” “Bank Accts” and “So Cold Caleon.”
Here, Caleon uncovers misconceptions about the industry and his love of words.
Do you actively seek inspiration or does it find you? Or is it a combination of the two?
Honestly, it’s a combination of both. I’m a fan of all kinds of music so when I hear a record that is my opinion a really good piece of work, it can inspire my creative side to start building on different ideas.
What led you to your art form?
Growing up in my neighborhood, I used to walk to the corner store and see people in groups rapping and it used to bring an audience just to witness their talent. I realized how important words are and when used right it can be very impacting to listeners. I have a passion for music and what it can do.
Have you ever been involved in traditional business? If so, how?
Traditional business is the solid foundation for the music industry. It’s based on supply and demand. The greater the demand for good music or service then the supply is provided. That’s business 101. As an artist, I believe it’s important to understand the music industry and its business operations. Outside of being an artist, I have worked in event planning and promotions for other artists. I have also co-founded an independent label Eyeconz Entertainment in my hometown Rochester, N.Y., — a platform for independent artists in R&B, hip-hop and pop.
In addition to mastering their art, what other skill sets do you recommend that artists develop if they want to be successful?
As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” Practicing is the best way to master any craft, especially music. As a performing artist starting out, one way to get practice is participating in showcases and staying consistent. It is important to learn the music business so that an artist can see different ways to produce, promote, and distribute their music. There is no right or wrong way to do this and with the market changing with technology, everybody is becoming more tech savvy everyday to obtain music.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
I always find new ways to approach projects so that my approach is never the same. Versatility, adaption and evolution allow growth. No matter how good or great something is, eventually you will need to find a new creative approach. Being an artist requires thinking outside the box to show growth in your craft.
Do you think that there are any widely held misconceptions about art or artists? If so, what are they and how do you work to dispel them?
There are many misconceptions in hip-hop, such as all rappers topics are materialistic or downgrading to women. One thing that I can say is that currently with the saturation of hip-hop, a majority of the topics are. There are a handful of people who go outside of that stereotype. The only way to dispel that is give a variety of music from what’s expected. Hip-hop can be used in a light to tell inspiring life stories.
How do you map out your goals? How do you measure your success?
I map out my goals in steps. Like a painting every stroke of the brush contributes to the bigger picture. Slight changes can alter the overall outcome of the entire picture. Success to me is measured by how you inspire others.
Who do you consider being your peers in your field? Who do you see or use as examples to emulate?
I wouldn’t consider myself having peers in my field because music is so big and the scale is so massive that anybody from any genre can pick up a microphone can be a possible peer. To emulate is a form of imitation so I’m not really into that. However, there are various artists who inspire me.
Name two of your top role models: one in the art world and one from outside of it.
My top role model outside of this would be my mother. She showed and taught me so much at an early age that I will remember forever. The other would be Russell Simmons.
Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life or yourself.
Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success by Russell Simmons and Chris Morrow, Jay Z’s first sold out performance at Madison Square Garden and 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene.
Why do you consider continued learning important?
The mind is made for learning. If you stop learning, then you stop growing. An elderly person can learn from a child, vice versa. If you’re the smartest person in the room and you haven’t learned from anybody, then you are probably in the wrong room.
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
Keep an open mind and continue to learn. Always stay true to yourself and always remember with success comes hard work.
What role does art having in the community? What role would you like to see art play in the community?
I believe art plays a major role in all communities. Art is culture. It brings a unity among all races. In my art in particular, I would like to see more positive influences in the community such as seminars that teach the youth about financial wellness and more family-oriented.
What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it?
Technology is a major part of creating and communicating my brand. I use social sites such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, which are just few of the outlet channels I use for exposure and networking. It also allows me to stay up to date on music trends, fashion, and news. You can follow me @Official_Caleon for Twitter and Instagram and on Facebook you can find me under Caleon.
What software, app or other technological innovation has made the biggest difference in your life or career?
Pro Tools has been the best tool in my career. Pro Tools is a program for recording. It has allowed me to create an archive of work to build my brand and progress my career.
Please define your personal brand.
I am an artist who has good quality music and I am trendsetter. As a native New Yorker, I have the sound and foundation of east coast influences. However, you will see that I am diverse and I am able to approach sounds from different regions. In my music, you will hear diversity and range.
What is your favorite vacation destination and why?
I love the Caribbean. The Bahamas is one of the few places that I have been. I love their beaches and the culture.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
One thing I would change would be gas prices. [Laughs] But not really. I would change the world’s selfishness. I believe with less selfishness more could be accomplished.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
No regrets. God created you to be you. All the bad and good choices are your makeup. I wouldn’t change a thing.
What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status?
To be iconic you must start with a vision. You must always stay focused on your goals. With passion, hard work and [good] timing anything is possible. There are a number of people in the industry that have achieved that status. In the hip-hop industry, I would have to say Tupac, Biggie, Jay-Z, Diddy, Outkast and Snoop just to name a few.
