Bio
Back in 1989, The centrally located Los Angles County city of Compton
California, with it’s ninety-six thousand or so residents, seemed an
unlikely place for a young Rap artist and producer that was soon to be
born.
January 26 1989 was when Jon Lee made his first appearance. Young Jon was
destined to great things and as he grew he had a bent for the arts. That
comes as no real surprise, as the house where Jon grew-up was full of
music. His father was a musician and his mother was a ballerina.
Jon focused his talents on drawing, painting, graphic design and
photography, as he attended private school.
At age nine, Jon’s life turned completely upside down. It was discovered
that he had severe asthma, that ultimately brought the young man’s life
to a sudden halt. Doctors were able to revive him as they discovered he had
collapsed lungs. Spending a month in the hospital proved to be a long time
for the young Jon Lee. He had to undergo therapy to walk and write again,
due to the muscles that had grown weak due to the bed rest that was
required while his lungs repaired, themselves after collapsing. As soon as
he was able he passed the long hours by reading comic books, drawing and
writing.
Most all bad things also have good things that come from them. Jon said the
positive side of his near death experience is that it made him fearless.
“I’ve looked death in the eye and I know I can do anything once I make
my mind up to do it!”
This was when Jon became interested in yet another art form. Following in
his fathers foot steps he became interest in music at the age of nine. He
began performing at high schools, proms, open mic spots, concerts and other
artist showcases and venues.
It wasn’t until Jon reached the age of thirteen, that he became serious
about his musical career. Being influenced by a range of other artist like,
J Dilla, 9th Wonder, Kanye West, Dr.Dre, Jay Z. His influences extended
even further to artist such as John Lennon, Michael Jackson and Quincy
Jones along with several others.
His unique style of performing is a mix of music that was also influenced
by his visits to different areas of the country, such as New York, Atlanta,
Alabama, Las Vegas and Florida.
As with most artist, Jon began performing with a group, but as his style
developed he eventually started pursuing a solo career.
As Jon’s own music style began to develop from these influences. He
realized the importance of developing his own unique style of the over the
top punch lines, in the pocket delivery and witty word play. Jon developed
a very strong vocabulary and admits that sometimes he goes right over
peoples heads.
“I am very versatile in my production style as well. One song can be a
very simple boom bap type sound and another can be very classical and
orchestrated.”
Jon said. “There is no limit when it comes to my production abilities.
One moment I can be producing for a hip hop artist and the next a
rocker.”
Jon is also very hands on when it comes to his producing. He is a very
active artist himself and does most of his own album covers and visuals.
Video is another area that Jon likes to get involved with when producing.
“It just all comes together for me as an all around artist.” Jon said.
Jon Lee is a rising artist full of talent, that has a level head on his
shoulders and unlimited abilities in the music production industry.
To discover more about Jon Lee follow his blog at:
http://theoutsidersedge.wordpress.com/
