bio
KING CANGIN
From the streets of brooklyn:
Drawing from the rich tapestry of East Coast hip-hop and the golden era of the '90s, Jon Cangin — known on stage as KING CANGIN — weaves lyrical prowess with a deep reverence for the genre's greats. Influenced by the likes of Action Bronson, Nems, Eminem, and Kanye West, his music resonates with the authentic vibes of his Brooklyn upbringing in the diverse streets of Bensonhurst.
Raised by a resilient single mother with his father in jail, Jon's life narrative is one of overcoming and growth. His journey took an unexpected turn into the realm of education, leading him to the tranquil monasteries of Thailand where he taught English to monks, an experience that enriched his perspective and lyrical depth. This commitment to education is further evidenced by his Master's degree in History, a testament to his belief in the power of knowledge. His artistic roots run deep, as he carries the musical legacy of his grandfather Frank Cangin, an extremely popular Bensonhurst singer through the '70s and '80s, providing a rich musical legacy that echoes through KING CANGIN's rhymes.
Jon's personal story and advocacy for prison reform were compellingly captured in the PBS documentary "College Behind Bars," highlighting the transformative power of education for the incarcerated. A former high school football player for Fort Hamilton, his competitive spirit and team ethos infuse his music with a sense of resilience and determination.
Off the mic, Jon finds solace in education and the culinary arts, where the creativity and precision of cooking mirror the craft of his music. KING CANGIN isn't just an artist; he's a storyteller, educator, and advocate, inviting you to be part of a narrative that champions change, celebrates history, and pulses with the heart of Brooklyn.
Raised by a resilient single mother with his father in jail, Jon's life narrative is one of overcoming and growth. His journey took an unexpected turn into the realm of education, leading him to the tranquil monasteries of Thailand where he taught English to monks, an experience that enriched his perspective and lyrical depth. This commitment to education is further evidenced by his Master's degree in History, a testament to his belief in the power of knowledge. His artistic roots run deep, as he carries the musical legacy of his grandfather Frank Cangin, an extremely popular Bensonhurst singer through the '70s and '80s, providing a rich musical legacy that echoes through KING CANGIN's rhymes.
Jon's personal story and advocacy for prison reform were compellingly captured in the PBS documentary "College Behind Bars," highlighting the transformative power of education for the incarcerated. A former high school football player for Fort Hamilton, his competitive spirit and team ethos infuse his music with a sense of resilience and determination.
Off the mic, Jon finds solace in education and the culinary arts, where the creativity and precision of cooking mirror the craft of his music. KING CANGIN isn't just an artist; he's a storyteller, educator, and advocate, inviting you to be part of a narrative that champions change, celebrates history, and pulses with the heart of Brooklyn.