Cannon has recently released his latest music project entitiled, “DeLayed Takeoff”. It’s a rather impressive follow-up to his earlier mixtape “Qualitative Concepts” released earlier this year. That initial project was in many ways an introduction to the mind of Cannon, a young rapper with aspirations to realize his potential and the courage to make it his dreams a reality. But on “Delayed Takeoff”, Cannon really seizes the chance to expand his mandate, crafting an imaginative landscape through witty rap and comical skits that’s really makes a case for holding onto one’s dreams no matter what the opposition.
One of the most interesting aspects of this album is Cannon’s use of well-written (and often comedy-rich) skits to help tell his story. The album’s seven between-track skits illustrate a day-in-the-life story of Cannon waking up and getting through his day as a passenger on his very first flight. Elevator malfunctions, incompetent pilots, and auto-tune wielding security agents make things hard for him, but our protagonist keep’s a cool head. That cool head, trust in God, and good-natured sense of humor get him through the flight safely enough, providing a sobering metaphor for how to navigate life in the not-so-friendly skies of the music industry.
The music tracks on “Delayed Takeoff” are just as edifying. “Wake Up” sets a tone for the album in a very strong way, establishing Cannon as an artist who craves success not just for success, but to raise the consciousness of those around him. “First Class”, “Window Seat” and “Ascending Passion” form a triptych analysis on the anatomy of a dream. The three tracks work together to remind listeners that although realizing the dream of success is difficult and only attainable to those who are willing to work hard for it, the payout is beautiful and in Cannon’s highly lyrical opinion, well worth it.
“TSA” makes it clear that sometimes a rapper has got to step up to the plate and use his music to make change in a game riddled with phonies and haters. Cannon sees himself as aptly suited for the role but never forgets his primary motivation. “Hear Me” is a thoughtful track, asking for God to hear his prayer for the next generation having to discover their path through struggle just as he is to be served as an example.
Production credits are varied on this album yet consistently powerful. Cannon demonstrates a keen ability to surround himself with competent producers on each of his tracks. ID Labs, Tye Beats, Taz Taylor, Humbeats, and Vybe Beatz give this album a distinct bounce freeing Cannon to layer his own distinct and flavorful vocals to every track. I had a good time listening to Cannon on “Delayed Takeoff”. Good first flight!
– ILikeZach
