I have to admit it. Looking at Jon Conner, I was skeptical. Dressed in a custom red Dead Denim hoodie, Dead Denim jeans and matching red and white sneakers, I would sooner believe I was looking at a model or movie star, than a rapper with serious street credibility as an emcee with a nationwide buzz. However, from the minute I heard his rich and powerful voice booming through the speakers, I was convinced. Jon Conner is the real deal. As he performed his songs on stage, I was impressed at the way he could deliver a rap song with a barrage of rapid-fire phonetics, without missing a beat, and then effortlessly transition into a laid back groove and deliver heartfelt lyrics with perfect timing and tone. When he started singing, I began to realize. I wasn't just witnessing a rapper rap. I was watching a versatile artist put everything he had into his art. After his 45 minute set, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jon and ask him a few questions.

Through the "Don't Stop The Music" project you are able to help the community.. how does that make you feel?

It feels great and I am excited to have the opportunity. Being able to use my talents to create songs that impact other people is what you hope for as an artist.

Today most artists are only interested in money and the fame, what made you decide get involved with the QME Media community initiative?

It was really a no-brainer. That passion that QME has to grow and be involved with great causes, that actually make a difference, is infectious. It makes you want to be involved knowing it's bigger than just you. It's bigger than the money or the fame. It's about connecting with people and coming together to make a change for the better. To help people. What could be better than that?

How has working with QME Media impacted your career?

It has opened my music up to a lot of people that might not otherwise have had the opportunity to hear my music. Working on the various QME projects has broadened my horizon's, in terms of what I can do through my music. Knowing that the music we make is going to used to drive initiatives and causes has really helped me take my career to the next level in many aspects.

Describe what it's like creating a song.

In the beginning there is a little anxiety. Can I do it again? What am I gonna write about? But once we have the music written and start vibing to it, it kind of writes itself. The feel of the music tells you what direction to go in. At that point, you just open your heart and start writing. When the song is finished, and your listening to it in the playback monitors, it is a high I can't get from any drug. I might listen to it, 4 or 5 times in a state of euphoria and awe of what we were able to create. It is humbling and empowering all at the same time.

How do you think QME will impact the community through the QME tour's fundraising efforts?

There are a lot of great non-profits and community groups that help the community everyday. They all have the same challenges.... and that's fundraising. QME and the "Don't Stop The Music Tour" has one main objective.. And that is to raise money to help these groups and non-profits make a difference everyday through their charitable work and contributions to the causes they champion.