We were lucky to catch up with Chon Pryor recently and have shared our conversation below.
Chon, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
From a young age, I always felt a sense of wonder and a disconnection from the world around me. Growing up without an active father figure, a positive male role and a family growing with dysfunctionality left me vulnerable to peer pressure, constantly seeking acceptance while feeling lost and alone. Those feelings were something I detested, and I knew early on that I wanted to make a difference—to prevent others from experiencing the same sense of isolation.
My journey toward helping others began with writing poetry, which gradually evolved into a deep passion for music—particularly hip hop—as a means of self-expression. Seeking a break from city life, I enlisted in the Army, where I honed valuable skills and a mission-oriented mindset. Upon returning, I founded a hip hop collective called #PirateGang, driven by the aspiration of freedom, albeit with ambitions that surpassed our initial understanding.
As our endeavors grew more serious, some members couldn’t keep pace and chose to abandon ship. Each departure left a void, initially prompting me to assign blame before realizing the need for personal accountability and growth. Simultaneously, I found myself in unfulfilling jobs, mapping out my path forward—a journey that led me to the realm of personal development.
The pursuit of self-improvement became exhilarating. Armed with newfound knowledge, I felt compelled to share it with others, particularly peers seeking guidance. Alongside my passion for music, I delved into business and artist development, driven by the desire to uplift and empower those around me.
Despite the challenges, music remained my primary mode of expression—a bridge connecting me with others in my community. In Pittsburgh, finding reputable platforms for artistic expression was rare, so we took matters into our own hands, organizing events and mixers to foster connections and provide opportunities for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs.
Looking ahead, my mission has crystallized: to become a certified life and wellness coach, offering affordable, ongoing support akin to therapy sessions, while still thriving to be an established Musician and Incubator for other inspiring entrepreneurs, businesses and ideas. My aim is to enhance the life experiences of as many individuals as possible, introducing them to various forms of freedom while equipping them with tools and connecting them with vital resources. Ultimately, my goal is to create positive, impactful change—empowering others to lead a fulfilling life.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey into the realm of creativity and entrepreneurship began with poetry back in 2003. It was through writing that I discovered a profound sense of freedom—a feeling of being seen, heard, and accepted, which had eluded me during my adolescence. As my passion for expression evolved, I transitioned into hip hop music, where I found a community of like-minded individuals eager to share their creativity and skills.
Becoming a hip hop musician opened my eyes to the world of business—a realm I initially found daunting, but soon came to understand as essential for success. Inspired by Jay Z’s iconic words, “I’m not a businessman, I’m a business man,” I embraced the idea that I could transcend limitations and pursue multiple ventures.
My journey of development and expression has been immensely rewarding. I’m driven by the pure intention of providing a platform for individuals to experience and express themselves authentically, without the pursuit of monetary gain overshadowing our objectives.
At PGparley.com, we curate events focused on art, community, and wellness, alongside a magazine that serves as a resource hub for our audience. Our expansion into project and event management, as well as promotion for artists and businesses, reflects our commitment to providing valuable resources.
The PGShantyShop, our merchandise outlet, aims to spread the message of #PirateGang—a movement dedicated to raising awareness about different forms of freedom—through custom merchandise and wellness products.
As a professional hip hop musician, known as CPx3, my goal is to engage audiences through various media channels, including music videos, fun/ nostalgic/informational content, and merchandise, with the hope of positively impacting lives.
In addition to my creative pursuits, I’m undertaking NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) courses with the aim of becoming a certified life and wellness coach. I firmly believe that with the right mindset, accountability, determination, and passion, my team, myself with my network of resources can overcome any challenge. My proudest achievement lies in believing in the transformative power of our wild vision—to evolve from a young hip hop group named #PirateGang from Pittsburgh,PA into a multimedia consortium focused on art, community, and wellness, resonating with individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Our mission with #PirateGang is clear: to make a lasting impact on the world today for the generations of tomorrow.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Upon delving into the realm of personal development, I encountered several transformative books that have had a profound impact on my life. These are not just books I recommend; they are essential tools for anyone seeking success and fulfillment.
The first book that left an indelible mark on me is “The Secret.” This enlightening read delves into the power of manifestation, affirmations, and rewiring the mind to manifest the life one desires. It’s a powerful reminder that our thoughts shape our reality, and by harnessing the law of attraction, we can achieve our deepest desires.
Next on the list is “Think and Grow Rich.” Napoleon Hill’s timeless classic emphasizes the power of thoughts in shaping our destiny. By understanding the connection between thoughts and emotions, readers are guided through a scientific approach to not only attaining wealth but also gaining mastery over their own minds.
Another essential read is “The Richest Man in Babylon.” Through captivating stories, George S. Clason imparts timeless lessons on financial literacy and discipline. This book serves as a beacon of wisdom, offering practical insights on wealth accumulation and financial management.
Among the honorable mentions is “The Book of Job” from the Bible, which offers profound insights into perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Additionally, “The 48 Laws of Power” and “The Power of Habit” provide invaluable lessons on understanding human behavior and cultivating effective habits for success.
As I continue my personal development journey, my reading list expands to encompass works focused on self-management and the science of being. With a treasure trove of books awaiting exploration, I am eager to delve deeper into the realms of knowledge and wisdom that lie ahead. After all, in the pursuit of growth and enlightenment, there’s always more to learn.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Around 2009/2010, while I was working at a non-profit afterschool program, I found myself straddling two worlds. On one hand, I was dedicated to my work, but on the other, I was spending a significant amount of time “in the streets,” navigating a path that many from my background often find themselves on. It was almost a rite of passage, a necessary journey of learning through adversity.
However, during this time, I faced a series of challenges that led me to a pivotal moment of reflection. Feeling trapped in a cycle that seemed to offer little hope, I reached a breaking point. It was then that I asked myself a crucial question: Where could I go that would allow me to turn my past experiences into something positive? The answer came to me unexpectedly.
In my exploration of history, particularly Pirates, Gangs and the tactics employed they , I stumbled upon a revelation. I learned that gangs would often send their members into the armed forces to acquire skills and strategies to bring back to their communities. Inspired by this idea, I made a bold decision—I enlisted in the military.
Basic training was an eye-opening experience. Amidst the challenges and rigor, I found camaraderie, forged lasting bonds, and collected memories that would stay with me for a lifetime. More importantly, I acquired a wealth of skills and disciplines that I knew would set me apart from my peers, and to be a better leader.
My time in the military was not just about personal growth—it was about seizing an opportunity for transformation. It provided me with the tools and knowledge to chart a new course, one that would allow me to break free from the constraints of my past and pave the way for a brighter future.
Nothing is by accident.
Contact Info:
- Website: Cpx3x.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cpx3x412/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xCpx3/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chonpryor
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cpx3x412
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCojeEuZ-4aN8v07ONcY_0Sw/featured?view_as=subscriber
- Other: PGParley.com
Image Credits
Z vision media Jaquan Brockman Original Telegenic Productions Eric Langan productions ChopxShots Original Telegenic productions ChopxShots Z Vision Media