Everyone knows Nick. The man is a walking franchise with enough kids to start his own basketball league. But if you’re only looking at the guy on The Masked Singer, you’re missing out on the rest of the Cannon crew. Honestly, it’s kinda wild how much talent is packed into one family tree without the world really noticing.
We’re talking about Gabriel, Javen, Reuben, and Caleb. Four guys who grew up in the same high-stakes environment as Nick—shuttling between San Diego and North Carolina—yet managed to carve out their own weird, wonderful lanes in an industry that usually only has room for one "star" per surname.
Gabriel Cannon: More Than Just a Famous Relative
If you caught season two of ABC’s Claim to Fame, you already saw Gabriel dominate. He didn't just win; he played the house like a fiddle. For weeks, he had everyone convinced he was related to some NFL legend. Why? Because the man is built like an athlete. He used that "stature" to hide his identity until the very end, eventually walking away with the $100,000 grand prize.
But Gabriel’s story isn’t just a reality TV fluke.
He’s been in the trenches of the music industry for years. He was part of the group Rydaz n Rtist and even toured with Mariah Carey back in the day. Can you imagine that? Touring with your sister-in-law while she’s at the peak of her powers. He’s seen the Hollywood machine from the inside and, interestingly enough, decided to take a step back for a while.
He actually went to Bible college. He spends a lot of his time now mentoring youth and working on a camp for kids who are struggling. It’s a complete 180 from the red carpets, but he seems more grounded because of it.
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Javen "King" Cannon and the Wild 'N Out Legacy
Then there’s Javen. Most people call him "King." If you watch Wild 'N Out, you’ve seen him. He’s the youngest of the brothers and probably the one who shares Nick’s specific brand of "host energy" the most.
Javen didn’t just get a seat at the table because of his last name. He put in the work as a production assistant first. He was the guy running around behind the scenes, getting coffee, and making sure the lights stayed on before he ever stepped in front of the camera. He’s a Howard University grad—just like Nick—and he’s become a core writer and performer for the show.
There’s a specific kind of pressure that comes with being the youngest. You’re always "Nick’s little brother." But on the improv stage, you can’t fake funny. You either have the timing or you don’t. King has it.
Reuben and Caleb: The Brothers Behind the Scenes
Reuben Cannon is often the name that causes the most confusion. See, there’s a legendary casting director also named Reuben Cannon (who worked on The Color Purple and Moonlighting). While they aren't the same person, Nick’s brother Reuben has definitely made his own noise in the music world.
He’s an independent artist with a massive SoundCloud following—his mixtape Play My S—t racked up millions of plays. He’s unapologetic. He doesn't do the "polished PR" thing that most celebs do. He just puts out music.
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Then you have Caleb Cannon.
Caleb is the one who keeps things the quietest. We know he grew up in that same rough environment in San Diego, facing the same gang violence and neighborhood pressures that the older boys did. While he hasn't chased the spotlight with the same intensity as Gabriel or Nick, he’s been a constant presence in the family's personal life.
The 3YB Days: Where it All Started
Before the millions and the TV shows, there was 3YB. It stood for "Three Young Brothers." It was Nick, Gabriel, and Reuben.
They weren't exactly Boyz II Men, but it was their escape. Growing up in a neighborhood where gang culture was the default, music was the one thing that kept them off the corners. Nick eventually got the "performance bug" from his grandfather, but that early brotherhood in the studio set the foundation for everything.
It’s easy to look at them now and see the success. But the reality? It was a struggle. They idolized Nick’s rise. When Drumline came out, Gabriel famously said it changed his life because suddenly, his big brother wasn't just a guy in the background—he was the guy.
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What You Can Learn From the Cannon Brothers
The biggest takeaway here isn't just that they’re talented. It’s about how they handle the "shadow" of a massive celebrity.
- Define your own win: Gabriel didn't need to be a host; he wanted to give back to his community.
- Work from the bottom: Javen started as a PA, not a star.
- Lean on the bond: Despite the fame and the "12 kids" jokes, the brothers remain incredibly tight.
If you’re looking to follow Gabriel’s journey, keep an eye on his upcoming youth camp projects. For Javen, catch him on the latest seasons of Wild 'N Out where he’s increasingly taking on a leadership role behind the scenes.
The Cannon legacy is a lot bigger than just one man and a microphone. It’s a family business built on staying relevant, staying busy, and—most importantly—staying together.
Check out Gabriel Cannon's social media for updates on his community work, or dive into Reuben’s SoundCloud catalog if you want a break from mainstream radio.
Next Steps:
You can research Gabriel Cannon’s community initiatives to see how his Claim to Fame winnings are being put to use. Alternatively, look up Javen Cannon’s writing credits to see his influence on modern improv comedy.