The appeal of southern Hip Hop has long been country vernacular over crunk … Read Full Bio ↴The appeal of southern Hip Hop has long been country vernacular over crunk beats that keep heads bangin’ and bodies movin’. While the head bangers and dance anthems haven’t ceased, in recent years, authentic Hip Hop and true lyricism have taken a back seat to commercial success. In steps Pro; while not on a mission to resurrect real southern Hip Hop--having been redeemed and commissioned to influence the culture--Pro certainly brings a nostalgia for what was and a hope for what is to come, as part of a greater movement infiltrating Hip Hop with a powerful message.

Born Derek Johnson Jr. in Pontiac, MI, Pro relocated to Tennessee with his mom at a young age, which meant more distance between him and an already detached father. After moving, Pro and his new stepfather’s relationship was plagued by an ever-growing tension, as he had grown accustomed to being the man of the house and helping to raise his younger sister. Beyond that, he knew his step-dad was consuming drugs while Pro’s strict, devoutly Christian mother was juggling a rigorous work schedule and life at home. As Pro watched her struggle, he decided that, once he could, he would save money and become rich through education or music.

Music had always been a part of his environment growing up, as Gospel songs flooded the house and his mom sung in the choir and around the city. But it was Pro’s dad, a jazz musician, who would supply him with the inspiration to actually pursue a career in music. When Pro was 12, on a summer visit to his dad’s house, he started rapping about God and adolescence over beats his dad produced with his new ASR-10. That summer, he was also introduced to DJ Quick and 2pac and headed home with a stack of tapes filled with different beats--the stage had been set.
After a visit to Middle Tennessee State University at 15, Pro was convinced that he wanted to enroll in the music program there and someday make his ambitions a reality. His mom joined the cause by buying him his own production equipment; by the time he entered college, he was in a rap duo and had gotten a job to pay for studio time. In relentless pursuit of his dream, Pro recalls using a bunk bed as a mic stand before turning 21 and signing a record deal with an independent label. While on the label, he released a mix tape, but the company folded and life began taking a morbid turn. Removed from the dos and don’ts of his strict home, Pro reveled in the forbidden. Music, women and money became idols in his life until “the season of death” woke him up.
Within a short time span, Pro loss his grandfather, grandmother and godmother. As a result, he began to understand that life was fleeting; growing weary, he cried out to God and surrendered his life and talents. Some time later, after forming Reflection Music Group with his friend Doc Watson, he released his debut album The Black Out, on which he wrestled with being East Coast or Southern; and cocky, yet still Christian. The album wasn’t received well within Christian circles, so Pro took a break from rapping long enough to be challenged and influenced by two guys he met at his new church. “Lecrae and BJ challenged me to let the Gospel truly affect my heart,” he recalls, and as he did, his perspectives and artistic style were completely changed.
Since then, Pro has collaborated on several noteworthy projects and released PSA, a mix tape he calls his first full-length installment of mature Christian music; Redemption; and PSA Vol. 2. His second album, Redemption, debuted at No. 3 on the iTunes Gospel chart and No.8 on Billboard Gospel, while also topping other mainstream and Gospel charts. With the success of his sophomore album and the growing popularity of tracks he has either produced or been featured on, Pro has established a unique presence in CHH. As the opening act for the “Unashamed Tour” in 2010, Pro won over audiences around the country with his amplifying performances and gritty lyrics. His latest release, PSA Vol. 2, is the second installment in an ongoing series of topically diverse, sonically evolving and authentically Hip Hop music that also introduces listeners to upcoming Reflection artists.

A self-described blue-collar artist, Pro embraces his ability to get listeners amped, but ultimately, he wants them to feel and be inspired to pursue something greater than themselves. He currently resides in Nashville, TN where he is an active member of Fellowship Bible Church along with his wife. And while his popularity grows with each release, past experiences have taught him that, “Peace is more important than anything,” so his enduring ambition and motivation to continue making quality music is simply to glorify God with his life.

Kingdom Come
Derek Minor Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I build your empire
So may my kingdom come
'Till kingdom come
'Till kingdom come

Now we got gold teeth in our moutheses
And divas on our coucheses
And no less than bout fifty goons every time I'm out the set

They post up on the corner selling crack to your mammie
And if you come up short then boy I might just pop, pop, pop your grannie
Nothing matters but this cheddar mula I'm a shooter
Hit the plug and sell the work call the jeweler cop a mueller
The Streets my kingdom I'm the ruler
Yeah I'm the ruler
Every fiend they worship me
Bow down when you talk to me
I wanna a girl who got no self esteem that I control her
Once so money hungry if I pay her she do what I want
Ok I have them both
That's what you do when your a boss and you got plenty dough
Boy I got plenty dough
I'm riding in a car that's worth more than your life
Speeding through your city

Oh my God
Hey buddy are you ok?
Are you ok?
Somebody call an ambulance

Now have you ever been this high before
Only astronauts can breathe on top of highest floor
That's why they say its astronomical what I afford
If gravity doesn't take your breath, look at my awards
Whose name is on the door
I can take you to Egypt the grass is greener and always sunny
Just put your 401k in my pyramids of money
Now wheres my cappuccino that's why I hired you
Five years ago there's no complaints said I inspired you
This salary pays Sallie Mae wife even admired you
Your kids should thank me I'm the reason their in private school
This ladder had to make you tired
You hope it'll take you higher
But today I change your life
I take that money (You're fired)
I pay that dummy
Go to Vegas that's my craps money
Haha that's funny
Imma sleep good tonight feels so good to have money
I build my own empire you can't take that from me
I'm a king
And its quitting time
I walk outside like the world is mine
And I rule everything I see
Nothing out is stopping me

I put that on my life
I put that on my life

Overall Meaning

In the first verse of Derek Minor's "Kingdom Come," he talks about building an empire and emphasizes the idea of "kingdoms." He reflects on the idea of building a kingdom that stands the test of time, using the phrase "Till kingdom come" repeatedly. It seems that for Minor, the pursuit of wealth and power is something to be celebrated rather than questioned. The second verse, however, reveals the darker side of his kingdom. He glorifies violence, drug dealing, and objectifying women which brings out the darker, more dangerous side of his empire. He speaks of having fifty goons and always carrying a weapon. He is so focused on his own gratification that he enjoys compelling a woman to lose her self-respect and control over her life.

Minor seems to be pointing out the allure of power and wealth, and the sometimes destructive nature of that pursuit. His perspective may reflect his personal experience of trying to build a legacy or a successful career within the rap industry, where success is often associated with flashy material possessions and physical dominance. The song carries a cautionary tale, warning about how the dark side of this pursuit can backfire and bring destruction to both the perpetrator and their victims.

Line by Line Meaning

I build your empire
I am working hard to make you rich and successful.

So may my kingdom come
May I have great success in my own endeavors as well.

'Till kingdom come
I will keep striving for success for as long as I am able.

'Till kingdom come
I will keep chasing my dreams and building my own empire for as long as I live.

Now we got gold teeth in our moutheses
I have achieved so much success that I can afford even the most expensive of luxuries.

And divas on our coucheses
I have beautiful women who are willing to be with me because of my success.

And no less than bout fifty goons every time I'm out the set
I am surrounded by bodyguards and hired muscle to protect me and keep me safe.

They post up on the corner selling crack to your mammie
I am involved in illegal activities such as drug-dealing, which has caused harm to others.

And if you come up short then boy I might just pop, pop, pop your grannie
I will take violent actions if anyone crosses me or if anything threatens my power and success.

Nothing matters but this cheddar mula I'm a shooter
I am completely focused on making money and doing whatever it takes to achieve even greater success.

Hit the plug and sell the work call the jeweler cop a mueller
I am involved in multiple illegal activities and use the money to purchase expensive jewelry, including a Mueller watch.

The Streets my kingdom I'm the ruler
I have taken control of my surroundings and have the power and influence to do whatever I want.

Every fiend they worship me
I have a loyal following of drug addicts who look up to me and admire me.

Bow down when you talk to me
I demand respect from everyone around me and they must bow down to me if they speak to me.

I wanna girl who got no self esteem that I control her
I want a woman who is completely dependent on me and will do whatever I tell her to do.

Once so money hungry if I pay her she do what I want
I am not above paying someone to do what I want and using my wealth and power to manipulate others.

Ok I have them both
I have successfully gained control over both my empire and the people around me.

That's what you do when your a boss and you got plenty dough
When you have achieved success and have a lot of money, you are entitled to do whatever you want.

Boy I got plenty dough
I have an abundance of wealth and am not afraid to show it off.

I'm riding in a car that's worth more than your life
I am able to drive a car that is worth more than most people's entire lives.

Speeding through your city
I am not afraid to break the law and put myself and others in danger to get what I want.

Oh my God
Something terrible has just happened and someone is in need of help.

Hey buddy are you ok?
I am checking on someone to make sure they are safe and not hurt.

Are you ok?
I am still checking to make sure that the person is okay.

Somebody call an ambulance
The person is hurt badly enough to require medical attention and someone needs to call for help.

Now have you ever been this high before
Have you ever felt as powerful and successful as I do right now?

Only astronauts can breathe on top of highest floor
I have reached the highest level of success and achievement that very few people are able to experience.

That's why they say its astronomical what I afford
I am so wealthy and powerful that people consider my success and achievements to be out of this world.

If gravity doesn't take your breath, look at my awards
Even if you are not impressed by the amount of money and success I have achieved, you will be impressed by the numerous awards and accolades that I have received.

Whose name is on the door
I have achieved such great success that my name is on the door of my own successful empire.

I can take you to Egypt the grass is greener and always sunny
I am so successful and wealthy that I can travel to the most luxurious and exotic places in the world.

Just put your 401k in my pyramids of money
I am offering people a way to invest their money and achieve the same kind of success that I have achieved.

Now wheres my cappuccino that's why I hired you
I have employees who are paid to cater to my every need and desire.

Five years ago there's no complaints said I inspired you
I have inspired people with my success and achievements, and they are grateful for what I have done for them.

This salary pays Sallie Mae wife even admired you
I am able to provide for my family and pay off my debts with my wealth and success.

Your kids should thank me I'm the reason their in private school
I have helped others achieve success and am responsible for the opportunities that they have been given.

This ladder had to make you tired
I have had to work hard and climb a ladder to reach the level of success that I have achieved.

You hope it'll take you higher
You are hoping that you will be able to achieve even greater success through hard work and perseverance.

But today I change your life
I am about to change your life and give you an opportunity to achieve success and wealth beyond your wildest dreams.

I take that money (You're fired)
I am ruthless and will not hesitate to get rid of someone who is not working hard or is not contributing to my success.

I pay that dummy
I have the power to pay someone to do whatever I want, no matter how foolish or dangerous it may be.

Go to Vegas that's my craps money
I am able to spend a lot of money on gambling without any concern for the cost.

Haha that's funny
I find this whole situation to be amusing.

Imma sleep good tonight feels so good to have money
I am able to sleep well at night knowing that I have achieved great success and have a lot of money.

I build my own empire you can't take that from me
I have built my own successful empire from the ground up and no one can take that away from me.

I'm a king
I have achieved such great success and power that I feel like a king.

And its quitting time
The work day is over and I can relax and enjoy my success.

I walk outside like the world is mine
I have so much confidence and power that I feel like I own the world.

And I rule everything I see
I am in complete control of my surroundings and have the power to do whatever I want.

Nothing out is stopping me
There is nothing that can stand in the way of my success and power.

I put that on my life
I am so confident in my success and power that I am willing to bet my life on it.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANTHONY REID, DEREK JOHNSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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