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.
Love You Better
Derek Minor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Since I picked up this pen and told you I'm glad you're mine
Forever together, nothing can separate us too
And if love is scary, baby you my Boo
First time I saw you my homies said I was crazy
My mind is an art gallery, pictured you with my baby
I took your hand as we walked through the sunshine, lady
Said "get from under that tree, them other dudes are shady"
So that sealed the deal, I looked for rings like signing
You held me down in this love, I swear that I ain't forgot
You deserve diamonds on your finger the size of Ring Pops
And when my shoe was untied, they said the boy was trippin'
She looked past it all, straight patient with him
You a thief girl, you stole my heart
I ain't goin' nowhere till death do us part
See we in love that's strong, what it mean
She independent, but don't mind still calling me king
They say it's old school for you to be my only queen
Well if we primitive, you fly as Pterodactyl wings
Uh, I know I do some things you don't prefer
I'm a chiropractor, get all on your nerves
We get in arguments, sometimes we say some hurtful words
But through that, we see the way that Christ loved the church
I'll protect you girl, your man's loyal
And Lord have mercy on anyone who put they hands on you
We one, and when they hurtin' you they hurtin' me
Never wanna see you cry to me, that's an emergency
Your superhero chop the dark night, Batman
Or call me Superman, nothing like your X-Man
I can't believe the Lord put this gift in my hand
Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, woman
In "Love You Better," Derek Minor reflects on his love for his partner and the strength of their relationship. The song begins with a joyful greeting to the woman he loves, rejoicing in the fact that they are together. He goes on to describe the depth of their bond, stating that nothing can separate them. He acknowledges that love can be scary but declares that she is his Boo, indicating that he is committed to her.
Minor then takes a trip down memory lane, recalling the first time he saw her and how his friends doubted their connection. He paints a picture of them walking through the sunshine and suggests that his devotion to her was sealed when she stood by him even though he was broke. He praises her for her patience with him and states that she deserves nothing less than the best. He promises to be there for her no matter what and describes how much he cares for her.
Minor then acknowledges the challenges that they face in their relationship. He acknowledges that he can do things that she doesn't prefer but compares himself to a chiropractor, noting that there are times when he can get on her nerves but he can also help take away her pain. They may argue occasionally, but they both recognize the love that they share and the way that Christ loved the church. He promises to protect her and remain loyal to her. They are one, and he will not let anyone hurt her without hurting him.
Overall, "Love You Better" is a heartfelt ode to Derek Minor's partner, demonstrating his deep appreciation and devotion to her. The song is one that may resonate with those who have experienced the power of love in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, what up girl, it's been a long time
Starting conversation with his girl after a long time.
Since I picked up this pen and told you I'm glad you're mine
He expresses his feelings of love for his girl after a long time.
Forever together, nothing can separate us too
Their love is so strong that nothing can separate them ever.
And if love is scary, baby you my Boo
She is his strength and support when it comes to love.
First time I saw you my homies said I was crazy
He fell in love with his girl at first sight and his friends thought he was crazy.
My mind is an art gallery, pictured you with my baby
He always imagined his life with his girl and his child.
I took your hand as we walked through the sunshine, lady
He was always there with his girl through thick and thin.
Said "get from under that tree, them other dudes are shady"
He warned his girl to stay away from bad boys who may cause harm.
See I was broke, didn't care about my profit
He didn't let his financial status hinder his love for his girl.
So that sealed the deal, I looked for rings like signing
He was ready to commit and searched for engagement rings.
You held me down in this love, I swear that I ain't forgot
He remembers and appreciates everything she has done for him in the name of love.
You deserve diamonds on your finger the size of Ring Pops
He feels that his girl deserves the best things in life.
And when my shoe was untied, they said the boy was trippin'
People criticized him for small things, but his girl always saw the best in him.
She looked past it all, straight patient with him
She always treated him with care and patience.
You a thief girl, you stole my heart
He is hopelessly in love with his girl.
I ain't goin' nowhere till death do us part
He promises to be by her side no matter what, till the day they die.
See we in love that's strong, what it mean
Their love is so strong that it is hard to describe in words.
She independent, but don't mind still calling me king
Even though she is an independent woman, she still treats him as her king.
They say it's old school for you to be my only queen
People may think it's old-fashioned for him to treat her as his only queen, but he doesn't care.
Well if we primitive, you fly as Pterodactyl wings
Their love may seem primitive to others, but he thinks it's as majestic as Pterodactyl wings.
Uh, I know I do some things you don't prefer
He knows that he may not always do things according to her preferences.
I'm a chiropractor, get all on your nerves
He may irritate her at times, but he's always there to support her and care for her like a chiropractor.
We get in arguments, sometimes we say some hurtful words
Their relationship is not perfect, and they have their ups and downs.
But through that, we see the way that Christ loved the church
Through their relationship struggles, they are able to understand the way Christ loved the church.
I'll protect you girl, your man's loyal
He will always protect her and she can always rely on him.
And Lord have mercy on anyone who put they hands on you
He will not let anyone harm his girl, or they will face his wrath.
We one, and when they hurtin' you they hurtin' me
Their love is so strong that they feel each other's pain and sufferings.
Never wanna see you cry to me, that's an emergency
He never wants to see her cry and will always be there in emergencies.
Your superhero chop the dark night, Batman
He is like her superhero, who saves her in times of trouble, like Batman.
Or call me Superman, nothing like your X-Man
He'd rather be called Superman than X-Man, and he's nothing like her ex-boyfriend.
I can't believe the Lord put this gift in my hand
He is grateful for his girl, and feels blessed to have her in his life.
Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, woman
He sees her as a part of him, and they are one in every sense of the word.
Lyrics © MUSIC SERVICES, INC., Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brian Tistog, Derek Johnson, Justin Norvell Crowder, Robert J. Roman, Torrance Anton Esmond
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@demetriusmurch
I like how gospel artists make love songs for the married couples. Keep it up man. God bless!!
@jeniece1mad
I loooooooovvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeee this song! He is so sweet to write this song for his wife. Supporter! Thanks for coming to my school, UT Arlington, to perform!!!
@asc3nding7li0n3
Who's still listening in 2020💯🔥
@dreamymimiasmr8848
The ending was the best part to me
@EthanRPG
Best love song i ever heard. Def gon show it to my future wifey
@dterik
dancing to this song in the truck with the wifey for sure. love the beat.
@danihuggins70
Still lovin' dis in 2020. Anybody else? 🙂
@owvaload1335
Ya
@championrd8557
This make me feel overwhelmed in good way of course also this give me Nostalgic feelings tho
@Keepthefaith116
Wedding song !!!!! 🙌🏾💍🥂💯😍