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.
Oceans
Derek Minor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For a new day to come, a new sun to shine 'cuz so far it's cold nights
They always saying it's the wrong time, why you saying it's the wrong time?
To say bye bye to rain and hello to change I'm ready for the summer time
Sorta like [?] I want a new season good times, bad times feelings uneven
Staring out a window day-dreaming, matter of fact I'm leaving, headed for the ocean
Ocean please, pull me farther to sea
Just stop, breath in, worry's just a deadly sin
Just stop, breath in, worry's just a deadly sin
I'm going, going, back, back to Cali, Cali, you had to see that coming
The son of man said he would carry all my burdens and that's the truth and I ain't worrying 'bout nothing
And you know I packed all my bags now, leaving worries behind now
Headed to life, there's no room on this ride now
I'm alive now and all I've got is your love on my mind now
I can feel it in my soul that it's a new season I need it
I could give ya 99 reasons
Staring out a window day-dreaming
I'm leaving, I'm leaving
Oh, Oh
Oh, Oh
Oh, Oh
Oh, oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh, Oh
Oh, Oh
Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh
Derek Minor’s “Oceans” is a song about transformation, growth, and a new beginning. The song depicts the journey of the artist who has been waiting for a long time for a new day to come, and a new sun to shine. He expresses his feelings about how life has been cold and how people have been always telling him it’s the wrong time to make a change. He yearns for a new season, good times, bad times, feelings to be even, and a breakaway from worries.
The chorus of the song speaks about the desire to let go, to experience something new, and let the ocean waves come and take him away from all his burdens. The ocean is symbolic of new beginnings, calmness, and serenity. The artist believes that worrying about the future is a deadly sin, and in order to be free, it's important to live in the present moment.
The song also talks about how the artist is going back to Cali, and he's not worried because the son of man has promised to carry all his burdens. He's leaving his worries behind and heading towards life with no room for anything but love. The repetition of "Oh, Oh" at the end of the song gives the feeling of hope and liberation that the artist has experienced after leaving his old life behind.
Interesting Facts:
Line by Line Meaning
Now I've been waiting for a long, I mean waiting for a long time
I have been waiting for a new phase in my life for a really long time
For a new day to come, a new sun to shine 'cuz so far it's cold nights
I am waiting for a time when there is more positivity and happiness in my life
They always saying it's the wrong time, why you saying it's the wrong time?
People around me always discourage me from making changes, but why should I listen to them?
To say bye bye to rain and hello to change I'm ready for the summer time
I am ready to leave behind my troubles and welcome a new season of happiness
Sorta like [?] I want a new season good times, bad times feelings uneven
I am hoping for a new chapter in my life where I can experience a spectrum of emotions and experiences
Staring out a window day-dreaming, matter of fact I'm leaving, headed for the ocean
I am tired of day-dreaming and now it's time for me to take action and go towards the change that I yearn for
Ocean waves, come and take me away
I am seeking refuge from the turmoil in my life that the ocean waves have the power to wash away
Ocean please, pull me farther to sea
I want the ocean to take me deeper so that I may feel more connected to the universe
Just stop, breath in, worry's just a deadly sin
I am reminding myself to stop worrying and live in the moment
I'm going, going, back, back to Cali, Cali, you had to see that coming
I am going back to a place of comfort and peace in my mind
The son of man said he would carry all my burdens and that's the truth and I ain't worrying 'bout nothing
I trust that God will help me overcome my struggles and I am not worried about the future
And you know I packed all my bags now, leaving worries behind now
I have made a conscious decision to leave behind my worries and embrace the journey ahead
Headed to life, there's no room on this ride now
I am moving forward towards a new beginning and there is no space for negativity in my life
I'm alive now and all I've got is your love on my mind now
I am grateful to be alive and the only thing on my mind is feeling loved and supported
I can feel it in my soul that it's a new season I need it
My soul is telling me that a change is necessary and that I need a new season in my life
I could give ya 99 reasons
I have countless reasons as to why I need to move towards something new
Oh, Oh
Oh, Oh
Oh, Oh
Oh, oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh, Oh
Oh, Oh
Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh
This is a part of the chorus where the singer repeats the same sounds over and over again which help in conveying the feeling of wanting to let go of one's worries and experience freedom and joy instead.
Lyrics © Mute Song Limited, Songtrust Ave
Written by: DEREK JOHNSON, JON HICKS, JUSTIN BUSCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind