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.
Party People
Derek Minor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lose Your Mind
We gon Party All Night
Hey Marty!
This is my Social Club ad lib
Supposed to say something random and funny right here
I stage dive off the top rope like Macho Man
If I hit your mama with an elbow then I'm sorry fam
Ya'll better know it
Misfits and Minor are lions and tigers
In other words, animals, animals, animals
We all going crazy I think you should try now (you, you, you)
Hands to the sky like I'm flapping the Giant
Controlling the crowd like ventriloquist
Many resurrecting if you not feeling this
Party just beginning we are not ending it
People say I'm crazy, I'm not feeling it now
Lose Your Mind
We gon Party All Night
You tell your crew I tell my crew, We party all night!
Agh! Oh no they back again
Hoppin out of Minivans
With couple of their friends
Still rocking Hammer pants
I could do that Hammer dance
Just gimme room though
I'm singing this Spanish
Girls they think I'm in Menudo
I'm drinking Martin in the back and my shirt is mustard
Politicking on the patio my shirt up button
I tell that people about Jesus over tea and crumpets
We too busy having fun and you busy doing nothing
Lose Your Mind
We gon Party All Night
You tell your crew I tell my crew, We party all night!
What the problem is y'all try to play us like Optimus
When we currently in our prime like Optimus
Promoters hit the email like lock us in
We're booked to next year that's a lot of gigs
And a couple of them with Derek and his rapper friends
Canon, B-Coop and not to mention them
But not many other artists that I recommend
Lately I been thinking it was dirty for the culture
Chilling me and stash money dancing in the corner
Twerking out work it out baby feeding over donor
Instagram fill got you feeling like a baller
I do things more stiffer than most you
My raps like a slam dunk tryna post you
Verse like this make this like you supposed to do
Now party all night like we told you to
Lose Your Mind
We gon Party All Night
You tell your crew I tell my crew, We party all night!
In the song Party People by Derek Minor, the artist invites everyone to lose their minds and party all night. The lyrics carry a tone of pure fun and enjoyment, as if advocating for a night without worries or stresses. The artist mentions other hip-hop artists such as Misfits and Minor, and Canon, among others, with a feeling of camaraderie and pride in their craft. The lyrics encourage the listener to let go of any hesitations and just have a good time, bringing up Marty and Social Club Ad Lib as a hype man does on the track.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey Marty!
Addressing someone named Marty
This is my Social Club ad lib
Introducing his band Social Club and their signature ad lib style
Supposed to say something random and funny right here
Acknowledging the need for humor in their music and mentioning it for the sake of authenticity
You tell your crew I tell my crew, We party all night
Encouraging everyone to join in the party and enjoy themselves
I stage dive off the top rope like Macho Man
Comparing himself to the wrestler Macho Man and his fearless approach to performing
If I hit your mama with an elbow then I'm sorry fam
Jokingly apologizing in advance for any accidents that may happen during the show
Ya'll better know it
Asserting his confidence and skills as a performer
Misfits and Minor are lions and tigers
Describing his group as fierce and powerful
In other words, animals, animals, animals
Emphasizing the comparison to animals and reinforcing his point
We all going crazy I think you should try now (you, you, you)
Encouraging the audience to let loose and have fun with them
Hands to the sky like I'm flapping the Giant
Imagining himself as a giant flapping his arms and encouraging the audience to follow suit
Controlling the crowd like ventriloquist
Describing his ability to command the attention and actions of his audience
Many resurrecting if you not feeling this
Suggesting that his music has the power to revive and energize even those who may initially resist it
Party just beginning we are not ending it
Assuring everyone that the party is far from over and that they intend to keep it going
People say I'm crazy, I'm not feeling it now
Acknowledging the perception that he may be crazy for partying so hard, but refusing to let it affect him
Agh! Oh no they back again
Reacting with slight annoyance to some partygoers who may have returned uninvited
Hoppin out of Minivans
Describing how the partygoers arrived and giving a picture of their excitement and energy
With couple of their friends
Noting that they brought some companions along for the ride
Still rocking Hammer pants
Referring to the popular fashion trend of Hammer pants and continuing the nostalgic party vibe
I could do that Hammer dance
Boasting about his ability to dance and impressing the partygoers
Just gimme room though
Asking for some space to show off his dance moves
I'm singing this Spanish
Showing off his language skills and trying to impress the girls
Girls they think I'm in Menudo
Referencing the popular Latin boy band Menudo and trying to convince the girls that he's just as cool
I'm drinking Martin in the back and my shirt is mustard
Talking about his choice of drink and fashion, giving a fun visual image of the party atmosphere
Politicking on the patio my shirt up button
Describing his activities and socializing at the party, indicating that things are getting wilder by the moment
I tell that people about Jesus over tea and crumpets
Jokingly commenting on how he spreads his faith, but also implying that he is a good influence on others
We too busy having fun and you busy doing nothing
Critiquing people who are not enjoying themselves and are missing out on the fun
What the problem is y'all try to play us like Optimus
Addressing haters who try to bring them down and comparing themselves to the powerful Transformer Optimus Prime
When we currently in our prime like Optimus
Continuing the Optimus Prime metaphor and using it to reinforce their current success and strength
Promoters hit the email like lock us in
Describing how they are in high demand and promoters are eager to book them for shows
We're booked to next year that's a lot of gigs
Proudly announcing their busy schedule and implying that they are in high demand
And a couple of them with Derek and his rapper friends
Mentioning Derek Minor and his rapper friends as collaborators and possibly indicating some upcoming shows with them
But not many other artists that I recommend
Implying that they are selective about who they choose to work with and perform alongside
Lately I been thinking it was dirty for the culture
Reflecting on the current state of the music industry and making a commentary on its negative effects
Chilling me and stash money dancing in the corner
Describing a common practice that is evidently harmful to the industry and implicitly calling for a change
Twerking out work it out baby feeding over donor
Making a humorous play at words while still subtly reinforcing the need for a change in the industry
Instagram fill got you feeling like a baller
Critiquing people's obsession with social media and using it to inflate their sense of self-importance
I do things more stiffer than most you
Boasting about his abilities and skills as a rapper, indicating that he is better than most people
My raps like a slam dunk tryna post you
Comparing his raps to a powerful slam dunk, impressing and captivating the audience
Verse like this make this like you supposed to do
Asserting that this is how music is supposed to be, with powerful and catchy verses that captivate the audience
Now party all night like we told you to
Reiterating the call to party, encouraging the audience to join them and have a good time
Lyrics © MUSIC SERVICES, INC.
Written by: DEREK JOHNSON, FRENANDO MIRANDA, JOSHUA SCRUGGS, MARTIN SANTIAGO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@zeusandflash410
I like the song and video. It shows that Christians can have just as much fun at a party without drugs, alcohol, and sex. Without drugs and alcohol, you'll be able to remember how much fun you had.
@CalebAdoh
This is awesome. Why am I seeing this2 years later? Banging and a blessing
@gilhiggins
the triangles symbolize God the father, the son, and the holy spirit
@eidoln9206
I was looking for this song for the longest time! I finally found it!
@beastysfriend7427
-` midnight blue lol saaaaame!!!!
@josiahplayzs8137
Same
@alexvega9248
Still partying all night. Love I remember playing this back then absolute throw back fuck
@devinfreestyles6469
I love this song! they play it at my church every Sunday morning!
@PerpetuusTenebris
5 years later, still partying all night!
@Man_Jr._Studios
How come ALL THESE YEARS, I didn’t know this was a Derek song feat. Socialclub?