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.
Ready
Derek Minor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Vroom
Vroom
Vroom
Vroom
Vroom
OK, put me in your ear buds
Give me a scalpel, I'ma brain surgeon this time
In other words, I'ma 'bout to open up your mind
Light of the world, I say Amen to that
Cuz every time I hit a track
I put fire on wax
Aye, you lookin' kinda hungry
I can help you with that
Boy, my flow, your rows, meetin' these raps
Aye, you look at me thinkin' I made it
I look up and say it's God's grace and we come from places where you see faces
No barber shop, somehow they faded
Why do I need to worry about what you thinkin'
We ain't even supposed to be in these spaces
Drop to the fed, we celebrated
3, 2, 1 everybody go crazy
Wait
I'ma call my brothers in the A
I'ma call my brothers in the H
Tampa Bay, NYC, Californ, IA, MIA
Or
Dallas, Orlando, St. Louie, and my my people is with me
Tennessee my home
It don't matter what city I tell 'em
Ready, Set, Go
1:16 in the fast lane
Catch me if you can
Catch me if you can
Catch me if you can
Vroom
Ready Set, Go
Ready, Ready, Set, Go
Vroom
Ready Set, Go
Ready, Ready, Set, Go
Vroom
Vroom
Vroom
Vroom
Vroom
116 my logo
RMG my photo
Try to do us wrong, but they come up short as Frodo
Turn my music on, have them bouncin' like Pogo
But it's always one hater out here lookin' like Bozo
You know when I get on this microphone
I say Jesus took away
When I spit upon, my gorilla form
And my riddle form
Inside the Church of big reform
Believe when I talk about God
It's nothing like corn-on-the-cob, or Wizard of Oz
It's realer than most of the killin' n' pimpin'
And most of you say what you spit in your bars
Instead of Christian Rapper, you should call me Trail Rapper
I'ma tha boy that's puttin' on from the veil rapper
I'ma put me in a circle of some ill rappers
And now I brag about God, then kill rappers
Whoops, back to the subject
You ain't heard Mayweather beatin' on your subject
Whoopin' on this beat, boy, and I ain't got no gloves yet
We havin' fun yet
Ready, Set, Go
1:16 in the fast lane
Catch me if you can
Catch me if you can
Catch me if you can
Vroom
Ready Set, Go
Ready, Ready, Set, Go
Vroom
Ready Set, Go
Ready, Ready, Set, Go
Vroom
Vroom
Vroom
Vroom
Vroom
In Derek Minor's song "Ready Set Go," he starts off by rapping about using music as a way to reach people's minds, stating that he is a brain surgeon opening up people's minds with his words. He then talks about his journey and where he comes from and how he got here, giving all credit to God for his success. Throughout the song, Minor uses metaphors and boasts about his skill while also giving praise to God for his talent. He also mentions his affiliation with other artists and mentions cities in which he has a fanbase. In the second verse, he continues to use metaphors and talks about his ability to rap and dominate anyone who challenges him.
Overall, the song is a representation of Derek Minor's journey and skill as a rapper. It also serves as a testament to his faith and gives praise to God for his success.
Line by Line Meaning
OK, put me in your ear buds
Get ready to listen to the lyrics that follow.
Me and Dirty use your cerebellum like a kick drum
We will stimulate your mind with rhythmic beats.
Give me a scalpel, I'ma brain surgeon this time
I will skillfully dissect your thoughts and put them back together.
In other words, I'ma 'bout to open up your mind
I will broaden your perspective and introduce new ideas.
Light of the world, I say Amen to that
'Light of the world' is a reference to God. I give thanks to him for my talent.
Cuz every time I hit a track
Whenever I make music
I put fire on wax
I make music that's exciting to listen to.
Aye, you lookin' kinda hungry
You seem eager to hear more.
I can help you with that
I have more music to share.
Boy, my flow, your rows, meetin' these raps
My rap style resonates with you and the rest of the audience.
Aye, you look at me thinkin' I made it
You might think I've become famous.
I look up and say it's God's grace and we come from places where you see faces
I attribute my success to God, and acknowledge that I come from a humble background.
No barber shop, somehow they faded
We don't have a lot of fancy things but we still make it work.
Why do I need to worry about what you thinkin'
I'm not concerned about others' opinions of me.
We ain't even supposed to be in these spaces
We've come a long way from where we started and don't take our success for granted.
Drop to the fed, we celebrated
We could celebrate our success after meeting our financial goals.
3, 2, 1 everybody go crazy
Get ready to dance and let loose.
Wait
Hold on for a moment.
I'ma call my brothers in the A
I'll connect with my friends in Atlanta.
I'ma call my brothers in the H
I'll connect with my friends in Houston.
Tampa Bay, NYC, California, IA, MIA
I'll connect with my friends in various other cities.
Or Dallas, Orlando, St. Louie, and my people is with me
I'll connect with friends in additional cities I identify with.
Tennessee my home
I'm from Tennessee and proud of it.
It don't matter what city I tell 'em
I have friends in many places.
116 my logo
The number 116 is associated with Reach Records, Minor's record label.
RMG my photo
RMG is another record label, and they have a picture of Minor.
Try to do us wrong, but they come up short as Frodo
People have tried to mess with us, but they can't succeed.
Turn my music on, have them bouncin' like Pogo
My music is exciting and makes people want to dance.
But it's always one hater out here lookin' like Bozo
Despite many fans, there is always someone who doesn't like my work.
You know when I get on this microphone
I always bring my best rap game.
I say Jesus took away
I believe that my sins are forgiven through my faith in Jesus.
When I spit upon, my gorilla form
I have an intense and energetic rap style.
And my riddle form
I have a unique way of expressing myself through music.
Inside the Church of big reform
I have a strong connection with my Christian faith and gospel beliefs.
Believe when I talk about God
My faith in God is important to me and I want others to know about it.
It's nothing like corn-on-the-cob, or Wizard of Oz
My faith is not something outlandish or fake, it's rooted in reality.
It's realer than most of the killin' n' pimpin'
My faith is more authentic than some of the negative aspects of rap culture.
And most of you say what you spit in your bars
Many people in the rap industry use lyrics that are fake or insincere.
Instead of Christian Rapper, you should call me Trail Rapper
I don't want to be labeled only as a Christian rapper.
I'ma tha boy that's puttin' on from the veil rapper
I'm proud to represent where I'm from.
I'ma put me in a circle of some ill rappers
I want to be around other talented and influential rappers.
And now I brag about God, then kill rappers
I use my success and platform to promote my faith and outperform my musical competition.
Whoops, back to the subject
Sorry, let's get back on track.
You ain't heard Mayweather beatin' on your subject
I'm going to give you a knockout performance.
Whoopin' on this beat, boy, and I ain't got no gloves yet
I'm killing it in my rap without any effort.
We havin' fun yet
Are you enjoying the music?
1:16 in the fast lane
We're cruising quickly through this song.
Catch me if you can
Try to keep up with me, if you're able to.
Vroom
The sound of a fast car accelerating.
Ready Set, Go
Get ready, the music is starting now.
Ready, Ready, Set, Go
We're building up to the main event of the song.
Vroom
More sound effects of fast cars.
Vroom
Still more sound effects of fast cars.
Vroom
Final sound effect of a fast car accelerating.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KEVIN MICHAEL ERONDU, JEFFREY LEE JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@WhitneytheGreatMSP
derick minor is an underrated artist. this video deserves more views
@MESmith007
"Gimme a scalper im a brain surgeon this time, in other words im about to open up your mind" BARS
@vroom5601
1:23 when you’re arguing with your mom and you let her countdown get to zero
@acceltic15
this song deserves more views
@logantabor2783
I know!!!
@ZoneofZach
Its a good song
@alexisstark8175
acceltic studios my dance studio did this song for hip hop so my dance studio viewed it
@skylermarquis2769
Light of the world, I say Amen to that
@delanokoning6231
first time i listen to him, getting to be a fan already!
@flamingeagles1183
This is my favorite song from Derek Minor