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.
We Are
Derek Minor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The conquerors, survivors?
Who is victorious,
In the glorious King of Kings?
You've gotta know we are.
We are, we are, we are
We are, we are, we are
Ooh yeah!
I dedicate this to everyone with 116 tatted on their arm
If it ain't inked in your flesh I know it's stitched in your heart
I see an army right in front of me
Black, white and Hispanic, imagine
It's all happened from rapping
Picture that! How God uses foolish things
Like ex-weedheads and d-boys
To speak on His behalf
Can't tell me this ain't the Lord!
We are firm because I see Satan on
A mission for our soul
But Christ told me eat
I see food like Pappadeaux
Crae' doing fine
Tho' people hoping that he stumble'
Hard to get kicked off a mountain
When you fightin' to stay humble
Trip plantin' churches
T-Dot spittin' across the country,
KB going on missions, and Andy shapin' the culture
Now, some might say I'm braggin', but I'm
Just telling you what I see
They won't say about themselves so let me speak!
See, none of us is perfect and we know
But the devil uses that to have us at each others throat
So, for the people who disagree
Or anyone we hurt
Just know our passion's for the body
It's the church!
And tho' we all in different lanes
The focus still the same
Show the world there's freedom in Jesus name
Yeah!
Who are the fighters
The conquerors, survivors (Put up your lighters)
Who is victorious
In the glorious King of Kings?
You've gotta know we are.
We are, we are, we are
We are, we are, we are
Whoa, sing we are
We are, we are, we are
We are, we are, we are
Yeah, get it right!
Do me a favor
Put your fist in the air
So all our opposition
Can know that we here
You better look em' in the eye
And tell em' come if you dare
I'm chosen to suffer with Christ
This the cross that I bear
This ain't a rap thing
I never met a band at a show
I have brothers and sisters
All behind my back whenever I flow
Don't want to rap no more
I rather let they stories unfold
If you don't mind
I'll like to let you hear some things that they wrote
See how Nathan had leukemia in 2004
Mike's motorcycle crashed and almost everything broke
Brenda had addictions that she fought with her soul
My prayers are the blood of Christ
Keep making them whole
So, for the girl who like to cut herself
I'm hoping you know
That God ain't forgot you
Your pain's what he want
Meaning your overcome is through Alpha, Omega,
And one day I know that this will be all behind us
Trying already to get my crown ready
Hope's the term regardless of what the world tell me
If you believe I hope The Lord keep your faith steady
I know my champions will rise even though the weight's heavy
Who are the fighters,
The conquerors, survivors?
Who is victorious,
In the glorious King of Kings?
You've gotta know we are.
We are, we are, we are
We are, we are, we are
Ooh yeah!
The opening lines of Derek Minor's song "We Are" ask the listener three key questions which incite a sense of pride, strength, and unity. The song celebrates the collective spirit of his crew, 116 Clique, in representing an army of diverse individuals committed to proclaiming their faith in Jesus Christ. Derek acknowledges that the group, much like any faith organization, is imperfect, but they are united because of their shared passion for the church body. The group's ethos is one of hope, of resilience, centered on a belief in a higher power. In a world that often preys on divisiveness, the 116 Clique represents a positive movement and inspires others to follow in their conviction.
Derek's reference to his fellow group members is inspiring, as he eloquently outlines the trajectory of each member's journey. He portrays his fellow artists as an army in the frontlines of spiritual battle, who have given their lives to guide others who are struggling. He extols each member's journey while highlighting their unique qualities to showcase the strength of the collective mission. Derek's verse is a nod to these members who have suffered and struggled in their lives and are now sharing their wisdom with others.
Throughout "We Are," Derek is encouraging his listeners and his fellow artists to stand up and fight for their beliefs. The final chorus is an invitation to participate in this conviction, to raise your fists to the sky, and declare your faith. The song's overall feel is infectious, with a euphoric and upbeat tempo that perfectly delivers a hymn of hope and joy for all. Ultimately, "We Are" is a song that helps people find strength in unity, connect with their spiritual values, and strive to be better.
Line by Line Meaning
Who are the fighters,
Who are those who fight against the Devil and his army?
The conquerors, survivors?
Who are those who have overcome, and survived the trials and tribulations of life?
Who is victorious,
Who is declared the winner in the end?
In the glorious King of Kings?
In the glory of the king of all kings, Jesus?
You've gotta know we are.
We are the fighters, the conquerors, and the victors.
We are, we are, we are
We exist, we are present and we are unrelenting.
I dedicate this to everyone with 116 tatted on their arm
A dedication to all those who have tattooed the 116 logo and believe in Christ.
If it ain't inked in your flesh I know it's stitched in your heart
Even if you don't have the tattoo, Christ is still in your heart.
I see an army right in front of me
I see a group of individuals, who although are different, are united in Christ.
Black, white and Hispanic, imagine
A diverse group of individuals with different skin colors and ethnicities.
Picture that! How God uses foolish things
God can use anyone to fulfill His plan, even people who were not expected to.
Like ex-weedheads and d-boys
People who were involved in drugs, or other criminal activities, can also turn to God.
To speak on His behalf
To preach the word of God, and spread the message to others.
Can't tell me this ain't the Lord!
I am convinced that God is the only one who can transform people.
We are firm because I see Satan on
We remain strong in faith, even when the devil is lurking around.
A mission for our soul
The devil is always trying to tempt us to sin.
But Christ told me eat
Jesus told me to feast on His word and remain faithful.
I see food like Pappadeaux
I see spiritual sustenance and strength in Christ, like food at Pappadeaux.
Crae' doing fine
Lecrae is thriving and doing well in his career.
Tho' people hoping that he stumble'
Despite people's misguided hopes for Lecrae's failure, he remains unwavering.
Hard to get kicked off a mountain
It's hard to fall when you're already at the top of your game.
When you fightin' to stay humble
When you are constantly battling to remain humble and grounded in your faith.
Trip plantin' churches
Trip Lee is planting churches all over the world.
T-Dot spittin' across the country,
Tedashii is rapping all over the country.
KB going on missions, and Andy shapin' the culture
KB is going on missions to spread the word of God, and Andy Mineo is shaping the popular culture with his music and message.
Now, some might say I'm braggin', but I'm
Although some may believe I am boasting, I am simply stating the facts.
Just telling you what I see
I'm speaking the truth about what I observe.
They won't say about themselves so let me speak!
These individuals are too humble to speak of their successes, so I am doing it for them.
See, none of us is perfect and we know
Although we all have flaws and weaknesses, we understand this.
But the devil uses that to have us at each others throat
The devil uses our imperfections to divide us and create discord.
So, for the people who disagree
For those who have differing opinions from mine,
Or anyone we hurt
Or anyone we have unintentionally hurt,
Just know our passion's for the body
Our passion is always for the church and its people.
It's the church!
The church is the foundation of our faith and our community.
And tho' we all in different lanes
Although we are different, we all have a purpose and a unique lane.
The focus still the same
Our purpose remains the same: to show the world the love of Jesus Christ.
Show the world there's freedom in Jesus name
We want the world to know that Jesus Christ offers freedom from a life of sin and hardship.
Do me a favor
Please help me with something.
Put your fist in the air
Make a symbol or gesture of strength, power, and solidarity.
So all our opposition
So that anyone who opposes us is aware of our presence and power.
Can know that we here
So that they know that we are present and ready to face any challenges.
You better look em' in the eye
Make sure you maintain eye contact with your opposition.
And tell em' come if you dare
Challenge them to try and stand up against us, if they think they can.
I'm chosen to suffer with Christ
I have been chosen to suffer for the sake of Christ and His message.
This the cross that I bear
This is the burden that I carry in my life, for my faith.
This ain't a rap thing
This is not just about music or a musical career.
I never met a band at a show
I don't see us as just a group of musicians playing music at a concert.
I have brothers and sisters
I see my fellow believers as my siblings.
All behind my back whenever I flow
They always have my back, supporting me whenever I am speaking the word of God.
Don't want to rap no more
I don't want to just perform music anymore, I want to be an influence in the world.
I rather let they stories unfold
I want to let the stories of my fellow believers speak for themselves.
If you don't mind
With your permission.
I'll like to let you hear some things that they wrote
I would like to share with you some of the stories and messages written by my fellow believers.
See how Nathan had leukemia in 2004
See how God has taken care of Nathan, who suffered from leukemia in 2004.
Mike's motorcycle crashed and almost everything broke
See how God has helped Mike recover from a terrible motorcycle accident that almost killed him.
Brenda had addictions that she fought with her soul
See how God has helped Brenda overcome her addictions and lead a more fulfilling life.
My prayers are the blood of Christ
My prayers for my fellow believers are a symbol of Christ's sacrifice for us.
Keep making them whole
I pray that God keeps them healthy and strong in their faith.
So, for the girl who like to cut herself
For the girl who is struggling with self-injury and self-harm,
I'm hoping you know
I want you to know,
That God ain't forgot you
That God is still with you, even in your darkest moments.
Your pain's what he want
God wants to take the pain and hurt that you are experiencing and use it for a greater purpose in your life.
Meaning your overcome is through Alpha, Omega,
Your victory and triumph can be found in the beginning and end, through Christ.
And one day I know that this will be all behind us
One day, the pain and hurt of this life will be a distant memory.
Trying already to get my crown ready
I am already trying to prepare my crown in heaven, by living a faithful and righteous life in Christ.
Hope's the term regardless of what the world tell me
I know that hope is possible, despite what the world may tell me.
If you believe I hope The Lord keep your faith steady
I pray that your faith remains steady and strong, if you believe in Christ.
I know my champions will rise even though the weight's heavy
I believe that my fellow believers will rise up and overcome, even in the face of heavy burdens and difficult challenges.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Derek Johnson, George Ramirez, Xavier Adams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
NumatikTV
such an amazing, and talented fam! you guys rock! and the God you serve is even more amazing!! :D I love this!! #victorymusic
Philip White
Derek Minor is exactly what we hoped Kanye would have evolved into by now. If you can't hear "Never Let Me Down" from The College Dropout... or imagine John Legend singing this hook, not sure what else I can say.
Ramon Gonzalez
This is all by all my favorite Gospel Rap songs. Man I love this song!
Tawangoalski
Ramon Gonzalez me too
Jacqueline Sadberry
My favorite song out of the whole album--and I LOVE Deaf too.
EchoYabaOnline
What a record 🔥🔥
zman100gospel
Best song on the album
Rhodri
Great song. You guys need to do another 116 anthem, like man up!! PLEASE
xsierrax 16
When he was talking about how "Brenda had an addiction she had to overcome with her soul" or something, i nearly had a heart attack.Does he know my mom (Brenda) and her struggle, or is that God talking to me. idek
Mike Hazelwood
yaaah! The Lord Reigns (and ROCKS!)