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.
You Know It
Derek Minor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who you know stay the same Sunday to Sunday
Who you know taking off on tracks like a runway
Who you know beat the odds even when they say he can't
Who you know
Who you know
Who you know, ah [x4]
Who you know that hop on tracks and act like he done lost his mind
Who you know that love The Lord and ain't gone trip if you don't like
Who you know that's RMG but unashamed until he die
Who you know that talk bout God and still out rap your trappest guy
Who do you know that could careless about how much money you making
Cause that don't impress him
Who do you know that know he ain't supposed to be here
So tomorrow he counting his blessings
Who do you know that's gone steer clear of people that stay in some drama
Cause they looking messy
Who do you know gone keep real in the message
Who you know [x4]
People gone say that I'm crazy
I stepped out on my own, on a plane with no parachute
Turbulence it will not phase me
Float right over problems inside my hot air balloon
You know what I been on (know what I been on)
That ain't gone change whether suburb or ghetto
Faith what I live on (faith what I live on)
Full speed ahead boy it's pedal to metal now
Who you know shining in these streets like a light mane
Who you know stay the same Sunday to Sunday
Who you know taking off on tracks like a runway
Who you know beat the odds even when they say he can't
Who you know
Who you know
Who you know, ah [x4]
I hear a whole lot of talking. Sit back and listen
Why you make so many assumptions (so many assumptions)
Soon as they hear that you Christian
Like bet that he all about money
I bet he only rock gators and suits on a Sunday
I bet that he think that he perfect
I don't see nothing but hypocrites all in them churches
Yall lying. Holla at Canon. You'll see that he is who he say he is
Tone or Chad Jones
You gone see fathers that's off in they home and they living it
Deraj and B Coop, bout dat life
Lecrae 116 bout dat life
You think this way more than music, hwah, you guessed it you right
I wrote this for every person, know that we not perfect
But through Jesus purchase, we gone keep on working
Fakin we allergic, on our grind till the wheels, wheels, wheels fall off
(till the wheels fall off)
Its all about Jesus. He got a people that he been redeeming
The world is so tired of the fake so they look for the real they ask you these questions like
Who you know shining in these streets like a light mane
Who you know stay the same Sunday to Sunday
Who you know taking off on tracks like a runway
Who you know beat the odds even when they say he can't
Who you know
Who you know
Who you know, ah [x4]
In Derek Minor's song "You Know It," the lyrics express a sense of identity and confidence in one's uniqueness and authenticity. The first verse emphasizes standing out and shining brightly in the streets like a light, remaining steadfast and consistent in character from Sunday to Sunday. The mention of taking off on tracks like a runway reflects the artist's determination and ability to defy expectations and excel in his craft. Despite facing obstacles and doubters, he beats the odds and proves he can achieve success.
The chorus repeats the question, "Who you know," suggesting that the artist is self-aware and aware of his distinct qualities. He then proceeds to list a series of traits and actions that set him apart. He emphasizes his ability to maintain his sanity and love for the Lord even when faced with criticism or rejection. The mention of being part of RMG (Reflection Music Group) while remaining unashamed of his faith until death speaks to his devotion and unapologetic commitment to his beliefs. He combines his faith with his talent for rapping, challenging even the most trap-oriented rappers with his lyrical prowess.
The second verse addresses the assumptions and prejudices people may hold about him as a Christian artist. It highlights the misconceptions that arise when people hear about his faith, assuming that his motivation is solely money and material possessions. He counters these assumptions by referencing other talented Christian artists like Canon, Tone and Chad Jones, Lecrae, and 116 Clique, who are all living embodiments of their beliefs and genuine in their actions. The message is that not all Christians are hypocritical or superficial; there are individuals genuinely living out their faith and making a positive impact.
The final chorus reaffirms the artist's dedication to Jesus and the Christian community. It acknowledges that while no one is perfect, they are striving to improve and remain authentic. The reference to "working" and being "allergic" to faking implies an active commitment to growth and integrity. The artist expresses a determination to continue grinding and dedicating himself to his faith and music. The lyrics reflect the belief that the world is searching for genuine people, tired of the fake, and thus asking questions like "Who you know?" to identify those who embody realness and truth.
Overall, these lyrics convey Derek Minor's self-assuredness and conviction in his identity as a Christian rapper. He showcases his unique qualities, defies expectations, and counters the misconceptions about Christian artists, illustrating the importance of true authenticity and unwavering faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Who you know shining in these streets like a light mane
Who do you know that stands out and illuminates the streets with their presence, like a shining light?
Who you know stay the same Sunday to Sunday
Who do you know that remains consistent and true, not changing their beliefs or values from Sunday to Sunday?
Who you know taking off on tracks like a runway
Who do you know that effortlessly excels and succeeds in their music career, just like a plane taking off on a runway?
Who you know beat the odds even when they say he can't
Who do you know that defies expectations and overcomes obstacles, even when others doubt their abilities?
Who you know that hop on tracks and act like he done lost his mind
Who do you know that passionately expresses themselves in their music, appearing as if they have let go of their inhibitions?
Who you know that love The Lord and ain't gone trip if you don't like
Who do you know that deeply loves God and remains unaffected by the opinions of those who may not like them?
Who you know that's RMG but unashamed until he die
Who do you know that proudly represents and identifies with RMG, yet remains unashamed of their faith until their last breath?
Who you know that talk bout God and still out rap your trappest guy
Who do you know that incorporates discussions about God in their music, yet can outperform even the most skilled trap artist?
Who do you know that could careless about how much money you making
Who do you know that genuinely does not care about your financial status or how much money you are making?
Cause that don't impress him
Because material wealth and riches do not leave any impression on him.
Who do you know that know he ain't supposed to be here
Who do you know that is aware that they are not meant to be in their current position or circumstances?
So tomorrow he counting his blessings
Therefore, they spend each day being thankful for the blessings they have received.
Who do you know that's gone steer clear of people that stay in some drama
Who do you know that actively avoids getting involved with individuals who constantly engage in unnecessary conflicts or drama?
Cause they looking messy
Because they appear disorganized and chaotic, lacking stability or peace.
Who do you know gone keep real in the message
Who do you know that consistently stays true to their beliefs and the core message they convey through their music?
People gone say that I'm crazy
People will often label me as insane or irrational.
I stepped out on my own, on a plane with no parachute
I took a brave step forward, venturing into the unknown without any safety or backup plans.
Turbulence it will not phase me
Difficulties and challenges will not affect or deter me from my path.
Float right over problems inside my hot air balloon
I effortlessly rise above my problems, just like floating above them in a hot air balloon.
You know what I been on (know what I been on)
You are aware of the actions and endeavors I have been involved in recently.
That ain't gone change whether suburb or ghetto
My attitude and dedication will not waver, regardless of whether I am in a suburban or urban environment.
Faith what I live on (faith what I live on)
I rely on my faith to guide and sustain me in everything I do.
Full speed ahead boy it's pedal to metal now
I am fully committed and pushing forward at maximum speed, not holding anything back.
I hear a whole lot of talking. Sit back and listen
I am surrounded by numerous individuals who talk excessively, but I choose to sit back and pay attention.
Why you make so many assumptions (so many assumptions)
Why do you continue to make numerous assumptions without truly understanding the situation?
Soon as they hear that you Christian
As soon as they discover that you are a Christian,
Like bet that he all about money
Many people immediately assume that you are solely focused on accumulating wealth.
I bet he only rock gators and suits on a Sunday
They may also believe that you only wear expensive accessories and suits on Sundays.
I bet that he think that he perfect
They will probably assume that you consider yourself flawless and without faults.
I don't see nothing but hypocrites all in them churches
From my perspective, I only see a multitude of individuals within the church who claim to follow a certain set of principles but fail to live in accordance with them.
Yall lying. Holla at Canon. You'll see that he is who he say he is
You are mistaken. If you talk to Canon, you will realize that he genuinely lives up to the person he claims to be.
Tone or Chad Jones
Both Tone and Chad Jones,
You gone see fathers that's off in they home and they living it
You will witness fathers who are actively present in their homes, truly living out their roles and responsibilities.
Deraj and B Coop, bout dat life
Deraj and B Coop are both authentic and genuine in their lifestyles.
Lecrae 116 bout dat life
Lecrae, along with the whole 116 movement, is deeply committed to living out their faith authentically.
You think this way more than music, hwah, you guessed it you right
You correctly guessed that this goes beyond just making music – it is about a larger purpose and message.
I wrote this for every person, know that we not perfect
I wrote this song for every individual, reminding them that none of us are perfect.
But through Jesus purchase, we gone keep on working
However, through the sacrifice of Jesus, we will continue to strive and put in effort.
Fakin we allergic, on our grind till the wheels, wheels, wheels fall off
We refuse to engage in hypocrisy, and we will work diligently until we can no longer do so.
Its all about Jesus. He got a people that he been redeeming
The focus of everything is Jesus. He has a group of individuals whom he has been saving and transforming.
The world is so tired of the fake so they look for the real they ask you these questions like
The world has grown weary of superficiality and seeks authenticity, prompting them to ask you questions like:
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEREK JOHNSON, KENNETH MACKEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sam Fields
just what to expect from derek minor 🔥🔥🔥
Alex_Faith 2911
this song straight 🔥🔥
Thaddaeus Monroe
Thanks for posting this stuff bro!
blykhim
feel the heartbeat of this
Flight116
Been having internet issues. Next song will be up asap!
Thattboiiyung
Flight116 can u share my music bro ?
Natito Guitarrista
Love the song and the basketball references. I just wished the chorus didn't repeat so much
Nicholas Candy
Straight fire fam.
Valerian Rabello
I need the lyrics to that last verse.
Tyler Clark
🔥🔥🔥🔥