1. A Chr… Read Full Bio ↴There are multiple artists that perform under the name Pro:
1. A Christian hip-hop artist from Nashville, TN (Born: Derek Johnson Jr - see full bio below)
2. A hip-hop artist from Burlington, VT (Born Brian McVey - Pro is a Burlington Vermont based MC that has been releasing dependable boom-bap since 2005. As a co-founder of The Aztext, Pro collaborated with Mac Lethal, !llmind, Shuko, Craig G, Wordsworth, and Romanian emcee Doc. In 2018, Pro co-founded GOOD WTHR, which was named as one of Music Connection Magazine's Top Prospects of 2018.)
(Artist #1 Bio)
Pro recalls using a bunk bed as a mic stand before turning 21 and signing a record deal with an independent label...
The appeal of southern Hip Hop has long been country vernacular over crunk beats that keep heads bangin’ and bodies movin’. While the head bangers and dance anthems haven’t ceased, in recent years, authentic Hip Hop and true lyricism have taken a back seat to commercial success. In steps Pro; while not on a mission to resurrect real southern Hip Hop--having been redeemed and commissioned to influence the culture--Pro certainly brings a nostalgia for what was and a hope for what is to come, as part of a greater movement infiltrating Hip Hop with a powerful message.
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 lost 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.
116 Canon Remix
Pro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Now let me hear you say)
One one six!
Everybody say!
One one six!
I wanna hear you say
One one six!
One one six!
I'm unashamed!
I'm unashamed!
I'm unashamed!
I'm unashamed!
I'm unashamed!
I'm unashamed!
I'm unashamed!
I'm unashamed!
I'm unashamed!
Now who I be
P-R-O
But it don't matter who I is,
I tell you who I rep for
It be that k-I-n-g-o-f-k-I-n-g oh yes
I'm a put it down for the cross every time I get a microphone
Guarantee I put my flesh in a catacomb
Gotta hit 'em with a bit of truth, little bit of proof
Little bitty dudes wanna say the Lord don't exist
I'm gon' hit em with the fire, let 'em know that they a lie
Help em see God created this
Back on the lil track
Safe from the world ain't no way I'm turnin back
Free indeed as a matter of fact,
Live my life for the king, you can run and tell that
HOMEBOY, at the throne, boy, you know what I'm on, boy
Too real, this is no toy, rep God, I have no choice
I don't want one either, can't you see the King is cleanin' me
I got a backpack full of tracks, and I keep a Johnny Mac, better yet a ESV
Oh, you ain't feelin' me - oh cool- don't need your acolades,
You can keep the fortune, fame
That's just your misfortune, mayn
Not because I'm tight, alright, the Lord the only one that's great
Through him now I have been saved
For Him I am anashamed
I don't showboat
But I do cruise on His LORDSHIP
So welcome to the boat show (ay!)
Let me get that... I'm a be livin
For a little minute finna rock this thing
They be wantin me to stop
But they gotta deal with it baby
Hey I'm not ashamed!
I'm a spread his fame
If I'm under the sun, it's gospel, mayn
This is how the show goes
For those of you who don't know
Perfectly purchased he purposefully purgin' me
Gotta be, gotta be Jesus
By the power of the Lord, man my homies hit the streets
Like I don't care about a wrist watch
They leave a tea shop
Hey this is real, got a brother in Indonesia
Where they persecute his bear arm
So I can't (can't what?) ease up
I done been put what? ease up
Jesus my Ebenezer if he leads us
Who can defeat us? huh!
So we livin it holy homie you know that we be gettin this
Say what you want homie you know that we gon live again
My wife to my life to my days and my nights
Gotta meet, gotta meet Jesus
The song "116 Canon Remix" by Pro is an anthem for unashamedly proclaiming one's faith in Jesus Christ. The lyrics begin with the repetition of the phrase "One one six" which refers to the Bible verse Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." Pro emphasizes his allegiance to Jesus Christ and proclaims that he is willing to share the message of salvation even if it means facing persecution. He uses wordplay to display his lyrical prowess, rhyming "catacomb" with "a little bit of truth" and using alliteration in lines like "Perfectly purchased he purposefully purgin' me". Pro is confident that Jesus Christ is the only one who can save and protect him, and he is determined to share this message with others.
Throughout the song, Pro encourages his listeners to also be unashamed of their faith, using phrases like "everybody say" and "I wanna hear you say" to get the audience involved. He acknowledges that some people may not agree with or believe in God, but he is passionate about spreading the gospel and pointing people towards Jesus. Pro takes pride in his identity as a Christian and acknowledges that he is not perfect, but he strives to follow Jesus and make Him known.
Overall, the "116 Canon Remix" is a powerful and energetic song that encourages Christians to boldly proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ. Pro's skilled rap verses and catchy chorus make for an exciting and memorable track that is sure to inspire listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
One one six!
Let's hear it for the 116 movement and the faith it represents!
Everybody say!
Join me in declaring our faith unashamedly.
I'm unashamed!
I am not embarrassed or afraid to declare my faith in God.
Now who I be
Let me introduce myself.
But it don't matter who I is,
My personal identity is not what is important.
I'm a put it down for the cross
I will always represent Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross.
Guarantee I put my flesh in a catacomb
I will die to my sinful nature and not let it have control over me.
Gotta hit 'em with a bit of truth, little bit of proof
I will share the good news of the Gospel with others and back it up with evidence.
Little bitty dudes wanna say the Lord don't exist
Some people deny the existence of God, but I will refute that claim.
I'm gon' hit em with the fire, let 'em know that they a lie
I will passionately defend the truth and expose falsehoods.
Help em see God created this
I will help people understand that God is the creator of all things.
Back on the lil track
I am focused on my spiritual journey and staying on course.
Safe from the world ain't no way I'm turnin back
I am secure in my faith and will not be swayed by worldly temptations.
Free indeed as a matter of fact,
I am truly free through my relationship with Jesus Christ.
Live my life for the king, you can run and tell that
I live my life for God and will proclaim this truth to everyone I meet.
HOMEBOY, at the throne, boy, you know what I'm on, boy
I am with God and focused on His will for my life.
Too real, this is no toy, rep God, I have no choice
I am devoted to representing God and it is not optional, but a necessity.
I don't want one either, can't you see the King is cleanin' me
I have no desire for worldly possessions, because God is continually sanctifying me.
I got a backpack full of tracks, and I keep a Johnny Mac, better yet a ESV
I am armed with resources, such as Christian literature and a Bible, to share with others.
Oh, you ain't feelin' me - oh cool- don't need your acolades
If you don't agree with me, that's okay, because I don't need your approval or recognition.
You can keep the fortune, fame
I am not seeking riches or popularity in this world.
That's just your misfortune, mayn
If you choose to pursue such things, that is unfortunate for you.
Not because I'm tight, alright, the Lord the only one that's great
I am not boasting or arrogant, only acknowledging that God is the one worthy of all honor and glory.
Through him now I have been saved
My salvation is a result of putting my faith in Jesus Christ.
I don't showboat
I will not brag about my accomplishments or faith.
But I do cruise on His LORDSHIP
I am content to submit to Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
So welcome to the boat show (ay!)
I welcome you to come aboard the faith journey with me.
For those of you who don't know
To those who are unaware of God's love and saving grace,
Perfectly purchased he purposefully purgin' me
God purchased my salvation through Jesus' sacrifice and continues to sanctify me.
Gotta be, gotta be Jesus
My life is centered on Jesus Christ and what He has done for me.
By the power of the Lord, man my homies hit the streets
God empowers us to share the Gospel and disciple others.
Like I don't care about a wrist watch
I am not focused on the temporal things of this world, like material possessions.
They leave a tea shop
My friends and I engage with people from all walks of life, including in casual settings like a tea shop.
Hey this is real, got a brother in Indonesia
The persecution and reality of our faith is seen all over the world, including in Indonesia.
Where they persecute his bear arm
Christians are often persecuted for their faith, even physically harmed.
So I can't (can't what?) ease up
I cannot let up in sharing the Gospel and defending the faith.
I done been put what? ease up
I have been tested, but my faith only becomes stronger.
Jesus my Ebenezer if he leads us
If we follow Jesus, He will lead us and provide for us along the way.
Who can defeat us? huh!
With Jesus on our side, we are unstoppable.
So we livin it holy homie you know that we be gettin this
We are living holy lives and representing Christ to the world.
Say what you want homie you know that we gon live again
People may say what they want about us, but we know that we have eternal life through our faith in Jesus Christ.
My wife to my life to my days and my nights
My faith in God is integral to all aspects of my existence.
Gotta meet, gotta meet Jesus
Ultimately, I desire to meet Jesus face to face and be with Him for eternity.
Contributed by Samuel L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.