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.
Gangsta
Pro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain’t seen him in a couple years, look how he changed up
He got that thang tucked, he throwin’ gangs up
Red T and red shoestrings, lil’ homie flamed up
He sellin’ drugs now, he reppin’ Blood now
He run with thugs plus he beefin’ with the cuz now
Small as a bug, but he sware to God he bloodhound
Thug love, get at anybody throwin’ blood down
‘Cause that can never happen to him, he the real thang
Until that steel bang, and then he feel pain
And get killed for real, thinkin’ he
And then it will change, you won’t be the same brother
You’ll be in real flames, I don’t mean your gang colors
Forget your gang culture, this is my appeal mayne
Call on the Lord while you live, you can still change
You say you represent, down to die for your hood
But take a second guess: if you die, it ain’t good
Your sins haven’t been confessed, you don’t know God like you should
And ain’t no second tries when you lyin’ in that wood
You a gangsta, gangsta, in need of a change
You say bangin’ ain’t a thang, but your gang ain’t a good look
Gangsta, gangsta, is it worth eternal flames?
This should make you wanna change, nah man it ain’t a good look
You got your bandana on and your cap to the left
Feel that fire in your bones when that strap in your belt
Your homies make you feel strong, you will clap till the death
The robbers catch you all alone, you will scrap by yourself
‘Cause you a soldier, catch you slippin’ low, show them boys you rep Blue
You ain’t got no problem provin’ you ain’t who to step to
Drive by the crib, ain’t got no window, let the Czech loose
Rat-cha-cha-cha-cha, whoever put that on your tattoo
(Really) is your mind attack (it’s silly) pullin’ nines on cats
And kill ‘em over nothing but a color, you gon’ die for that?
Believin’ you gon’ skip the judgement throne and go where God is at
Like God is wack and just gon’ let you slide, but he’s a God that acts
Don’t be deceived, yep deception is a mug ain’t it?
You say you love your G, but sin got your love tainted
Look happy as your boys pumpin’, got the cuz bangin’
But when your soul is thirsty, hate can feel like love, can’t it?
Ok that’s when????, this don’t make no sense to me
That color is your god ‘cause that’s where you find your identity
It controls your activity, your block is your vicinity
It’s just colors you’re risking your life for what gives you dignity
Ok listen, let’s say for instance you die for this entity
And in your grave, the choirs praise as organs play your symphony
Your partners blow out smoke and blow some drank out in your memory
But what good does that profit you when you and God are enemies?
Now you got a dilemma, you’ll face God as a sinner
Place your hour on this planet, guilty without a defender
Once was loud as a blender, now your violence has dwindled
A gang member lost a soul being proud of the sinful
Dang, don’t save your soul for it mayne
‘Cause your master is the one who gets control of your brain
They’ll tag your name in honor since you rolled for the ‘caine
But your face on a shirt won’t make up for your soul in the flames
In PRO's song "Gangsta," he tells the story of a person who has become consumed by gang culture. The lyrics describe how this person has changed, from dressing in the gang's colors to carrying a firearm and selling drugs. The person has also become involved in violence, even willing to kill for the gang. PRO cautions this person that their actions will have consequences and that they should call on the Lord while they still can to change their ways.
PRO highlights the dangers of gang culture and how it can lead to an early death. He also emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness for one's sins and living a life that reflects that one knows God. In the second verse, PRO questions whether being part of a gang is truly worth eternal damnation and brings up the idea that gang culture is simply about the colors that the gang represents, which ultimately means nothing in the grand scheme of things.
Overall, "Gangsta" is a powerful commentary on the dangers of gang culture and the need for repentance and redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw the homie at the store, he say he came up
He met his friend at the store who boasted about his success
Ain’t seen him in a couple years, look how he changed up
His friend had changed drastically since he last saw him
He got that thang tucked, he throwin’ gangs up
He carried a weapon and displayed gang signs
Red T and red shoestrings, lil’ homie flamed up
He wore red clothes and shoestrings, symbolizing his affiliation with Bloods gang
He sellin’ drugs now, he reppin’ Blood now
He sold illegal drugs and identified himself as Bloods gang member
He run with thugs plus he beefin’ with the cuz now
He associated with criminals and had a conflict with Crips gang members
Small as a bug, but he sware to God he bloodhound
He was physically small but claimed to be a fierce fighter
Thug love, get at anybody throwin’ blood down
He had a strong loyalty to his gang, ready to fight anyone who opposed it
Got partners hoopin’ murder, 48, he still claim
His associates were involved in murder, but he still associated himself with them
‘Cause that can never happen to him, he the real thang
He believed that he was impervious to any harm, being a genuine gangster
Until that steel bang, and then he feel pain
However, once he was shot, he would feel physical pain
And get killed for real, thinkin’ he
And would get killed while falsely believing that he was invincible
And then it will change, you won’t be the same brother
After being killed, he would change in a permanent and negative way
You’ll be in real flames, I don’t mean your gang colors
He would face eternal flames in hell, which had nothing to do with his gang symbols
Forget your gang culture, this is my appeal mayne
The singer was making an appeal to abandon gang culture
Call on the Lord while you live, you can still change
He advised his friend to turn to God and change his ways while he's still alive
You say you represent, down to die for your hood
The gang member said he was ready to die for his neighborhood
But take a second guess: if you die, it ain’t good
The singer warned that his friend's death would not be a good thing
Your sins haven’t been confessed, you don’t know God like you should
The gang member was not spiritually prepared to die since he had not confessed his sins
And ain’t no second tries when you lyin’ in that wood
There are no second chances when you're dead and buried
You a gangsta, gangsta, in need of a change
The singer called his friend a gangsta and suggested he needed to change
You say bangin’ ain’t a thang, but your gang ain’t a good look
Although the gang member pretended that being a gangsta was easy, it wasn't a good representation
Gangsta, gangsta, is it worth eternal flames?
The singer questioned whether it was worth going to hell for being a gangsta
This should make you wanna change, nah man it ain’t a good look
The realization should inspire the gang member to change his ways, since it wasn't a good look for him
You got your bandana on and your cap to the left
The gang member wore a bandana and his hat tilted to the left
Feel that fire in your bones when that strap in your belt
He felt empowered by carrying a gun on his belt
Your homies make you feel strong, you will clap till the death
He felt strengthened by his gang comrades and would fight till he dies
The robbers catch you all alone, you will scrap by yourself
However, if he was robbed alone, he would have to fight alone too
‘Cause you a soldier, catch you slippin’ low, show them boys you rep Blue
He thought of himself as a warrior and would fight the Crips gang members
You ain’t got no problem provin’ you ain’t who to step to
He didn't mind demonstrating that he's not the person to mess with
Drive by the crib, ain’t got no window, let the Czech loose
He advocated for a drive-by shooting of the enemy's place, without worrying about innocent lives
Rat-cha-cha-cha-cha, whoever put that on your tattoo
The sound of gunshots could be heard after he gets a tattoo that supports his gang
(Really) is your mind attack (it’s silly) pullin’ nines on cats
The singer questioned the intelligence of attacking innocent people
And kill ‘em over nothing but a color, you gon’ die for that?
He also challenged the idea of dying for a meaningless symbol such as a color
Believin’ you gon’ skip the judgement throne and go where God is at
The gang member believed that he would avoid God's judgment and enter heaven directly
Like God is wack and just gon’ let you slide, but he’s a God that acts
The singer pointed out that God is not weak and would make an example out of him
Don’t be deceived, yep deception is a mug ain’t it?
He warned that deception was foolish and could lead to disastrous consequences
You say you love your G, but sin got your love tainted
He called out the hypocrisy of claiming love for God while engaging in sinful activities
Look happy as your boys pumpin’, got the cuz bangin’
Although the gang member appeared happy while his companions were active, the singer noted that he was faking it
But when your soul is thirsty, hate can feel like love, can’t it?
He pointed out the danger of mistaking hate for love when a person's soul is empty
Ok that’s when????, this don’t make no sense to me
The singer couldn't understand why people would die for something as insignificant as a color
That color is your god ‘cause that’s where you find your identity
He suggested that gang members worshiped their gang color since it defined their identity
It controls your activity, your block is your vicinity
The color controlled every aspect of the gang member's life, including his neighborhood
It’s just colors you’re risking your life for what gives you dignity
The singer questioned why people would risk their lives for a mere symbol
Ok listen, let’s say for instance you die for this entity
The singer suggested the hypothetical scenario of dying for a gang
And in your grave, the choirs praise as organs play your symphony
Although the gang member might receive a glamorous funeral, it wouldn't benefit his soul
Your partners blow out smoke and blow some drank out in your memory
His associates might celebrate his memory by smoking and drinking, but it wouldn't help him in the afterlife
But what good does that profit you when you and God are enemies?
The singer reminded him that having enemies with God was more critical than loyalties with the gang
Now you got a dilemma, you’ll face God as a sinner
The gang member would face God with the sin baggage
Place your hour on this planet, guilty without a defender
He would be held accountable for the evil deeds he committed since there was no other person to protect his wrongdoing
Once was loud as a blender, now your violence has dwindled
He used to be violent and flashy, but now he was less involved in gang activities and violence
A gang member lost a soul being proud of the sinful
Being proud of sinful gang activities led him to lose his soul
Dang, don’t save your soul for it mayne
He advised listening to the warning before it's too late
‘Cause your master is the one who gets control of your brain
The gangster's loyalty to his gang made him a slave to his own thoughts
They’ll tag your name in honor since you rolled for the ‘caine
His gang might honor him for selling cocaine and bringing them financial gain
But your face on a shirt won’t make up for your soul in the flames
However, his t-shirt with his face would not be a consolation for his burning soul in hell
Contributed by Julia V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.