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.
Hate Me More
Pro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It ain't right
It drive me crazy I've been thinking about it all night
Speculations
Tell me why
You listen to these rumours they gonna tear us apart
I know you hate me
I know that you hate me
I know you on the same shit
I know you hate me
I know that you hate me
Don't you hate me
I know you on the same shit
I know you hate me
Let me say this
I've been straight, real with you baby right from the jump
But sometimes I feel like you ain't never there for me my love
Broken heart when I break apart it's like my soul departing
It's so many sad scenes and it's hurting me
And when I hit rewind my mind just freak
Got me sipping dry a bottle of hennessy
Oh no, no, no
You say that no gold in this river whenever we fight
We can't relax, sit back, do nothing watch it drown
Two wrongs don't make a right let's both apologise
Please get me right It's only love am gonna provide ya
I know you mad
It ain't right
It drive me crazy I've been thinking about it all night
Speculations
Tell me why
You listen to these rumours they gonna tear us apart
I know you hate me
I know that you hate me
Don't you hate me
I know you on the same shit
I know you hate me
I know that you hate me
Don't you hate me
I know you on the same shit
I know you mad
It ain't right
It drive me crazy I've been thinking about it all night
Speculations
Tell me why
You listen to these rumours they gonna tear us apart
I know that there's hope in this water and it's warmer
So baby pour up let me go deeper
The lust is too much
Let's make love again and keep it in a safe am down
Don't listen to these rumours they just wanna be in your corner
Be easy on you that's what imma do
If you wanna talk am just a phone call away
Keep you in my world hope we never seperate
I know you mad
It ain't right
It drive me crazy I've been thinking about it all night
Speculations
Tell me why
You listen to these rumours they gonna tear us apart
I know you hate me
I know that you hate me
Don't you hate me
I know you on the same shit
I know you hate me
I know that you hate me
Don't you hate me
I know you on the same shit
In the song "Hate Me More" by Pro, the lyrics delve into a tumultuous relationship filled with misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and the struggle to maintain a sense of trust and connection. The singer acknowledges the anger and frustration from their partner, understanding that the situation is not right and it consumes their thoughts all night. The mention of speculations and rumors tearing them apart highlights the destructive power of outside influences on their love.
The repetition of "I know you hate me" reflects a sense of resignation and acceptance of their partner's negative feelings, despite a desire for things to be different. The repeated questioning of "Don't you hate me" suggests a plea for validation or communication, seeking to understand the root of the animosity. The acknowledgment that both parties may be participating in the same destructive behaviors underscores the shared responsibility for the discord in their relationship.
The vulnerability and raw emotions in the lyrics are further emphasized as the singer expresses their efforts to be honest and real in the relationship from the beginning. The reference to feeling alone and suffering from a broken heart portrays a sense of deep emotional pain and longing for connection. The imagery of sipping on Hennessy and experiencing moments of despair and hurt highlights the struggle to cope with the challenges within the relationship.
As the song progresses, there is a plea for reconciliation and understanding, urging both parties to apologize and strive for a resolution. The singer conveys a sense of hope and warmth amidst the turmoil, expressing a desire to go deeper and find solace in each other's love. The refusal to succumb to rumors and external influences signifies a commitment to each other and a willingness to navigate the difficulties together. Ultimately, the lyrics encapsulate a complex emotional landscape of love, pain, hope, and the enduring desire to overcome obstacles in a fractured relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I know you mad
I understand that you are angry
It ain't right
It's unfair
It drive me crazy I've been thinking about it all night
It's been bothering me all night
Speculations
Rumors
Tell me why
Explain to me
You listen to these rumours they gonna tear us apart
Believing these rumors will harm our relationship
I know you hate me
I understand that you dislike me
I know that you hate me
I acknowledge your feelings of hatred towards me
Don't you hate me
Do you truly hate me?
I know you on the same shit
I know you feel the same way
Let me say this
Allow me to express this
I've been straight, real with you baby right from the jump
I have always been truthful with you from the beginning
But sometimes I feel like you ain't never there for me my love
But sometimes I feel like you are never supportive of me, my love
Broken heart when I break apart it's like my soul departing
When our relationship suffers, it feels like my soul is leaving me
It's so many sad scenes and it's hurting me
The difficult moments are causing me pain
And when I hit rewind my mind just freak
Replaying past events makes me anxious
Got me sipping dry a bottle of hennessy
I find comfort in drinking alone
Oh no, no, no
Expressing dismay
You say that no gold in this river whenever we fight
You claim there is no value in our relationship when we argue
We can't relax, sit back, do nothing watch it drown
We can't just sit back and watch the relationship fail
Two wrongs don't make a right let's both apologise
We shouldn't retaliate, let's both say sorry
Please get me right It's only love am gonna provide ya
Understand me, I am only offering you love
I know that there's hope in this water and it's warmer
I believe there is hope and warmth in our relationship
So baby pour up let me go deeper
Let me express my feelings more profoundly
The lust is too much
The desire is overwhelming
Let's make love again and keep it in a safe am down
Let's reconnect and keep our love secure
Don't listen to these rumours they just wanna be in your corner
Ignore the rumors, they just want to create division
Be easy on you that's what imma do
I will be gentle with you
If you wanna talk am just a phone call away
If you need to talk, I am just a call away
Keep you in my world hope we never separate
I hope we can stay together in my world
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, Sentric Music
Written by: Tshepiso Malatji
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind