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.
I'm on Now
Pro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To tourin' across the country for Yahweh
I'm livin' the dream that's what ya'll say
But that everything that you see ain't in broad day
That mean it's not so clear when the [?] of God is what you fear
'Cause I could be the flyest rapper ever if my heart ain't in Christ then it's deader, for ever, yes sir, mayne
Haters wanna cuss me, girls wanna touch me, rappers wanna love me, this life is like rugby
And I'm on the line of scrimmage right opposite of pride
I got a wife and I love her a whole lot
My eye like to wander, kinda likes to do [?]
Coverin' they eyes can only do so much
'Less the [?] with God [?]
We keep eatin' at the table with Satan
Acting like this Job, but he wicked and patient
Which means he'll, wait for the right time
When you ain't in your right mind
Then he spring the trap {blaw} for you it's the right size
The people we elevate and glamorize
We'll be shootin' bullets tryna knock 'em down, out the sky
So keep the helium you got, I don't wanna rise
But I want the truth exposed on the flip-side
Man, what's a fellow to do?
I don't wanna be at the mercy of you
Under this microscope you viewin' me through
Well while you lookin' for proof, here's a Bible
Go and study this truth
I'm out
In PRO's song "I'm on Now," he discusses his journey from rapping in school hallways to touring the country for God. He acknowledges the difficulties of navigating the music industry while also maintaining his faith in Christ. PRO expresses the idea that external success does not necessarily equate to internal fulfillment, and that without God as his focus, his talent and notoriety would be hollow. This theme is paralleled with the battle of pride within himself, and the constant temptation to stray from his wife. PRO acknowledges the presence of evil influences and challenges listeners to seek the truth in the Bible.
The chorus of "I'm on Now" emphasizes that although PRO has achieved success, the journey is not without its challenges. The imagery of rugby and the line of scrimmage communicates the idea that life is a battle, and the enemies are real. The blanket analogy of elevating and glamorizing certain people, only to shoot them down, is a sobering reflection on the entertainment industry. Throughout the song, PRO warns against compromising oneself for the sake of external success, and instead encourages listeners to prioritize their faith.
Line by Line Meaning
It's funny how, I went from rappin' in school hallways
I find it amusing how I went from rapping in school hallways and now I am touring across the country for God.
To tourin' across the country for Yahweh
I am currently touring across the country for God.
I'm livin' the dream that's what ya'll say
People say that I am living the dream.
But that everything that you see ain't in broad day
However, not everything that you witness is crystal clear.
That mean it's not so clear when the [?] of God is what you fear
Thus, when you fear God's judgment, the path to follow isn't always obvious.
'Cause I could be the flyest rapper ever if my heart ain't in Christ then it's deader, for ever, yes sir, mayne
Even if I was the most renowned rapper, my life without Christ is dead and will be forever.
Haters wanna cuss me, girls wanna touch me, rappers wanna love me, this life is like rugby
Life is like a rugby game with haters, fans, and colleagues all playing various roles.
And I'm on the line of scrimmage right opposite of pride
I am currently in a tough position, having to choose being humble or succumb to pride.
My [?] win this battle, the price is my life
If I win the battle against pride, the ultimate reward will be my life.
I got a wife and I love her a whole lot
I have a wife whom I cherish greatly.
My eye like to wander, kinda likes to do [?]
Although I tend to wander, especially in relationships.
Coverin' their eyes can only do so much
Trying to hide one's eyes from temptation is only a temporary solution.
'Less the [?] with God [?]
The only way to truly avoid temptation is by having a closer relationship with God.
We keep eatin' at the table with Satan
We are continually dining with the Devil.
Acting like this Job, but he wicked and patient
Just like Job, the Devil is cunning and patient.
Which means he'll, wait for the right time
The Devil waits for the perfect moment to pounce.
When you ain't in your right mind
When you're vulnerable and under pressure.
Then he spring the trap {blaw} for you it's the right size
That's when the Devil springs his trap, which is the perfect size for your particular weaknesses.
The people we elevate and glamorize
We tend to idolize and idolize people.
We'll be shootin' bullets tryna knock 'em down, out the sky
We then try to shoot them down from their pedestal.
So keep the helium you got, I don't wanna rise
Therefore, I don't want to become elevated and will stick to my beliefs.
But I want the truth exposed on the flip-side
Nonetheless, I want the truth to be exposed and the truth to come out.
Man, what's a fellow to do?
What can a man do in this situation?
I don't wanna be at the mercy of you
I don't want to be at someone's mercy.
Under this microscope you viewin' me through
I feel like everyone is scrutinizing me under a microscope.
Well, while you're lookin' for proof, here's a Bible
While you're searching for evidence, I submit the Bible as proof.
Go and study this truth
Take some time to understand the truth and study it for yourself.
I'm out
That's all I have to say.
Contributed by Scarlett J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@DividedLines
PRO IS SO RAW AND SICK.....DUDE WHEN DA ALBUM GONNA DROP GRACE N PEACE