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.
Merked Pt. 2
Pro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mientras el Palomo pregunta lo que se debe
Estoy en el año tres mil
Cuatro ruedas tiene mi patín
Y vosotros aun con chistes de Joaquín
(Toyacos)
A 120 la Picasso y ahora es en Sevilla
Ahora quiero el queso, nunca de tetilla
El que siempre llena el vaso sed, pilla
(Yeah)
Sed pillos: no os fiéis de gente con perilla
(Jaja) to'as mis lágrimas llenan una bañera
Soy Assunção marcando por encima la barrera
Yo te respeto aunque te paguen la carrera
Pero he visto Montys ganando
A Porches Carrera
Ill Pekeño es pequeño por que no se crece
Porque con catorce te hacía la trece
Al que lleva las marionetas le han cosío
(Yeah) hasta el más cristiano es un judío
World is bad
Llevo la cruz como Off White
Cansao de esos raperos son bullshit
(Son bullshit)
Os pongo hacer flexiones y burpees
Hago dinero sin dinero de multis
Un polo con caballo o con el cocodrilo
Estoy en mil anuncios, super deportivos
Más barras que en un polideportivo
Pero no entre en el pesaje por dos kilos
(Tranquilo)
Mi colega no es poli pero tiene placa
No lo explico no soy metadata (Chivata)
Me siento arriba skyline (Highlands)
Calaveras con diamantes Philipp Plein
Mirando las estrellas que no sois (Yeah)
Estoy viviendo el hoy por si mañana no estoy
Si tienes manos rápidas pa' fardos
Si tienes piernas frías leotardos
Necesito el aire fresco pa' pensar
Pa' ordenar mis pensamientos antes de pasar
Al otro pico de la cumbre
Que he de conquistar
Que incertidumbre desde aquí ya no
Se ve mi hogar pero se empieza a ver algo
Aquello que te dije en el cuarto
De la casa de mis padres
Cuando no había cuartos
Y nadie echaba un cable por
Que nos miraban del palco
Y ahora estoy yo en ese sitio
Y a penitas lo palpo
No hay tiempo (Tic tac, tic tac)
En el estudio con los chicos atentos
Fumando lo escribimos juntamos los fragmentos
Lo hacemos duro pero lleno de sentimiento
No, por ti no sentí, miento (Oh shit)
Lo dije pa' aliviarte el dolor
Pa' no sacarte de tu nube de zona de confort
Oh men, vuelo que parezco Concorde
Me pego a tu cuello con perfume Tom Ford
Yo, yo mG es la secta somos la sexta
Cero cuatro en el fino no veas si apesta
En mi círculo está lo mejor
Y los del tuyo tienen cara
De que repetían comedor s
O Palomo llevo un día por Sevilla
Y el del bolo casi corre por palomo
Están hablando de futuro obsoleto como CD-ROM
Estaba al nivel hasta que llegué yo
Fuck that
Le follen al trabajo hasta el Peke
Lo ha mandao al carajo (Peke)
Algunos son reptiles por el fajo
Y no hablo de Nibiru
A tu mierda no doy play que me llena de virus
Yo yo, S o Easy quiero el cheese y
Cuando gano rio más que el logo de Risi
(Jaja)
Tengo el truco de correr nunca me entra flato
Armo el taco si voy con el Tato
In Pro's song Merked Pt. 2, the lyrics are filled with wordplay, clever references, and braggadocious lines. The song opens with a verse that showcases Pro's confidence and forward-thinking mindset. He mentions opening a notepad on his Galaxy S9, symbolizing his readiness to write and create. Pro dismisses those who question his ambitions and claims to be living in the year 3000, highlighting his futuristic outlook. He compares his skateboard to four wheels, contrasting it with the outdated jokes of Joaquín, implying that he's ahead of his peers.
Pro then references driving at 120 km/h in a Picasso (a car model) and remarks that now he desires "queso" (money), not just "tetilla" (a type of cheese). He warns against trusting people with "perilla" (a style of beard), emphasizing the need to be cautious. Pro playfully describes filling a bathtub with his tears, implying his emotional depth. He compares himself to Assunção, a fictional character known for achieving excellence. He acknowledges others' accomplishments but also sees Montys (a reference to Monty Python) winning against Porches Carrera (a play on Porsche Carrera), suggesting that originality and creativity surpass mere status.
In the chorus, Pro mentions carrying a cross like Off White (a fashion brand), indicating the burdens he carries in the rap game. He expresses frustration with rappers who offer subpar content. Pro challenges his listeners by metaphorically commanding them to do push-ups and burpees, showcasing his dedication to fitness and success. He boasts about making money without traditional means and mentions wearing designer brands like Polo, Off White, and Philipp Plein.
Pro continues to flex his lyrical prowess, saying he has more "barras" (bars) than a sports center, a common metaphor for having an abundance of rhymes and wordplay in rap. He mentions his friend not being a cop but having a badge, alluding to someone who can't be easily categorized or understood. Pro implies he's at the top, mentioning "skyline" and diamond-studded skulls, representing luxurious aspirations. He reflects on the uncertainties of the future and the need to seize the present moment. He humorously mentions fast hands for handling packages and cold legs for wearing leotards, indicating versatility and adaptability.
The song's outro speaks to Pro's desire for fresh air to clear his thoughts and order his ideas. He references reaching the peak of a summit and the uncertainty that lies ahead. Pro reminisces about a conversation in his parents' house when there were no rooms, implying a time of struggle and a lack of support. He acknowledges that he is now in a position to help others but admits that time is ticking. Pro describes being in the studio, where he and his team combine their creativity and emotions to create impactful music. He admits to lying about not feeling anything for someone to alleviate their pain. Pro assures listeners that his intention is to challenge them, not to disrupt their comfort zones. He compares himself to a Concorde plane, symbolizing his fast-paced success, and metaphorically attaches himself to someone's neck with Tom Ford perfume, signifying his influence and allure.
Line by Line Meaning
Abro el bloc de botas de un Galaxy S9
I open the notebook of boots from a Galaxy S9
Mientras el Palomo pregunta lo que se debe
While the Palomo asks what should be done
Estoy en el año tres mil
I am in the year three thousand
Cuatro ruedas tiene mi patín
My skateboard has four wheels
Y vosotros aun con chistes de Joaquín
And you still with Joaquín's jokes
(Toyacos)
(Jokers)
A 120 la Picasso y ahora es en Sevilla
At 120, the Picasso and now it's in Sevilla
Ahora quiero el queso, nunca de tetilla
Now I want the cheese, never of tetilla
(Shit)
(Shit)
El que siempre llena el vaso sed, pilla
The one who always fills the glass of thirst, catch it
(Yeah)
(Yeah)
Sed pillos: no os fiéis de gente con perilla
Be wary, don't trust people with a goatee
(Jaja) to'as mis lágrimas llenan una bañera
(Haha) all my tears fill a bathtub
Soy Assunção marcando por encima la barrera
I'm Assunção marking above the barrier
Yo te respeto aunque te paguen la carrera
I respect you even though they pay for your career
Pero he visto Montys ganando
But I've seen Montys winning
A Porches Carrera
At Porches Carrera
Ill Pekeño es pequeño porque no se crece
Ill Pekeño is small because he doesn't grow
Porque con catorce te hacía la trece
Because at fourteen, he cheated you
Al que lleva las marionetas le han cosío
They have sewn the one who controls the puppets
(Yeah) hasta el más cristiano es un judío
(Yeah) even the most Christian is a Jew
World is bad
World is bad
Llevo la cruz como Off White
I carry the cross like Off White
Cansao de esos raperos son bullshit
Tired of those rappers, they are bullshit
(Son bullshit)
(They are bullshit)
Os pongo hacer flexiones y burpees
I make you do push-ups and burpees
Hago dinero sin dinero de multis
I make money without multi-money
Un polo con caballo o con el cocodrilo
A polo shirt with a horse or with a crocodile
Estoy en mil anuncios, super deportivos
I'm in thousand commercials, super sports cars
Más barras que en un polideportivo
More bars than in a sports center
Pero no entre en el pesaje por dos kilos
But I didn't make weight by two kilos
(Tranquilo)
(Relax)
Mi colega no es poli pero tiene placa
My friend is not a cop but he has a badge
No lo explico no soy metadata (Chivata)
I don't explain it, I'm not metadata (Snitch)
Me siento arriba skyline (Highlands)
I feel above skyline (Highlands)
Calaveras con diamantes Philipp Plein
Skulls with Philipp Plein diamonds
Mirando las estrellas que no sois (Yeah)
Looking at the stars that you are not (Yeah)
Estoy viviendo el hoy por si mañana no estoy
I'm living today in case I'm not here tomorrow
Si tienes manos rápidas pa' fardos
If you have fast hands for bundles
Si tienes piernas frías leotardos
If you have cold legs, wear tights
Necesito el aire fresco pa' pensar
I need fresh air to think
Pa' ordenar mis pensamientos antes de pasar
To organize my thoughts before moving on
Al otro pico de la cumbre
To the other peak of the summit
Que he de conquistar
That I have to conquer
Que incertidumbre desde aquí ya no
What uncertainty from here is no longer
Se ve mi hogar pero se empieza a ver algo
My home is visible but something is starting to be seen
Aquello que te dije en el cuarto
What I told you in the room
De la casa de mis padres
Of my parents' house
Cuando no había cuartos
When there were no rooms
Y nadie echaba un cable por
And nobody lent a hand because
Que nos miraban del palco
They watched us from the box
Y ahora estoy yo en ese sitio
And now I am in that place
Y a penitas lo palpo
And I can barely touch it
No hay tiempo (Tic tac, tic tac)
There is no time (Tick tock, tick tock)
En el estudio con los chicos atentos
In the studio with the attentive boys
Fumando lo escribimos juntamos los fragmentos
Smoking, we write, we put the fragments together
Lo hacemos duro pero lleno de sentimiento
We make it hard but full of feeling
No, por ti no sentí, miento (Oh shit)
No, I didn't feel anything for you, I lied (Oh shit)
Lo dije pa' aliviarte el dolor
I said it to ease your pain
Pa' no sacarte de tu nube de zona de confort
To not take you out of your comfort zone
Oh men, vuelo que parezco Concorde
Oh man, I fly like I'm Concorde
Me pego a tu cuello con perfume Tom Ford
I stick to your neck with Tom Ford perfume
Yo, yo mG es la secta somos la sexta
Yo, yo mG is the sect, we are the sixth
Cero cuatro en el fino no veas si apesta
Zero four on the thin, you can't imagine how it smells
En mi círculo está lo mejor
In my circle, there is the best
Y los del tuyo tienen cara
And those in yours have the face
De que repetían comedor s
That they repeated the cafeteria
O Palomo llevo un día por Sevilla
Or Palomo I spend a day in Seville
Y el del bolo casi corre por palomo
And the one from the gig almost runs for Palomo
Están hablando de futuro obsoleto como CD-ROM
They are talking about a future that is obsolete like a CD-ROM
Estaba al nivel hasta que llegué yo
They were at my level until I arrived
Fuck that
Fuck that
Le follen al trabajo hasta el Peke
Fuck the job, even the Peke
Lo ha mandao al carajo (Peke)
He sent it to hell (Peke)
Algunos son reptiles por el fajo
Some are reptiles for the wad of money
Y no hablo de Nibiru
And I'm not talking about Nibiru
A tu mierda no doy play que me llena de virus
I don't play your shit, it fills me with viruses
Yo yo, S o Easy quiero el cheese y
Yo yo, S or Easy, I want the cheese and
Cuando gano rio más que el logo de Risi
When I win, I laugh more than the Risi logo
(Jaja)
(Haha)
Tengo el truco de correr nunca me entra flato
I have the trick of running, I never get a stitch
Armo el taco si voy con el Tato
I make a mess if I go with Tato
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind