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.
Rock the Bells
Pro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somehow were gonna get to the bottom of this
If it takes us all night (all night)
Somehow were gonna find that moment of bliss
Come one let me kiss and make it better
Cause better aint the best i can do
Ill take your wrong and make it right
Dry your eyes and you can bet
Any hurt that you remember
Im gonna help you forget
Make you numb to the pain
Hey ill be your novicane
Well have us a good time (good time)
Baby let me pull you out of the shade
Meet me in the sunshine (sunshine)
Do you wanna come out and play
Baby theres been alot of talking
Talking aint all i wanna do
Come on let me kiss and make it better
Cause better aint the best i can do
Make you numb to the pain
Hey ill be your novicane
The song "Rock the Bells" by PRO is an upbeat track that speaks to a partner who is going through a hard time, offering reassurance that everything is going to be alright. The singer promises to help their partner get to the bottom of their problems, even if it takes all night. The lyrics "Come one let me kiss and make it better, 'cause better ain't the best I can do" convey the idea that the singer is not simply offering a quick fix, but is committed to helping their partner find lasting happiness.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the singer's desire to help their partner forget any hurt they may have experienced. They promise to "make [them] numb to the pain" and be their "novocaine," a reference to the pain-killing medication.
Beyond the lyrics, the song is notable for its catchy melody and upbeat tempo, which draw listeners in and make it easy to dance along. The song incorporates elements of rock, pop, and hip-hop, creating a unique sound that sets it apart from other songs in the same genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby its alright (alright)
Everything is going to be alright
Somehow were gonna get to the bottom of this
We will find a solution
If it takes us all night (all night)
We are ready to put in the time and effort
Somehow were gonna find that moment of bliss
We will find happiness
Come one let me kiss and make it better
I want to comfort you
Cause better aint the best i can do
I will go beyond better to make things right
Ill take your wrong and make it right
I will help you correct your mistakes
Take your load and make it light
I will help you ease your burdens
Dry your eyes and you can bet
I will comfort you when you cry
Any hurt that you remember
I will help you forget your past pain
Im gonna help you forget
I will assist you in moving on
Make you numb to the pain
I will help you cope with the pain
Hey ill be your novicane
I will be your painkiller
Well have us a good time (good time)
We will have fun
Baby let me pull you out of the shade
I want to bring you into the light
Meet me in the sunshine (sunshine)
Let's enjoy life together
Do you wanna come out and play
Do you want to have fun with me
Baby theres been alot of talking
Let's take action
Talking aint all i wanna do
I want to take action, not just talk
Contributed by Katherine H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@eos2338
LL Cool J = GOAT
@s.a.5312
No Em is king and goat
@tripleaaarey5069
I call my little nahnee a GOAT! This is crazy!
@blissvii
Damn finally. It's been years since we've gotten proper performance footage
@Bizeecentral
OMG this version is so much better quality in every way. Forgot how fire this song was : D Thanks for posting this!
@TheHedwig2
When em is happy we stans are happy😊😊😊
@jacquelinegarcia2184
I love the way Eminem and Ilcoolj team up together and Rock the Bell together love them both.
@6IX6IX_
HARD AS F 🔥🔥🔥 haters gonna hate. Real recognize real 🔥
@jeffreyroberson7900
The sad thing is the youngsters think that mumbling shite today is rapping/ good music? SMH
@kessy3053
We’re not going to forget this moment it’s just legendary 🔥