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.
Where You At
Pro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[ CHORUS ]
[ Kool G Rap ]
Yo, if you make a lotta cream and don't share them stacks
[ Prodigy ]
Yeah, it ain't where you from, it's where you at
I know a lotta niggas that'll tear your back
It ain't where you from, kid, it's where you at
[ Prodigy ]
Listen, if you goin out of town and don't bear them gats
[ Kool G Rap ]
It ain't where you from, kid, it's where you at
If you caught up in a beef and you scared to clap
[ Prodigy ]
Dogs, it ain't where you from, it's where you at
[ VERSE 1: Kool G Rap ]
Shit, thug listen (What up baby?)
Ain't nothin 'round here but drug addiction
Niggas is anti-love-livin
The slug-givin little shortie on the snub itchin
For beef, he might get left in the street with his blood drippin
The poor niggas sling crack, real raw niggas that bang gats
Crazy lady jumped on the train tracks
Know if you owe somebody dough you better bring that
Them kids is live, put five where your brain at
You walk the streets of the slums
Know to spot beef when it come
Reach for the guns or feel the heat from the ones
Never know who your killer be (Yeah, speak to no one)
Just put a Desert Eagle beak in his lung
Leak em and run, some guys light the blunts up
(And then what?) And then go ride with the pumps up
Chopped up bitch inside of a dumpster
Paramedics tryin to speed a nigga pulse up
(Yo, he's a cold blue) victim of the vultures
Block sizzlin hot, flooded in the middle with cops
Innocent nigga topped, riddled with shots
Kids up in rock spots clock knots, fiddle with glocks
Ready to die for what little they got
Tricks, hoes and thugs (That's right)
The ones that put holes in mugs
Waitin outside for them ones that pose in clubs
To that strange nigga knockin on your do' with gloves
Let the .44 blow for grub, it's no love
[ CHORUS ]
[ VERSE 2: Prodigy ]
You got uniformed cops, the D's when it's hot
TNT knockin down the door of your spot
The feds come get you once you think you on top
They just been buildin they case, they got you on tape
The CIA clip you if the shit is that deep
Your money's that long, you ain't that strong
Informants'll bury you under the jail
They got wires and statements for juries to hear
Then they got rivals that got it clickin just like you
That's your competition, them niggas tryin to eat too
They'll set you up for dead if you don't show strength
Extort all your workers cause you ain't built for this
Plus stick-up kids and jealous-ass niggas
You gotta watch your front, sides and your back (Damn)
You gotta keep your eyes on your bitch and your mens
You gotta keep your mind sharp livin so fed
[ CHORUS (2X) ]
In Prodigy's song "Where You At," featuring Kool G Rap, the two rappers deliver verses filled with hard-hitting truths about the realities of living in the streets. The chorus emphasizes that success and survival depend on where you're at and what you're willing to do to stay there. The lyrics are grim and depict a world of violence, drugs, and betrayal. Kool G Rap's verse describes the streets as a place where people are driven by drug addiction, young people are eager to use guns, and killers are everywhere. The background is unpredictable, and anyone could be your killer. Meanwhile, Prodigy's verse emphasizes other factors that can lead to your downfall, such as being snitched on, having rival competition confiscating your assets, and extortion of one's workers. As such, there's a need to watch one's back, front, and side, keeping all aspects of life in view.
In summary, the rappers provide a sobering reflection of the truths of street life, emphasizing that the place you come from is less important than the moves you make to survive and thrive.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, if you make a lotta cream and don't share them stacks
If you accumulate wealth and do not share it with others
Yeah, it ain't where you from, it's where you at
The location of your birth is not important; where you are in life is what matters
I know a lotta niggas that'll tear your back
Many people are willing to betray you
It ain't where you from, kid, it's where you at
Once again, the location of your birth is irrelevant; your current position is what impacts your life
Listen, if you goin out of town and don't bear them gats
When you leave your hometown, it is important to carry weaponry
It ain't where you from, kid, it's where you at
Same as before
If you caught up in a beef and you scared to clap
If you find yourself in a beef and you are afraid to use your weapon
Dogs, it ain't where you from, it's where you at
Once again, your current position determines your standing in life
Shit, thug listen (What up baby?)
Hey, listen up, tough guy
Ain't nothin 'round here but drug addiction
There is nothing but drug addiction in this area
Niggas is anti-love-livin
People here do not prioritize love and happiness
The slug-givin little shortie on the snub itchin
A young person itching to use a firearm
For beef, he might get left in the street with his blood drippin
This person may become a victim of violence
The poor niggas sling crack, real raw niggas that bang gats
Impoverished individuals sell drugs and use firearms
Crazy lady jumped on the train tracks
A mentally ill woman jumped in front of a train
Know if you owe somebody dough you better bring that
If you owe someone money, it is wise to repay them
Them kids is live, put five where your brain at
These are violent kids who may shoot you in the head
You walk the streets of the slums
You are traversing poor neighborhoods
Know to spot beef when it come
Be aware of potential conflict
Reach for the guns or feel the heat from the ones
When conflict arises, use your weapon or suffer the consequences
Never know who your killer be (Yeah, speak to no one)
You never know who might kill you, so be cautious about who you trust
Just put a Desert Eagle beak in his lung
Discharge a powerful firearm into the attacker's chest
Leak em and run, some guys light the blunts up
Shoot and flee the scene
And then go ride with the pumps up
Escape quickly using a car with powerful speakers
Chopped up bitch inside of a dumpster
A woman's dismembered body was placed in a dumpster
Paramedics tryin to speed a nigga pulse up
Emergency responders attempting to save an almost-dead person
(Yo, he's a cold blue) victim of the vultures
He has died and the people around him are taking advantage of his death
Block sizzlin hot, flooded in the middle with cops
Police are present in overwhelming numbers
Innocent nigga topped, riddled with shots
An innocent man was killed violently
Kids up in rock spots clock knots, fiddle with glocks
Children in areas where drugs are sold handle guns
Ready to die for what little they got
They are willing to die for their meager amount of possessions
Tricks, hoes and thugs (That's right)
Prostitutes, promiscuous women, and danger-loving men
The ones that put holes in mugs
These are the people who use guns to shoot others
Waitin outside for them ones that pose in clubs
They watch the people who appear wealthy and successful
To that strange nigga knockin on your do' with gloves
That person who looks suspicious knocking on your door wearing gloves
Let the .44 blow for grub, it's no love
Use a powerful gun to kill someone who owes you money, without regard for their life
You got uniformed cops, the D's when it's hot
You may be dealing with police officers in uniform or detectives during heightened police activity
TNT knockin down the door of your spot
A SWAT team may attempt to break down your door
The feds come get you once you think you on top
Federal law enforcement will target you once you have achieved a certain level of success
They just been buildin they case, they got you on tape
Law enforcement has been gathering evidence against you and has recorded incriminating conversations
The CIA clip you if the shit is that deep
If the situation is extremely dangerous, the CIA may eliminate you
Your money's that long, you ain't that strong
If you are wealthy but not strong, you will not survive
Informants'll bury you under the jail
An informant may provide evidence that leads to your imprisonment
They got wires and statements for juries to hear
Prosecutors have wiretaps and witness statements to present to a jury
Then they got rivals that got it clickin just like you
Your competitors are just as dangerous and will take similar actions to achieve success
That's your competition, them niggas tryin to eat too
Those people want to succeed just as badly as you do
They'll set you up for dead if you don't show strength
If you appear weak, your opponents will plan to kill you
Extort all your workers cause you ain't built for this
Your employees will take advantage of you if you are not fit for this life
Plus stick-up kids and jealous-ass niggas
Robbers and envious people will target you
You gotta watch your front, sides and your back (Damn)
You must be aware of all potential threats
You gotta keep your eyes on your bitch and your mens
Keep a close eye on your girlfriend and friends
You gotta keep your mind sharp livin so fed
You must remain alert and aware to survive
Contributed by Savannah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.