Unfortunately for Prof, there’s an underlying seriousness to his lyrics that he tries his hardest to cover with layer upon layer of party-perfect beats and rhymes. Growing up on the South Side of Minneapolis, Prof matured in step with the local hip-hop scene. In his 24 years, he’s seen some shit that can’t help but escape from his memory and into his songs, lending his lines the kind of wisdom that can only be born on hard city streets. He started free styling in eighth grade and, although he likes to have fun with his music, the swiftness of his rise to local fame shows how seriously he regards his rap career.
A rowdy young buck who loves a good time, Prof wants his music to inspire others to party it up with him. In a world where credibility is currency, Prof sticks a middle finger to those who feel hip-hop should be straight-faced and serious.
“Everyone’s trying to be a preacher or a politician— telling you how to live your life,” he says. “I’m not running for Senate. I’m doing this for fun and I don’t watch my mouth.”
Prof’s debut solo album, Project Gampo, definitely made a lasting impression on local music critics and hip-hop heads. “Prof is wall-to-wall here in all his glory, with clever one-liners out the a**, hyperactive and delicious vocab spills popped like collars- picture a supreme smarta** with gorilla swagger and a mouth as fast as his mind… Point blank, this kid’s got more flavor and flow than all five of your favorite MCs combined.” (City Pages, May 12, 2008)
Criminal
Prof Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'm both
Look, sorry for the things I do
Especially when it is to you
Sometimes I don't know what to do
But last night I was a
Last night I was a
Loose cannon, burning bridges
Looking for a miracle, Huh-uh-huh-uh
Yeah-Yeah-Yayy
Last night she was a criminal, Huh-uh-huh-uh
A predator
She looked just like she came here from a funeral, Huh-uh-Huh-uh
Yeah-Yeah-Yayy
Oooooh, she's my little book of matches
We play a game of who can burn fastest
I see whiskey in her eyes
Things go bump in the night
Down and out, floating 'round the milky way
No clue if we're predators or if we're prey
No tellin' what weapons will be on display
Everybody searching for the words to say
Criminal, Huh-uh-huh-uh
Loose cannon, burning bridges
Looking for a miracle, Huh-uh-huh-uh
Yeah-Yeah-Yayy
Last night she was a criminal, Huh-uh-huh-uh
A predator
She looked as like she came here from a funeral, Huh-uh-Huh-uh
Yeah-Yeah-Yayy
Last night I was a
Criminal, Huh-uh-huh-uh
Loose cannon, burning bridges
Looking for a miracle, Huh-uh-huh-uh
Yeah-Yeah-Yayy
Last night she was a criminal, Huh-uh-huh-uh
A predator
She looked as like she came here from a funeral, Huh-uh-Huh-uh
Ye-he-he-he-he-he-eah
Doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo
The lyrics of "Criminal" by Prof depict two people--the singer and a woman--who are trying to outrun their past and their own destructive tendencies. The song paints a picture of two lost souls who find comfort in each other's company but are also a danger to each other. The first verse describes a man struggling with a big wild dog on a leash, a metaphor for his own inner demons. He apologizes for his actions, especially when they hurt the woman he loves, but also acknowledges that he doesn't always know what to do. The chorus describes the two of them as criminals, loose cannons burning bridges, and searching for a miracle. The woman is depicted as a predator, and she looks like she came from a funeral, suggesting that they are both haunted by their pasts.
The second verse highlights the destructive nature of their relationship. They play a game of who can burn faster, suggesting that they are constantly pushing each other to their limits. The singer sees whiskey in the woman's eyes, suggesting that they are both using alcohol to numb the pain. They are lost in space, unsure if they are predators or prey, and they are armed with an arsenal of emotional weapons. The final chorus repeats the earlier descriptions of the two as criminals and predators. The song ends with a repetitive tune, suggesting that the cycle of destruction will continue.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw a man struggle with a big wild dog on a leash, and I'm both
I witnessed a difficult and uncontrollable situation, and I can relate to feeling out of control and struggling to handle things.
Look, sorry for the things I do
I am aware that my actions can hurt others, and I apologize for them.
Especially when it is to you
I am specifically sorry for any harm I have caused to you personally.
Sometimes I don't know what to do
I feel lost and unsure of how to handle certain situations.
But last night I was a Criminal, Huh-uh-huh-uh
Last night, my behavior was criminal in nature.
Loose cannon, burning bridges
I'm unpredictable and my actions damage my relationships with others.
Looking for a miracle, Huh-uh-huh-uh
I am searching for something extraordinary and seemingly unattainable to fix my problems.
Yeah-Yeah-Yayy
An expression of excitement or enthusiasm.
Last night she was a criminal, Huh-uh-huh-uh
Someone else, likely a romantic partner, also acted criminally last night.
A predator
This person has predatory or aggressive behavior.
She looked just like she came here from a funeral, Huh-uh-Huh-uh
Her appearance was dark or somber, possibly reflecting her actions or attitude.
Oooooh, she's my little book of matches
This person is the source of my self-destructive behavior.
We play a game of who can burn fastest
Our relationship is unhealthy and dangerous, with both of us trying to outdo the other in reckless behavior.
I see whiskey in her eyes
She has a self-destructive and possibly addictive personality, reflected in her appearance and behavior.
Things go bump in the night
Our relationship is unpredictable and potentially dangerous, with unexpected events happening frequently.
Down and out, floating 'round the milky way
We feel lost and directionless, adrift in our lives without purpose or meaning.
No clue if we're predators or if we're prey
We are uncertain whether we are the ones causing harm or if we're being victimized ourselves.
No tellin' what weapons will be on display
We don't know what kind of emotional or psychological damage we may cause to each other.
Everybody searching for the words to say
All of us are struggling to communicate and connect with each other.
Ye-he-he-he-he-he-eah
An expression of enthusiasm or excitement.
Doo-doo-doo-doo
Non-verbal sounds that may reflect the chaotic or unpredictable nature of the situation being described.
Contributed by Eva E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@emilianoortega3723
Hellllooo who’s still playin this song 👀
@DavetheRaveDinkum
Me
@Matty_B92
Everyday!!
@dm5380
Still in mid November, 2023
@thegourmetcornerusa3128
Me! All got damn day
@mikebottorff593
Me now 😂
@amfm420
I am in LOVE with PROF's style, talent, lyrics, voice..hes a gift to us all let us appreciate the TRUE artistry and genius of this mans mind 💯
@lennyball3885
His versatility as a singer/rapper is incredible!!! His lyrics are sick as fuck. He is very well rounded and I'm glad my husband introduced me.
@MrParkerman6
Using the word sick as a positive is fucking stupid!
@seetheanimal5867
So did your husband watch or join in 👀