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)
Karma
Prof Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's how I got this way, karma's a dangerous game. Cash out when I′m on top, forgive me, forgive me.
I was born on the wrong side of karma, so naturally I have a lot of punishment to dish out.
My position is appointed, so don′t get mad at me for giving hell, it is the job I was born with.
Oh this punk here looks too happy, let's take his bike and shoes so he can′t cruise past me.
And I'm feeling like shit from my daddy, so tomorrow I′m a fuck with that fat bitch Cassie.
She'll cry in front of the mirror when she gets home, have herself a daughter and make sure she gets pissed on.
Breath in breath out, be strong.
It′s how I got this way, karma's a dangerous game. Cash out when I'm on top, forgive me, forgive me.
It′s how I got this way, karma′s a dangerous game. Cash out when I'm on top, forgive me, forgive me.
Daddy in the cop car, momma in the summer dress, when will we figure out that we have had enough of this.
Nothing is fair so don′t expect a refund, each one is his own learn one teach one.
I've learned one taught one, first jump at the age of 9 on the church steps, started with my shirt on,
Return home alone skinny shirtless, I told him I lost it he told me I was worthless.
And if I told you I was angry, would you believe that the next day I knife with me?
Would you believe that I kept it that way, until one day I won an argument and took a life with me?
Papa died on a Wednesday, opened up the shades and sit down and pray,
Make sure sometime this week you whoop a dudes ass, make them understand how the world got this way.
It′s how I got this way, karma's a dangerous game. Cash out when I′m on top, forgive me, forgive me.
It's how I got this way, karma's a dangerous game. Cash out when I′m on top, forgive me, forgive me.
The lyrics to Prof’s song Karma delve into the theme of cause and effect, where an individual’s actions have consequences that eventually catch up to them. The chorus emphasizes the idea that karma, while dangerous, is something that one can use to their advantage by cashing out when they are on top and seeking forgiveness for their actions.
The verses paint a picture of a world that is unfair, where individuals are born into certain circumstances and are expected to deal with the ramifications of their station in life. Prof describes himself as someone who was born on the wrong side of karma, which in turn leads him to behave in ways that may not be morally sound. The line “My position is appointed, so don’t get mad at me for giving hell, it is the job I was born with” suggests that Prof feels as though he has no choice but to act out because of his circumstances.
The latter half of the song recounts personal experiences of loss and pain that have likely contributed to the way Prof views the world. The lyric “Papa died on a Wednesday, opened up the shades and sat down to pray, make sure sometime this week you whoop a dude's ass, make them understand how the world got this way” speaks to the idea that people’s experiences shape their worldview and consequently, their actions. The song’s overarching theme is an idea that karma, while sometimes unforeseeable, is always at play and can be leveraged for good or bad.
Line by Line Meaning
It's how I got this way, karma's a dangerous game.
My turbulent past and poor choices are the direct result of karma, a powerful force that I now realize can be harmful.
Cash out when I'm on top, forgive me, forgive me.
I've learned to take advantage of opportunities when they arise and to seek forgiveness for any wrongs committed in the pursuit of success.
I was born on the wrong side of karma, so naturally I have a lot of punishment to dish out.
My destiny was set from birth and my life has been filled with hardship, so I feel justified in inflicting pain on others for my own gain.
My position is appointed, so don't get mad at me for giving hell, it is the job I was born with.
I feel that my role in life is predetermined and I must follow through with the actions assigned to me, even if they cause harm to others.
Oh this punk here looks too happy, let's take his bike and shoes so he can't cruise past me.
I take pleasure in causing harm to those who appear to have a happier, easier life than my own.
And I'm feeling like shit from my daddy, so tomorrow I'm a fuck with that fat bitch Cassie.
I have unresolved emotional pain from my father and plan to take it out on someone weaker than me, specifically a woman.
She'll cry in front of the mirror when she gets home, have herself a daughter and make sure she gets pissed on.
I hope that the woman I attack will be so traumatized that she will pass on the pain to her own child.
Similar to why my papa got his wrist blown, found him up north in the tub with the kids gone.
My father suffered a gruesome death, likely as a result of his own violent actions, leaving me with unresolved trauma.
Breath in breath out, be strong.
I try to focus on the present and remain emotionally stable despite the struggles of my past.
Daddy in the cop car, momma in the summer dress, when will we figure out that we have had enough of this.
My childhood memories are chaotic and painful, and I wonder when society will recognize and put an end to cycles of violence.
Nothing is fair so don't expect a refund, each one is his own learn one teach one.
I acknowledge that life is unjust and there is no compensation for past wrongs, so it is important for each individual to learn from their own experiences and share knowledge with others.
I've learned one taught one, first jump at the age of 9 on the church steps, started with my shirt on, return home alone skinny shirtless, I told him I lost it he told me I was worthless.
I have a personal history of trauma and abuse, including being shamed by my father for losing my shirt during a dangerous activity at a young age.
And if I told you I was angry, would you believe that the next day I knife with me?
I struggle with overwhelming anger and aggression, which can lead me to bring weapons with me and potentially harm others.
Would you believe that I kept it that way, until one day I won an argument and took a life with me?
My violent tendencies led me to take a life when I felt my honor or reputation was threatened.
Papa died on a Wednesday, opened up the shades and sit down and pray, make sure sometime this week you whoop a dudes ass, make them understand how the world got this way.
My father passed away and left behind a legacy of violence, indoctrinating me with the belief that it is necessary to continue the cycle of aggression to make others understand the harsh realities of the world.
Writer(s): Jacob Anders
Contributed by Juliana G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@PROFGAMPO
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@vincenthucknall7175
You sound just like soul position. I dig it brother
@kayleighwinterton3569
Omg. I feel this shit in my bones: 🦴
Also don’t ever stoop down to their level. I get it.
@dm5380
It’s mid November, 2023. It’s been about 45 days since I first heard pack a lunch . I’ve been listening to a plethora of Melodies, sound bites , dope rhymes , and catchy beats . Prof , you are amazing . Love your work . I can honestly say I’ve never heard anything like what you’ve released . Namaste .
@harryeccles9968
prof's talent really cant be expressed enough by me at least, I have grown up listening to metal mostly, I listened to some N.W.A and such, but mostly metal. my only regret is discovering someone like this too late. . . . this man is beyond next level. liked, subscribed, bought the merch. damn right I am a fan!
@stirl
Same here man, metalhead for life but I can appreciate good music in all forms.
PROF's an artist not a rapper.
@PROFGAMPO
PLENTY more to come you get to be a part of. might even be some of the most exciting stuff
@ToxicDanify
@@PROFGAMPO wooooo hoooooo! Furk ya
@trippyalexconolly6514
Absolutely right!!! Just found him in 2019
@chrisv9813
This man shoulda blown up YEAAAARS ago. Putting out 🔥 track after 🔥 track. Long live King Gampo baby