Prof (rapper)

Last updated

Prof
Prof soundset 2010 Brett Quiggle.jpg
Prof in concert at the 2010 Soundset Music Festival
Background information
Birth nameJacob Lukas Anderson [1]
Born (1984-04-29) April 29, 1984 (age 40) [2] [3]
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Genres Hip hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
Years active2000–present
Labels
Website https://www.profgampo.com

Jacob Lukas Anderson (born April 29, 1984), better known by his stage name Prof, is an American rapper, singer, and producer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He released his first full-length album, Project Gampo, in 2007 [4] and has since released six additional albums and three EPs. In 2012, City Pages named Prof on their list of Minnesota's 20 best rappers. [5] He was formerly signed to Rhymesayers Entertainment.

Contents

Early life

Jacob "Jake" Anderson [5] was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew up in the city's Powderhorn neighborhood. [6] His mother, Colleen, had a rocky relationship with his father (who suffered from bipolar disorder and was physically abusive) whom she would later divorce and move away from, taking Anderson's three older sisters with her. [6] [7] [8] In his teenage years, he developed a "comedic, dirty-mouthed rap persona" he named Gampo after a childhood friend. [6] Anderson graduated from Minneapolis South High School in 2002. [6]

Career

In 2010, Prof was part of Rhymesayers' Welcome to Minnesota tour. [9] During the mid-2000s, Prof regularly performed at the Dinkytowner bar with partner and hype man Rahzwell. It was at one such show that Prof would meet his manager, Mike Campbell. Prof and Campbell, along with Dillon Parker, later became co-owners of the Stophouse Music Group, a record label that owns and manages their eponymous Stophouse Studios in northeast Minneapolis. [6]

The staff of City Pages named Prof as Minnesota's 19th-best rapper in 2012, citing his musical dexterity, "his impressive singing voice", and his ability to engage and make audiences laugh. [5] Conversely, musician and critic Dwight Hobbes of the Twin Cities Daily Planet asserted that Prof's 2011 album, King Gampo, was "asinine, narcissistic self-indulgence run completely riot, without a shred of redeeming artistry" and "rap at its worst". [10]

Prof has been noted as one of the few Minneapolis rap acts (in addition to Doomtree and several Rhymesayers artists) who are capable of selling out the city's famed First Avenue Mainroom, [6] and the only to do so in recent years without the backing of Minnesota Public Radio station 89.3 The Current. [11]

In May 2013, when Busta Rhymes failed to show up at the Soundset Music Festival in Shakopee, Minnesota, Prof substituted for him with only an hour's notice. [9]

On December 3, 2013, Prof signed to Rhymesayers Entertainment. [12] The announcement video featured the label's co-founder, Slug, and coincided with the release of a single called "The Reply". The Star Tribune reported on the occasion that Prof would release another album in 2014. [9]

In a May 2015, Prof announced his debut record on Rhymesayers, entitled Liability. In the same interview, he also revealed he had signed with William Morris Endeavor for his future touring ventures. [13] Prof released a single called "Ghost" from the album. [14] Liability was released October 16, 2015, [15] and peaked at 141 on the Billboard 200 chart November 7, 2015. [16]

On February 20, 2018, Prof announced he would be releasing a new album, titled Pookie Baby, on April 13, 2018. [17] On September 6, 2019, Prof premiered a music video for his song titled "Cousins" featuring Saint Paul, Minnesota rapper, Cashinova. [18] [19]

Additionally, on October 20, 2019, Prof's song "Church" was featured in the opening of Season 2, Episode 4 Along with “bar breaker” in Season 1, Episode 6 of ABC's The Rookie.

On April 29, 2020, Prof released his first single, "Squad Goals", from his newly announced album Powderhorn Suites that was due to be released on June 26. [20] However, on June 25, Rhymesayers dropped Prof from their label, stating that they "failed to not only vet the signing of Prof but also calling into question the intentions behind his music, messaging and content more strongly". [21] Rhymesayers further intended to cease the release of Powderhorn Suites to the extent that they could given the imminent release date. [21]

On October 22, 2020, Prof announced the re-release of Powderhorn Suites by his Stophouse Music Group record label and premiered a music video for the song "Animal Patrol" from the album. [22] [23] Powderhorn Suites was released by Stophouse Music Group on November 13, 2020. [24] Prof premiered a music video for his Powderhorn Suites song "Outside Baby" the same day of the album's release. [25] On November 20, 2020, Powderhorn Suites peaked at 36 on the Billboard 200. [26]

Personal life

Prof has a daughter. [27]

Discography

All albums up to 2013 were released by Stophouse Music Group. [28] [29] Liability (2015) and Pookie Baby (2018) were released by Rhymesayers Entertainment. [13] Powderhorn Suites was subsequently released by Stophouse Music Group in 2020. [24] Horse was released by Stophouse Music Group in 2023. [30]

Studio albums

EPs

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atmosphere (music group)</span> American hip hop duo from Minneapolis

Atmosphere is an American hip-hop duo from Minneapolis, Minnesota, consisting of rapper Slug and DJ/producer Ant. Since its formation in 1996, the group has released thirteen studio albums and ten extended plays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eyedea</span> American rapper

Micheal David Larsen, better known by his stage name Eyedea, was an American musician, rapper, and poet. He was a freestyle battle champion and songwriter from Saint Paul, Minnesota.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Abilities</span> Musical artist

Gregory Joseph Keltgen, better known by his stage name DJ Abilities, is an American underground hip hop producer and DJ signed to Rhymesayers Entertainment who is based in Minneapolis. He is a founding member of Eyedea & Abilities alongside Eyedea, and Semi.Official alongside I Self Devine. DJ Abilities is a member of 1200 Hobos and was also a member of Atmosphere at one point. He has won two regional DJ championships for the Midwest region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">P.O.S (rapper)</span> American rapper

Stefon Leron Alexander, better known by his stage name P.O.S, is an American hip hop artist from Minneapolis. He has been a member of groups such as Doomtree, Building Better Bombs, Gayngs, Marijuana Deathsquads, Cenospecies, Four Fists, and Shredders.

Eyedea & Abilities was an American hip hop duo from Saint Paul, Minnesota, consisting of rapper Eyedea and DJ Abilities. The duo was founded in 1999 and became a prominent figure of the underground hip hop scene, becoming known for Eyedea's philosophical and socially conscious lyrics, along with DJ Abilities' dynamic experimental fusion of stylistic elements from both rap and rock, as well as electronic music. The group was active until Eyedea's death in October 2010.

<i>The Dynospectrum</i> 1998 studio album by The Dynospectrum

The Dynospectrum is a studio album by The Dynospectrum, a collaboration between rappers Slug, I Self Devine, Sab the Artist, and Swift. They performed under the pseudonyms Sep Sev Sev Two, Pat Juba, General Woundwart, and Mr. Gene Poole, respectively. The production was handled by Ant, who assumed the name Solomon Grundy for the project. It was released on Rhymesayers Entertainment on October 13, 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doomtree</span> American hip hop band

Doomtree is an American hip hop collective and record label based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The collective has seven members: Dessa, Cecil Otter, P.O.S, Sims, Mike Mictlan, Paper Tiger, and Lazerbeak. The collective is known for incorporating a wide range of musical influences into their work with lyrical complexity and wordplay, and their annual "Doomtree Blowout" events held in Minneapolis venues to showcase their group performances and the Twin Cities music scene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oddjobs</span> American alternative hip hop band from Minnesota

Oddjobs was an alternative hip hop group from Minnesota formed in 1995. The band released three studio albums and several EPs including 2003's critically praised Drums; it broke up in 2004 and the members re-formed as Kill the Vultures and Power Struggle.

Twin Cities hip hop, also referred to as Minneapolis hip hop, is sub-genre of rap music that originates from the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Minnesota.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sab the Artist</span> American rapper

Musab Saad, better known by his stage name Sab the Artist, Musab, or Beyond, is an American recording artist, rapper, songwriter, record producer, and music executive from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is currently based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Self Devine</span> American rapper

Chaka Mkali, better known by his stage name I Self Devine, is an American hip hop musician based in Minneapolis. He has been a member of groups such as The Dynospectrum, Micranots, and Semi.Official. In 2012, City Pages described him as "one of the most influential voices in Minnesota hip hop."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toki Wright</span> American rapper

Toki Wright is an American rapper and music educator from Minneapolis. His debut solo studio album, A Different Mirror, was released on Rhymesayers Entertainment in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kill the Vultures</span> American hip hop group

Kill the Vultures is an American hip hop group from Minneapolis, Minnesota formed in 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dem Atlas</span> American rapper (born 1992)

Joshua Evans Turner, better known by his stage name Dem Atlas, is an American rapper from Saint Paul, Minnesota. He was formerly a member of the group Sifu Hotman alongside rapper Guante and producer Rube. He was formerly signed to Rhymesayers Entertainment.

Soundset Music Festival was a hip-hop music festival held yearly in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area over Memorial Day weekend. Since Soundset began in the Metrodome parking lot in 2008, attendance has grown from 12,000 to over 30,000 consistently since 2014. Over 280,000 fans have traveled from fifty U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealand to experience Soundset in Minnesota.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhymesayers Entertainment</span> American independent hip-hop record label based in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Rhymesayers Entertainment is an American independent hip-hop record label based in Minneapolis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orikal Uno</span> American rapper

Antonio Lorenzo Rosario, better known as Orikal Uno, is an American rapper and mix DJ / host of "The Check In w/ Orikal Uno" radio show on 98.9 FM KRSM (Minneapolis) "featuring nothing but the best in Twin Cities Hip-Hop, Rap, R&B and Soul music" from Saint Paul, Minnesota. Orikal Uno is also known as a visual artist; painting and shipping custom canvases and skateboards for people via multiple platforms on the internet. He is also a notable music producer and audio engineer.

<i>Liability</i> (album) 2015 studio album by Prof

Liability is the third solo studio album by American rapper Prof. It was released via Rhymesayers Entertainment on October 16, 2015. It is Prof's first album with Rhymesayers. It features guest appearances from Tech N9ne, Petey Pablo, and Waka Flocka Flame. The album peaked at number 141 on the Billboard 200 chart, as well as number 19 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

<i>Powderhorn Suites</i> 2020 studio album by Prof

Powderhorn Suites is the fifth solo studio album by American rapper Prof. It was released on November 13, 2020. The album was due out June 26, 2020, but Prof was dropped from his label shortly before the release date. He went on to self-release it through his Stophouse Music Group label. Powderhorn refers to the South Minneapolis neighborhood where Prof grew up.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Vibro Champs</span> American rockabilly band

The Vibro Champs are a rockabilly band based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded in 1992. They have released four albums, most recently Mr. International in 2009.

References

  1. ↑ "ACTION". ASCAP. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  2. ↑ Prof's 27th Birthday and More! (Short). Minneapolis: Stophouse Music Group. May 4, 2011. Retrieved August 31, 2014– via YouTube.
  3. ↑ Prof (April 29, 2013). "Happy birthday to the most injured man in rap, PROF!". Facebook. Prof. Retrieved August 31, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Project Gampo, by Prof". Prof. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  5. 1 2 3 City Pages staff (May 25, 2012). "Top 20 best Minnesota rappers: The complete list". City Pages . Archived from the original on September 3, 2014. Retrieved August 5, 2014.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Fischer, Reed (April 9, 2013). "Off the deep end with Prof". City Pages . Archived from the original on July 29, 2014. Retrieved August 5, 2014.
  7. ↑ Riemenschneider, Chris (April 11, 2013). "3 serious sides to Prof". Star Tribune . Retrieved August 31, 2014.
  8. ↑ "Prof". Stophouse. Stophouse Music Group. Retrieved August 31, 2014.
  9. 1 2 3 Riemenschneider, Chris (December 3, 2013). "Prof joins Rhymesayers as only Prof can do". Star Tribune . Retrieved August 5, 2014.
  10. ↑ Hobbes, Dwight (September 5, 2011). "Prof's "King Gampo" is rap at its worst". Twin Cities Daily Planet . Retrieved August 5, 2014.
  11. ↑ Riemenschneider, Chris (April 12, 2013). "Getting naked with Minneapolis trash-rap king Prof". Star Tribune . Retrieved August 5, 2014.
  12. ↑ Diep, Eric (December 3, 2013). "Prof Signs To Rhymesayers Entertainment". XXL . Retrieved August 5, 2014.
  13. 1 2 Fischer, Reed (May 22, 2015). "Prof Releases Title and Date of Rhymesayers debut". Go 96.3 . Archived from the original on June 24, 2015. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  14. ↑ Maxwell, Ryan. "Prof ft Tech N9ne – Ghost". Hip-Hop Kings. Hip-Hop Kings. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2015.
  15. ↑ "PROF". Rhymesayers.com. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  16. ↑ "Prof - Chart history | Billboard". Billboard . Archived from the original on May 5, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Prof Announces New Album "Pookie Baby" & Video for "Andre the Giant" | Scenester.tv". Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  18. ↑ "Prof Releases Music Video for New Song "Cousins" feat. Cashinova". Music in Minnesota. September 6, 2019. Retrieved September 6, 2019.
  19. ↑ "Prof - Cousins feat. Cashinova (Official Video) - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  20. ↑ Gonda, Christopher (April 29, 2020). "Prof Confirms New Album 'Powderhorn Suites' and Debuts 'Squad Goals' Video". V13. Archived from the original on May 3, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  21. 1 2 Sacher, Andrew (June 25, 2020). "Rhymesayers issue statement, drop Prof and Dem Atlas following allegations". BrooklynVegan . Archived from the original on June 25, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  22. ↑ "PROF - Animal Patrol (Official Video) - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  23. ↑ Anderson, Jacob (Prof) (October 22, 2020). "Prof announces re-release of Powderhorn Suites and drops Animal Patrol music video". Instagram . Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  24. 1 2 "Powderhorn Suites Stophouse Music Group Release". Stophouse Music Group . November 13, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  25. ↑ "PROF - Outside Baby (Official Video) - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  26. ↑ Anderson, Jacob (Prof) (November 20, 2020). "Powderhorn Suites on Billboard Chart". Twitter . Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  27. ↑ Hornung, Sabrina; Lacroix, Jr (October 18, 2021). "The Evolution of Prof". High Plains Reader. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  28. ↑ "Prof (5)". discogs . Retrieved August 5, 2014.
  29. ↑ Fischer, Reed (September 26, 2012). "Prof drops Kaiser Von Powderhorn 3 mixtape (Download)". City Pages . Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved August 5, 2014.
  30. ↑ Gallagher, Evan (February 13, 2023). "Prof announces new album Horse". ACRN. Ohio University. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
  31. ↑ Coleman, C. Vernon II (April 16, 2018). "Prof Drops 'Pookie Baby' Album". XXL . Archived from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  32. ↑ Anderson, Jacob (Prof) (November 13, 2020). "Powderhorn Suites Release" . Retrieved January 4, 2021– via Instagram.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.