Pro Nashville

Lets do the math. You’re handed 5:1 odds – You’re young, African American, born without a Silver Spoon in sight, living in a single parent household, and surrounded by hopelessness. Such were the odds against the now 23-year-old PRO. Born in Pontiac, Michigan as the son of a Jazz musician, music was inherited to PRO as a natural birthright. His parents met in Michigan where they instilled in him early, the foundations of the entertainment phenomenon you see today. While in the 1st grade shortly after his mother committed her life to Christ she and PRO relocated to Columbia TN leaving his determined father to pursue his Jazz career on his own.
“Growing up moms didn’t let me listen to rap until I was about 13 years old. I would go around from house to house, door to door, trying to get better at rapping and learning how to produce. I soon found out how quickly you can get the run around in the music world and how people will try to use your ideas for their gain.” PRO. But luckily in a place where poison was just an arms length away in every direction, the faith and support of a loving mother nourished the delicate dreams her son to prevent a stagnant imagination.
“At age 15 mom bought me my first 8-track recorder; the next year a keyboard so I could do my own music. She taught me how to be assertive and independent, and to not sweat the small stuff.” PRO This hard work and careful parenting landed PRO a scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University where he would begin to make his dreams a reality through his own record label. Hooking up with local artists and polishing his writing, production, and vocal skills PRO soon accumulated a small army of friends and support including the help of Chris “Dirty-Rice” Mackey the other half of the Hardworking duo “The Technicians”.
As time progressed, so did PRO, while support gradually fell by the wayside around him. By 2004 PRO was in need of intervention. Struggling with the pursuit of his dreams, his faith, and college career he was fighting turmoil mentally and physically. “Times had really gotten rough for me with school and all, and I needed to find a way to keep myself focused and together. Now when I need to get refocused I usually go without music for a while, and sit in silence to meditate and focus on what’s really important – and that’s to keep God first – Why worship the creation more than the creator?” PRO Through patience and perseverance PRO was sent an answer and a friend in the form of his now manager and mentor Emmett Jay Leopardi. The two crossed paths and immediately hit it off, placing PRO at the head of management in the music department for Leopardi’s Star-Imprints entertainment company and Jam Bros. Production studios in Middle Tennessee.
As the fore figure of the newly found “Real Hop” genre PRO’s music is put into its own class. Giving homage to those before him in the music industry,
PRO credits the songwriting skills of Holland, Dozier and Holland the production trio of Motown who decades ago wrote some of the best songs for The Four Tops, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations. Reach Out I’ll Be There and Standing In the Shadows of Love – These were some of the best songs ever written or produced.
But if I really had to give credit to my musical influence it would have to be life itself. Every song I’ve ever done is based on what’s happened to me in the past or what I hope for in the future.” PRO.
Experienced artist, songwriter, and producer PRO has built a silent résumé and industry buzz by working with Dr. Bobby Jones, Mad Mike of Pimp my Ride, the movie “The Hit”, the Ride Culture DVD, and his album THE PRO SHOW. Also as a recent graduate of Middle Tennessee State University PRO has earned his degree in their nationally recognized recording industry program.
PRO has pushed each day to make next goal since day 1, beating the odds stacked against him, while at the same time changing the stats like a true PRO does.