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 hou