THE REBEL LIFE
Proph the Problem is the grandmaster sinsei in Cleveland’s hip-hop dojo
Top tier lyricist becomes first independent Cleveland artist to rock a show in Singapore
By GEZUS ZAIRE
Rebel Life Media/www.ClevelandHipHop.net
He’s been a hero for the backpack fans, a member of the short lived supergroup The Titans and a critically acclaimed Cleveland based lyricist.
In a city where many imitate what seems to work for somebody else, Proph the Problem is working on his own thing, a thing that he calls Dojo Flow. It takes a bold man to venture out to his own style of flow and Proph is the right rhyme martial artist to develop it into something lethal.
Zaire: You are headed toward the middle of your first decade as a rap artist in the city. What’s your current feelings on where you are as an artist and where the city stands as of now?
Proph: I’m feeling more determined than ever before. I think that for an artist with no mainstream rotation or major looks, it makes a statement when you can remain relevant.
I just became the first [independent] Cleveland artist to perform live in Singapore. That’s 12 time zones away.
I would say that with guys like Chip [tha Ripper], [Kid] Cudi and MGK [Machine Gun Kelly] the Cleveland music scene is beginning to see more attention. I’m proud as hell of the artists in my city who are still striving. It takes a lot of will and a lot of courage to continue on in times where it seems your own city doesn’t support what you do. Hats off to those who don’t give a fuck.
Zaire: You have seen a lot over the years, both good and bad in the city. For the new people coming up right now, what advice would you have for them that wasn’t provided for you at the time you started?
Proph: The best advice is not to let anyone tell you what you can’t do. Until you’ve failed and given up – you – yourself don’t even know what you can’t do. Other than that, be yourself and let your audience find you.
Zaire: You came into the game with a strong debut [“The Proph LP” (2007)] and you told me that you would not try to make a better album, but just another dope album. So far you have put together great songs that sound totally different from when you started. Was that your plan or did it just sort of happen?
Proph: I wouldn’t say there was any real plan. When music is made according to a plan you’re limiting yourself. I grew up listening to just about every genre. Coming into my own as a musician, I really wanted to be able to pour all of my influences into my music. I wanted the flow to be compatible with any style. One of the things I wanted to accomplish with [my latest album] “Midwest Fressshhh” was to showcase the Dojo Flow on all levels. Pop to boom bab, lyrical to comical, the Dojo Flow is the name of my flow. It’s all about adaptability, versatility, strength, technique and finesse
Zaire: Dojo Flow, nice name. Are there any other artists in the city that have Dojo Flow?
Proph: No one else has the Dojo Flow. This is one of the reasons why you can’t know what to expect from me other than quality.
Zaire: So you’re like the Sho’Nuff of Cleveland and there is no Bruce LeRoy.
Proph: Humility is something you learn in a dojo.
Zaire: Well Proph, as usual it’s been an honor. Tell the people what’s next up your sleeve before we wrap this up.
Proph: Pleasure’s mine this time homey. “Problem University” is coming next. The music is fresh and inspired. The production [is] crazy. This time is for keeps. Shouts out to Prhymal Rage, West 41st Side, Rebel Army Radio and everyone that’s rocking with us still. Get set to Wreck!
(This interview is the official property of Rebel Life Media and www.ClevelandHipHop.net)
