Prof (rapper)

{{short description|American rapper and singer (born 1984)}} {{Distinguish|Proof (rapper)}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Prof | image = Prof Rapper Minneapolis Day of Dignity 15861717402 (cropped).jpg | caption = Prof performing at 2012 "Day of Dignity" at Masjid An-Nur mosque in Minneapolis | birth_name = Jacob Lukas Anderson<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/search/workID/894522452 |title=ACTION |website=ASCAP |publisher=American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers |access-date=May 3, 2023}}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1984|4|29}}<ref>{{cite AV media|date=May 4, 2011| title = Prof's 27th Birthday and More!| type=Short| location = Minneapolis| publisher = Stophouse Music Group | access-date=August 31, 2014| url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoJb6jUKR_c|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author1=Prof|title=Happy birthday to the most injured man in rap, PROF!|url=https://www.facebook.com/PROFGAMPO/posts/10151650723679369|website=Facebook|publisher=Prof|access-date=August 31, 2014|date=April 29, 2013}}</ref> | birth_place = Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | genre = {{Hlist|Midwest hip hop|Twin Cities hip hop|underground hip hop|alternative hip hop|experimental hip hop|progressive rap||comedy rap|dirty rap|conscious hip hop}} | occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|singer|songwriter|record producer}} | years_active = 2000–present | label = {{hlist|Stophouse Music Group|Rhymesayers Entertainment}} | spouse = | website = https://www.profgampo.com | module = {{Infobox person | embed = yes | signature = Prof Signature.png }} }} '''Jacob Lukas Anderson''' (born April 29, 1984), better known by his stage name '''Prof''', is an American rapper, singer, and record producer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He released his first full-length album, ''Project Gampo'', in 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=https://profstophouse.bandcamp.com/album/project-gampo|title=Project Gampo, by Prof|website=Prof|access-date=2019-11-06}}</ref> 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.<ref name=best19 /> He was formerly signed to Rhymesayers Entertainment.

==Early life== Jacob "Jake" Anderson<ref name=best19>{{cite news|author1=''City Pages'' staff|title=Top 20 best Minnesota rappers: The complete list|url=http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2012/05/top_20_best_minnesota_rappers.php|access-date=August 5, 2014|work=City Pages|date=May 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903211446/http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2012/05/top_20_best_minnesota_rappers.php|archive-date=September 3, 2014}}</ref> grew up in the Powderhorn neighborhood of Minneapolis, an area that would later be referenced in his musical works.<ref name=deepend>{{cite news|last1=Fischer|first1=Reed|title=Off the deep end with Prof|url=http://www.citypages.com/2013-04-09/music/off-the-deep-end-with-prof/full/|access-date=August 5, 2014|work=City Pages|date=April 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729092323/http://www.citypages.com/2013-04-09/music/off-the-deep-end-with-prof/full/|archive-date=July 29, 2014}}</ref> His mother, Colleen, had a rocky relationship with his father, who suffered from bipolar disorder and was physically abusive.<ref name=3serious>{{cite news|last1=Riemenschneider|first1=Chris|title=3 serious sides to Prof|url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/202566851.html|access-date=August 31, 2014|work=Star Tribune|date=April 11, 2013}}</ref><ref name=stophouse>{{cite web|title=Prof|url=http://www.stophousegroup.com/prof/|website=Stophouse|publisher=Stophouse Music Group|access-date=August 31, 2014}}</ref> She would later divorce Anderson's father and move away, taking Anderson's three older sisters with her.<ref name=deepend />

During his formative years, Anderson developed a "comedic, dirty-mouthed rap persona" that he named "Gampo," after a childhood friend.<ref name="deepend" /> Anderson graduated from Minneapolis South High School in 2002.<ref name="deepend" />

==Career== Prior to achieving broader recognition, Prof cultivated a substantial local following through consistent independent music releases and energetic live performances. In the mid-2000s, he frequently performed at the Dinkytowner bar alongside his partner and hype man, Rahzwell. It was a period crucial for refining his performance skills and establishing a direct connection with audiences.<ref name=deepend />

It was during this time that he met Mike Campbell, who would become his manager. Together with Dillon Parker, Anderson and Campbell co-founded Stophouse Music Group, an independent record label and studio based in northeast Minneapolis that would serve as Prof's primary creative and distribution platform for much of his career.<ref name="deepend" /> Through Stophouse, Prof released early projects, including the 2006 collaborative album Absolutely with Rahzwell, followed by his first solo album, Project Gampo, in 2007. Other independent works from this period include 2009's ''Recession Music'' with St. Paul Slim, 2011's ''King Gampo'' (2011), and the ''Kaiser Von Powderhorn'' EP series (2008, 2010, 2012), which further solidified his local reputation.<ref name="deepend" />

His growing prominence in the local scene was formally acknowledged in 2012 when City Pages included him among Minnesota's top 20 rappers, noting his musical versatility, vocal ability, and capacity to engage audiences.<ref name="best19" /> 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".<ref name="worst">{{cite news|last1=Hobbes|first1=Dwight|title=Prof's "King Gampo" is rap at its worst|url=http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/arts/prof-king-gampo-review|access-date=August 5, 2014|work=Twin Cities Daily Planet|date=September 5, 2011}}</ref>

===Rhymesayers=== The success of his independent endeavors eventually drew the attention of Rhymesayers Entertainment, a prominent independent hip-hop label known for artists such as Atmosphere. In 2010, Prof was part of Rhymesayers' "Welcome to Minnesota" tour.<ref name=onlyprof>{{cite news|last1=Riemenschneider|first1=Chris|title=Prof joins Rhymesayers as only Prof can do|url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/blogs/234348981.html|access-date=August 5, 2014|work=Star Tribune|date=December 3, 2013}}</ref>

Prof signed with Rhymesayers on December 3, 2013, representing a pivotal moment in his career -- providing him with a larger platform while allowing him to maintain creative control.<ref name="rhyme1">{{cite news|last1=Diep|first1=Eric|title=Prof Signs To Rhymesayers Entertainment|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/12/prof-signs-to-rhymesayers-entertainment/|access-date=August 5, 2014|work=XXL|date=December 3, 2013}}</ref> The announcement, which coincided with the release of his single "The Reply," signaled increased national attention for his work.<ref name="onlyprof" />

In May 2015, Prof announced his debut record on Rhymesayers, entitled ''Liability''. Prof released a single called "Ghost" from the album.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Maxwell |first1=Ryan |title=Prof ft Tech N9ne – Ghost |url=http://www.hip-hopkings.com/2015/08/prof-ft-tech-n9ne-ghost/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042657/http://www.hip-hopkings.com/2015/08/prof-ft-tech-n9ne-ghost/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=August 17, 2015 |website=Hip-Hop Kings |publisher=Hip-Hop Kings}}</ref> ''Liability'' was released October 16, 2015,<ref>{{cite web |title=PROF |url=http://www.rhymesayers.com/prof |access-date=2020-03-10 |website=Rhymesayers.com}}</ref> and peaked at 141 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart November 7, 2015.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Prof - Chart history | Billboard |url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/6738667/prof/chart |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505002052/https://www.billboard.com/artist/6738667/prof/chart |archive-date=May 5, 2018 |access-date=September 14, 2016 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

On February 20, 2018, Prof announced he would be releasing a new album, titled ''Pookie Baby'', on April 13, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prof Announces New Album "Pookie Baby" & Video for "Andre the Giant" | Scenester.tv |url=https://scenester.tv/prof-announces-new-album-pookie-baby-video-for-andre-the-giant/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222225722/https://scenester.tv/prof-announces-new-album-pookie-baby-video-for-andre-the-giant/ |archive-date=February 22, 2018 |access-date=February 22, 2018}}</ref> The themes within Pookie Baby reflected a new perspective influenced by injuries sustained from extensive touring, leading to a more nuanced sound. On September 6, 2019, Prof premiered a music video for his song titled "Cousins" featuring Saint Paul, Minnesota rapper, Cashinova.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 6, 2019 |title=Prof Releases Music Video for New Song "Cousins" feat. Cashinova |url=https://www.musicinminnesota.com/prof-releases-music-video-for-new-song-cousins-feat-cashinova-rhymesayers/ |access-date=September 6, 2019 |website=Music in Minnesota}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Prof - Cousins feat. Cashinova (Official Video) - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftrcdVbUOg8&feature=youtu.be |access-date=2021-01-04 |website=www.youtube.com}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gonda |first1=Christopher |date=April 29, 2020 |title=Prof Confirms New Album 'Powderhorn Suites' and Debuts 'Squad Goals' Video |url=https://v13.net/2020/04/prof-confirms-new-album-powderhorn-suites-and-debuts-squad-goals-video/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503231017/https://v13.net/2020/04/prof-confirms-new-album-powderhorn-suites-and-debuts-squad-goals-video/ |archive-date=May 3, 2020 |access-date=June 25, 2020 |work=V13}}</ref>

However, on June 25, 2020, 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". The label's statement specifically referenced "misogynistic lyrics and social media posts" and "accusations of sexual misconduct" as factors in their decision.<ref name="drop">{{cite news |last1=Sacher |first1=Andrew |date=June 25, 2020 |title=Rhymesayers issue statement, drop Prof and Dem Atlas following allegations |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/rhymesayers-issue-statement-drop-prof-and-dem-atlas-following-allegations/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625142746/https://www.brooklynvegan.com/rhymesayers-issue-statement-drop-prof-and-dem-atlas-following-allegations/ |archive-date=June 25, 2020 |access-date=June 25, 2020 |work=BrooklynVegan}}</ref> Rhymesayers further intended to cease the release of ''Powderhorn Suites'' to the extent that they could given the imminent release date.<ref name="drop" />

This event generated considerable discussion within the hip-hop community. Prof publicly addressed the situation in subsequent interviews and through his music, acknowledging past behaviors, expressing remorse, and indicating a commitment to personal growth and accountability.<ref name=":1" />

=== Independent again === 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PROF - Animal Patrol (Official Video) - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI_fS0bpLjA&feature=youtu.be |access-date=2021-01-04 |website=www.youtube.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jacob (Prof) |date=October 22, 2020 |title=Prof announces re-release of Powderhorn Suites and drops Animal Patrol music video |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CGqkfGGHs3G/?igshid=1fzigfwyinphq |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Instagram}}</ref> ''Powderhorn Suites'' was released by Stophouse Music Group on November 13, 2020.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2020 |title=Powderhorn Suites Stophouse Music Group Release |url=https://stophouse.myshopify.com/pages/prof |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Stophouse Music Group}}</ref> Prof premiered a music video for his ''Powderhorn Suites'' song "Outside Baby" the same day of the album's release.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PROF - Outside Baby (Official Video) - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xvlUpPcEEQ&feature=youtu.be |access-date=2021-01-04 |website=www.youtube.com}}</ref> On November 20, 2020, ''Powderhorn Suites'' peaked at 36 on the ''Billboard'' 200, marking a significant achievement for an independent artist.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jacob (Prof) |date=November 20, 2020 |title=Powderhorn Suites on Billboard Chart |url=https://twitter.com/Profgampo/status/1329894667215925249 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=Twitter}}</ref>

Prof's most recent album, ''Horse'', was released via Stophouse Music Group on April 14, 2023, and achieved notable independent chart success, ranking as the #2 Current Rap Album, #1 Heatseekers Album, #1 Emerging Artist Album, #8 Top Billboard Album, and #17 Independent Album on the ''Billboard'' charts.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=ABOUT // PROF |url=https://stophouse.myshopify.com/pages/prof |access-date=2025-07-22 |website=Stophouse}}</ref> ''Horse'' includes collaborations with artists such as Method Man, Kevin Gates, and Redman.

== Live performances == In May 2013, he performed as a last-minute substitute for Busta Rhymes at the Soundset Music Festival with only an hour's notice.<ref name="onlyprof" /> Prof has been 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,<ref name="deepend" /> and the only to do so without the backing of Minnesota Public Radio station 89.3 The Current.<ref name="gettingnake">{{cite news|last1=Riemenschneider|first1=Chris|title=Getting naked with Minneapolis trash-rap king Prof|url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/202567311.html?page=all|access-date=August 5, 2014|work=Star Tribune|date=April 12, 2013}}</ref>

In 2015, to further enhance his touring capabilities, Prof secured the representation of William Morris.<ref name="profreleases">{{cite news |last1=Fischer |first1=Reed |date=May 22, 2015 |title=Prof Releases Title and Date of Rhymesayers debut |url=http://go963mn.com/news/2015/prof-releases-title-and-date-of-rhymesayers-debut |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624171952/http://go963mn.com/news/2015/prof-releases-title-and-date-of-rhymesayers-debut |archive-date=June 24, 2015 |access-date=May 22, 2015 |work=Go 96.3}}</ref>

== Personal life == Prof has a daughter.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |title=The Evolution of Prof |url=https://hpr1.com/index.php/arts-entertainment/music/prof-comes-to-fargo-new-album-powderhorn-suites/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |work=High Plains Reader|last1=Hornung|first1=Sabrina|last2=Lacroix|first2=Jr |date=October 18, 2021|language=en}}</ref>

==Discography==

===Studio albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+List of studio albums, with selected details and chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album details ! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions |- ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%" | US <ref>{{cite tweet|user=billboardcharts|number=1716505380400906510|title=Debuts on this week's #Billboard200...|date=23 October 2023|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2023-10-28/|title=Billboard 200: Week of October 28, 2023|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 24, 2023}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |''Absolutely'' {{small|(with Rahzwell)}} | * Released: 2006<ref name=discogs>{{cite web|title=Prof (5)|url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/2392619-Prof-5|publisher=discogs|access-date=August 5, 2014}}</ref> * Label: Stophouse Music Group * Formats: Digital download, CD | — |- ! scope="row" |''Project Gampo'' | * Released: 2007<ref name="discogs" /> * Label: Stophouse Music Group * Formats: Digital download, CD | — |- ! scope="row" |''Recession Music'' {{small|(with St. Paul Slim)}} | * Released: 2009 * Label: Stophouse Music Group * Formats: Digital download, CD | — |- ! scope="row" |''King Gampo'' | * Released: 2011<ref name="discogs" /> * Label: Stophouse Music Group * Formats: Digital download, CD | — |- ! scope="row" |''Liability'' | * Released: 2015<ref name="profreleases" /> * Label: Rhymesayers * Formats: Digital download, CD | 141 |- ! scope="row" |''Pookie Baby'' | * Released: 2018<ref>{{Cite news|last=Coleman|first=C. Vernon II|title=Prof Drops 'Pookie Baby' Album|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/prof-pookie-baby-album/|access-date=June 23, 2020|work=XXL|date=April 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623224116/https://www.xxlmag.com/prof-pookie-baby-album/|archive-date=June 23, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> * Label: Rhymesayers * Formats: Digital download, CD, LP | — |- ! scope="row" |''Powderhorn Suites'' | * Released: 2020<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jacob (Prof)|date=November 13, 2020|title=Powderhorn Suites Release|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CHid9zNH-GR/?igshid=1oaeh7ranqoou|access-date=January 4, 2021|via=Instagram}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> * Label: Stophouse Music Group * Formats: Digital download, CD, LP | 36 |- ! scope="row" |''Horse'' | * Released: 2023 * Label: Stophouse Music Group * Formats: Digital download, CD, LP | 111 |- ! scope="row" |''Good Time Boy'' | * Release expected: early 2026 * Label: Stophouse Music Group | — |}

===Extended plays=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" ! scope="col" |Title !EP details |- ! scope="row" |''Prof/Ra EP'' | * Released: 2005 * Label: Self-released * Formats: CD |- ! scope="row" |''Kaiser Von Powderhorn'' | * Released: 2008 * Label: Stophouse Music Group * Formats: CD |- ! scope="row" |''Kaiser Von Powderhorn 2'' | * Released: 2010 * Label: Stophouse Music Group * Formats: CD |- ! scope="row" |''Kaiser Von Powderhorn 3'' | * Released: 2012 * Label: Stophouse Music Group * Formats: Digital download, CD |}

===Live Albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" ! scope="col" |Title !Album details |- ! scope="row" |''Live From Powderhorn Suites'' | * Released: 2021 * Label: Stophouse Music Group * Formats: CD |}

=== Singles === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:left;" ! scope="col" |Year ! scope="col" |Title ! scope="col" |Album/EP |- ! scope="row" rowspan="1" | 2007 | "Rocket Man" | rowspan="1" | ''Project Gampo'' |- ! scope="row" rowspan="1" | 2010 | "Animal" | rowspan="1" | ''Kaiser Von Powderhorn 2'' |- ! scope="row" rowspan="4" | 2011 | "Gampo" | rowspan="4" | ''King Gampo'' |- | "Peep Show" |- | "Need Your Love" |- | "Myself" |- ! scope="row" rowspan="3" | 2012 | "Me Boi" | rowspan="2" | ''Kaiser Von Powderhorn 3'' |- | "Moron" |- | "Super Scary Monster" (with Grieves) | rowspan="3" {{Non-album singles}} |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2013 | "Zoo" |- | "The Reply" |- ! scope="row" rowspan="1" | 2014 | "Farout" | rowspan="6" | ''Liability'' |- ! scope="row" rowspan="4" | 2015 | "Ghost" (featuring Tech N9ne) |- | "Bar Breaker" |- | "Motel" |- | "Gasoline" |- ! scope="row" rowspan="3" | 2016 | "Standout" |- | "Windows" (with Atmosphere) | rowspan="1" {{Non-album single}} |- | "Time Bomb" | rowspan="6" | ''Pookie Baby'' |- ! scope="row" rowspan="5" | 2018 | "Andre The Giant" |- | "Criminal" |- | "No" (featuring Cashinova) |- | "Light Work" |- | "Eulogy" |- ! scope="row" rowspan="1" | 2019 | "Fuck You It's Christmas" | rowspan="1" {{Non-album single}} |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2020 | "Animal Patrol" | rowspan="5" | ''Powderhorn Suites'' |- | "Outside Baby" |- ! scope="row" rowspan="9" | 2021 | "Squad Goals" |- | "Cousins" (featuring Cashinova) |- | "Numbers" (featuring Muja Messiah,Taylor J) |- | "Chitty Bang" (featuring Devin The Dude, Jarren Benton) | rowspan="7" {{Non-album singles}} |- | "Tarzan" |- | "Dodo Birds" |- | "Neighborhood" (with Tropidelic, Krayzie Bone) |- | "Cutthroat" |- | "Treat You Right" (featuring Dizzy Wright) |- ! scope="row" rowspan="6" | 2022 | "Pay Day" (featuring Jon Ray) |- | "Creek Boy" | rowspan="12" | ''Horse'' |- | "Devils Gate" (featuring Kevin Gates) |- | "Big Hungry Monster" |- | "Louisiana" |- | "Vulnerable God" |- ! scope="row" rowspan="7" | 2023 | "Pack a Lunch" (featuring Redman) |- | "Soupy" (featuring Cozz) |- | "Subpar" (featuring Method Man) |- | "Judy" |- | "High Priced Shoes" |- | "Tombstones" |- | "Horse" |- ! scope="row" rowspan="6" | 2024 | "Feed The Dogs" | rowspan="5” {{Non-album singles}} |- | "errybody know" (with Futuristic) |- | "Pain Salesmen" (featuring Ren) |- | "Gone Fishin" (with Grieves) |- | "Butter" (featuring Baby Tate) |- | "Dynamite" | rowspan="1" | ''Bad Time Boy'' |- ! scope="row" rowspan="5” | 2025 | "Bad Time Boy" (featuring Zombie Juice and Meechy Darko) | rowspan="1” {{Non-album single}} |- | "Destiny" (featuring Sauce Walka) | rowspan="1" | ''Bad Time Boy'' |- | "OH SHIT!!!" (with SonReal) | rowspan="1” {{Non-album single}} |- | "Dirty Work" | rowspan="1" | ''Bad Time Boy'' |- | "Lionhearted" (with Kota the Friend) | rowspan="1” {{Non-album single}} |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2” | 2026 | "Big Dog" (with That Mexican OT & 2 Chainz) | rowspan="2" | ''Bad Time Boy'' |- | "Jewelry Duty" (with T-Pain) |}

==External links== * [https://www.profgampo.com/ Prof Website]

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Prof}} Category:Living people Category:Rappers from Minneapolis Category:Underground rappers Category:21st-century American male rappers Category:Midwest hip-hop musicians Category:1984 births Category:21st-century American rappers Category:Rhymesayers Entertainment artists Category:South High School (Minnesota) alumni