While thousands of other hip-hop clones sell their souls to hit the blingy big time, Proph the Problem stays true on The Proph LP. Look no further for proof than on the gospel-tinged “Let Me Do Me,” in which the rapper proclaims, “I’m still stayin’ the same, no changes involved.”
Proph is also not afraid to dig deep. On cuts like “Find a Way” and “Like Mother Like Son,” he gives shout-outs to his mom, recounting stories about how she struggled to provide for her boy during lean times. But more than anything, The Proph LP is an expression of an artist working all levels — Proph even assumes a fierce battle stance on “Oh No!” The CD oozes organic soul, with producers Lay-Z P, Yessurr, and the late J. Dilla providing crisp drums, smooth samples, and tons of melody.
This article appears in Oct 31 – Nov 6, 2007.
I went to the Proph the Problem LP realease party and i got a copy of the cd … I enjoyed the show, alot of the music i hurd i was familiar with (prior to the show Proph was on WCSB 89.3 and WRUW 91.1 (fm) promting the project). not to mention the great engine that myspace.com has provided people in the music world its allowed me to talk with john(proph) about anything and everything and listen to his music.
“Hear Me out” is made from a sample of a John Coltrane and Duke Ellington piece …. I was a little critical of the drum programing because i was so fond of the original music but the song is very well thought out and to my ears its a hole lot more significant than over programed sythisized percution which dominates mainstream RAP….
Hiphop needs people Like Proph The Problem…. He is similar to Jay Z but he is not as arrogant…. and the cleveland hip hop scene supports him…. I really think his album should have a major distributor but they probably would run into legal trouble with all the samples, copywrite laws in hip hop “you cant live with em you cant live with out them” …. Im still waiting for my coltrane samples to clear
Unfortunatly the previous Ohio Hiphop awards was not so generous to give Proph an award but music is totally opinionated and what i think dosent always go … I cant even listen to 107.9 …. Popular music is terrible … i guess i have to look at the bigger picture as you get older you mature and so do your ears …. i guess the youth has a little catching up to do
Id like to shout out Sin,Garbs,Gezus,Tara,THINK,beateffeck,Pooh,jay five,referee,nikole jaye,doc remedy,Jay Phil,Sammy Blaze,Jo Jo,Grace,Stone,Desiree Music,Party Bear and Proph The Problem
Whats up cuz! nice to see you usin the name well! I’v been Knowen as PROPH for 15 years here in OZ(downunder). keep up GODs Word! peace>> ####Big P####