Childhood in the Minneapolis Projects

• 💡 Prof details his upbringing in Powderhorn, Minneapolis, a neighborhood with a high murder rate in the 80s and 90s.
• 💔 His parents separated early, and his first memory is of his father being arrested at age two.
• 🏠 Prof's mother, a teacher, worked hard to provide for her four children, moving from Section 8 housing to homeownership.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 He experienced a blended family dynamic, living with his mother and then splitting time with his father, who had a complex and often abusive personality.

Navigating a Difficult Father-Son Relationship

• 🥊 Prof's father, a charismatic but mentally unstable preacher, would engage in violent backyard boxing matches with suitors of his daughters.
• 🔥 A significant traumatic event was when Prof's father burned down their family home after an argument when Prof was 15.
• 💔 Prof never had a resolution with his father, who died by suicide four years later, leaving a deep, unresolved wound.
• 🎤 Prof uses rap as a way to process his trauma and reclaim control from his deceased father.

Witnessing Violence and Trauma

• 😨 Prof recounts witnessing extreme violence from a young age, including a triple homicide on his block and his own house being shot at.
• 🎭 He describes how he initially used humor and a tough exterior to cope with these traumatic experiences.
• 🎤 His early experiences fueled his aggressive and raw rap style, drawing influence from Southern rap artists.

The Impact of Trauma and Finding Resolution

• 🧠 Prof discusses how his father's example, despite the abuse, taught him about hustle and resilience.
• 👨‍👦 As a father himself, Prof aims to break the cycle of abuse and provide a stable, loving environment for his son.
• 🎤 He uses humor and self-deprecation as a coping mechanism and a way to gain control over past traumas.
• 🤝 Prof emphasizes the importance of real-life shared experiences and human connection, especially after the isolation of the pandemic.

Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose

• 🎨 Prof's early life experiences, including graffiti and run-ins with the law, shaped his artistic expression and resilience.
• ✊ He reflects on the Minneapolis riots, witnessing the chaos and destruction firsthand while prioritizing his family's safety.
• 🎤 Prof's music often explores themes of struggle, resilience, and the complexities of life, with a wide range of emotional expression.
• 🌱 He believes that sticking around and persevering through hardship is key to overcoming challenges and finding worth.