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Interview
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A lot
has been going on for Pro lately. The Ex Watchmen
producer released his debut solo album beginning of
this month accompanied by a video/mini-movie for
“The Dark passenger”. We already got a second video
and a third is on its way. In between the shoots he
left the Watchmen camp to focus on his solo work and
work as a producer, already resulting in the
opportunity to write the score for a new TV series
plus various production projects for the near
future. With all this happening and the more than
challenging music on his album “I need therapy”,
Wu-International sat down again with the man for
some more insight in all this. While we were at it,
we also asked for his personal thoughts on our much
talked about
WTM Interview earlier this week. Enjoy!
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I like to say thanks first and foremost for
taking the time to answer these questions, highly
appreciated, and will also point out that nothing will be
altered, edited or changed when this is published online.
Wu-International: Peace Pro, how are you?
Pro: Peace fam, I'm good. Working hard as
usual. Excited about the release.
Wu-International: You got your first solo album
dropping this week. The focus of the album is “emotions” in
all shapes and sizes. What’s your main emotion now the album
is done and ready to be shown to the world?
Pro: Freedom. It took me a long time to
realize that letting go of things and sharing your true self
with the world would bring that on. People spend there
entire lives pursuing happiness not realizing that the only
ones responsible for it, is themselves. I feel like this is
me taking that responsibility in my own hands where it
belongs. I Need Therapy is only the beginning.
Wu-International: We asked you to do a
Resident
Viewpoint on the album and it was a very informative one.
For those that haven’t read it yet, how would you describe
the album in brief?
Pro: I Need Therapy, to me, is not an album.
It's a blockbuster experience of my life thru my eyes. The
things I see, feel, and hear. It's the system of thought
that has kept me sane while I was surrounded by people who
were too afraid to be themselves and who are truly crazier
than I am. LoL
Wu-International: We already got to hear your
album in full. It must be said: it’s an adventurous ride
indeed, as you had already promised in last year’s Watchmen
interview. What would you say to the fans who don’t get the
album right away ?
Pro: Nothing.... (If my calculations are
correct... #Blankman Voice..LoL) Then I've created an album
that can be heard 20 years from now and still invoke the
same response. I said this before....Some people will love
it, some hate it, but the ones that will judge it the
hardest for all to hear...are the ones who love it, don't
know why they do, but feel the need to pretend that they
don't! Our minds make everything reality to us....so whether
the fans know it or not, they will experience my album in
one way or another because it's just about raw human nature
and how I embrace it. So... my response to them would simply
be: You will
Wu-International: One thing we noticed is the very
limited use of samples. Was this a deliberate choice ? If
so, why ?
Pro: Yeah...
When I produce I usually don't have it my head "NO samples
PRO". I've just always been a producer who tries to create
their own sounds or something strong enough that others
would want to sample it. I guess it's because when I started
producing...it was with my brothers keyboard and nothing
else. So the melodies had to come from within.
Wu-International: Which song surprised you most when
it was done and how?
Pro: I think it was Dark Passenger.
I'm a big Dexter fan and I love to watch people from inside
of their heads. For this track I decided to let out the
parts of me that I hide from people. Those terrible thoughts
that we ALL have for split seconds without reason and that
sometimes we act on. The song, from beginning to end, took
about a half hour to create. It's not often that I put the
pen on the pad and decide "imma just let it write for me".
This time it worked some how. The only thing specific was
the title.. LoL. I even say, " How did we get to this? Fuck
knows? Who cares? Did I forget to mention I got some issues
at the beginning here?" My exact thoughts as I was writing,
but I refused to go backwards. The big response from the
fans was the most shocking part. The positive response I'm
still receiving for the video is still amazing to me. It was
because of this video that the door to Hollywood opened up
for me and I will forever be indebted to those that helped
me create it.
Wu-International: Talking about surprises, we must
mention the impressive, over 12 minutes long, video you did
for “The Dark Passenger”. Did you write the script for that
video and did you envision it to be this long immediately ?
Pro:
Absolutely...I planned to try and make people watch me
for more than 10 minutes....and my plan worked perfectly!
Now I'm shooting for 20! Hahaha The director, Steev Brown
and I met in the studio and he created the script after I
told him the story of my vision for it. We shot it (Peace to
the Cast and Crew) I later decided to edit it myself....I
figured it was my vision and I needed to do it, but by the
time I was done editing... it was almost a whole new video.
I created the story through the editing, sound design and
effects. When it was all done and I was uploading it to
ProstreamzTV on youtube...All I could think was my fans were
gunna be like "PRO!!! WTF is wrong with you G"
Wu-International: After seeing
that vid, my first thoughts were :”Clearly an artist
influenced by Michael Jackson videos, horror flicks a la
‘Scream’, Stephen King stories and a little stand up comedy
also”. What would you say inspired that video ?
Pro:
You know it! Michael Jackson was a major influence on
my video visions and music as well. I was always a horror
fan...my mother thought I was going to be a serial killer
when I got older. I always told her, " Nah.. Mah...Just
wanna play one on TV" LoL. When I first posted that video,
things got serious. I had people hitin me up actually trying
to give me therapy. Lmao If Stephen King and Wes Craven gave
birth to a new monster...it'd be me.
Wu-International:
Maybe you’re also influenced by legendary producer Phil
Spector ? I couldn’t help but noticing you decided to slash
your vocalist Theresa Martinez at the end of the video.
Whatever did the poor girl do to you to deserve this ?
Pro: If she would've sang it like I wanted her
to sing the damn song...she'd still be here today!!! LoL..It
just goes to show you artists are crazy and they can drive a
producer over the edge. Plus afros are awesome, especially
his!!! Lmao... People were kinda shocked at that part...I
was LMAO because of how I just jump up like a "Jack in the
box" in the booth.
Wu-International: Can we expect more of these type of
videos for this album ? Do you already have songs in mind,
if so ?
Pro: Yes! I want to always move forward and go
higher with everything I do. The next video is in production
now for "Sunshine" featuring Boodah who's also my partner
and long time friend. We recently performed it at 2011 Calle
Ocho with Jon D. and from the love we got for it...we chose
this as our next marker. I won't say much about the video
except BLOCKBUSTER!
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Wu-International: The quality of that video was
really good, do you have a multimedia company behind you or
was it just you and your friends’ work? |
Pro: I
do have my own company and the cast and crew of Dark
Passenger made such a professional impression on me that I
decided to continue working with them on as many projects as
possible. I started, not only the label with Boodah, but I
Need Therapy Films with The Cipher. We're currently working
with Saltwater Films on several projects including a new ABC
Series "Miami Nights" set to start airing this summer. My
motto is, if I can do it all... then why not?
Wu-International: We
noticed your album is released on your own label, any reason
for this?
Pro:
I felt that it's time for me to be focused on my
dreams, without it being tainted by other peoples needs. As
you know from the other interviews, I went from group to
group trying to help as many people as I could with the
talents I was given. That kind of dedication to seeing
people succeed with you is often taken as weakness. It has
led people to the deformed conclusion that "I can't do it
without them". So I decided to show and prove that "I've
always been able to do it without anyone....I just didn't
want to ...until my hand was forced."
Wu-International:
The features on there were also limited with less feature
from your Watchmen comrades, was this deliberate as the fans
would have wanted to see more of Watchmen on there?
Pro: I decided not to ask anyone to be on the
album and let those that wanted to be on the album step up
and show support if they truly did. Prox is the only member
that showed support but was unable to make the album on
time... So I promised him I would def. make it up to him on
his album. I in NO way have any ill feelings about the whole
team not being apart of it. We all have different schedules
and different taste. Our dynamics is what I loved about us.
Wu-International: While we get to this, you recently
informed us you left the Watchmen. A decision that will
affect both you and the Watchmen enormously. Can you explain
to the Watchmen/Pro fans what happened that lead to this
decision ?
Pro: I left the WATCHMEN for the simple fact
that I need to be somewhere that family is understood and
respected. To me, moving positively thru life is key and
there are certain lines that morally I'm not willing to
cross. I will NOT use people for personal gain and call it a
family. I will NOT use my "family" as a shield to stop the
bullets meant for me. I will ALWAYS make sure my family is
taken care of financially, mentally, and physically as much
as humanly possible. So in order for me to insure that these
rules are being followed, I had to leave anything negative
behind and create Prostreamz. WATCHMEN was NOT the negative
nor it's members. It was the controlling factors of the
WATCHMEN that I really left behind.
Wu-International: Having witnessed the online
messages BlackMask left on his page in regards to you, some
fans felt this should have been handled behind the scenes
instead, you obviously didn’t reply to the online messages.
How did you feel about them being aired online and the split
between fans?
Pro: I believe when you have to desperately
try and convince people of something that isn't there....you
always wind up doing it in a way that you regret. I didn't
respond because I understand. Remember I'm an avid watcher
of humanity, emotions, and behaviour because this is where
you see people for who they really are. I wish no ill will
on anyone. I wish him nothing but success. I just think that
in the heat of things people caught a glimpse of the man
behind the mask. Personally I do believe family problems are
to be handled in house...so I leave you with this. Either he
doesn't share the same belief or he doesn't view me as
family. Regardless, I'm a speeding train and it waits for no
one anymore, but it's open to anyone who wants to ride with
me.
Wu-International: BlackMask finally gave his
blessing after the messages and said “Watchmen for life”, is
that an indication that you both settled whatever problems
you might have?
Pro: TBH... I didn't see any other messages
and I think he has a different definition of blessings lol,
but good to hear that he's on a positive direction for
himself. I had, nor, do I have a problem with him... so I
guess you can say it's a good indication that he came to
terms with the problems he himself feels he has with me or
anyone else. That's always a good thing.
Wu-International: How do you feel about the break up
now or is that too soon to be answered objectively?
Pro: Never to soon...lol. I'm good...I still work
with WATCHMEN members and some are even signing onto
Prostreamz. It's like I continue to say...When someone is
family, that doesn't change because others do. Sometimes
members of your family have to be pushed to the back in
order for you to help them the way you want. It's not that I
don't love them...and I do it because I want. It's because I
know I can't change free will and It's what must be done.
Wu-International: So to make things clear, what was
your main role within the Watchmen, as well as the new
alliance Legion of Kaos?
Pro: Wow...First what I did was not just for
WATCHMEN and LOK. It was also for the entire label and all
of the artist on it. I was: Artist/Producer/Engineer-
Recording Mixing and Mastering/Graphic Designer/Web
Designer/Sound Designer/Video Editor/Motion Graphic
Designer/Marketing/A&R
and.......Dr. Phil.... LMAO. Basically almost everything
WATCHMEN LOK, and label related that you can hear, see, or
touch....I did. Crazy part is that not everybody knows that
and it never bothered me that they didn't. I didn't do it
for recognition... I did it for the team. I would do it
again. I regret nothing and try to appreciate everything.
Wu-International: LOK fans were divided when you
left, it appears some left with you, more importantly it
seems Cipher from Watchman also left with you, can you maybe
tell us how and why he decided to join you?
Pro: That's more of a question for The Cipher.
I'll say this...I never have nor will I ever force anyone to
choose sides on anything having to do with me. The same way
that I accepted members of the team and LOK into my life, is
the same way they will always be welcome there no matter
what changes around us.
Wu-International:
What is your current relationship with the likes of 7th
7ign, Eclypse and Prox?
Pro: I was just with 7th 7ign and Prox this
past week in my studio discussing the future as that's all
we do here and we are good. We're still making plans to work
together and take what's ours in this world. Unfortunately,
I haven't heard from Eclypse lately, but understand she is
the VP of their label. I know she's extremely busy as much
as she is talented and I wish her the best and she knows my
door is always open to her.
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Wu-International: You had already been working on
several new projects with the Watchmen members. How do you
see this evolving now ?
Pro: Any change that's taken place on my part
has been a good one. So anything we do from here on out will
only get bigger and better.
Wu-International: Would you still be interested in
working with them (as an outsider) on future project?
Pro:
Of coarse. I think, in
the future, when the time is right...the planets may
re-align themselves to produce another great WATCHMEN album.
You never know. |
Wu-International: It seems you have adopted a new
slogan outside of Bully! As we saw you using “Booom!” and
Cipher screaming “Monstar” instead? Why Booom and Monstar?
Pro: I've
been saying Booooom!!! Since I started producing and
writing. Boom Squad was the first team I had which consisted
of The Cipher, Jon D. , BeeOne, Shorty Rox, Big Big, and
LadyWifee. I would put it in almost every song. Even with
the WATCHMEN I use it as a symbol to announce my presence on
a track or end one off with a bang...so to speak... Lmao.
Monstar...,I'm assuming, is from his new sick ass track with
the same title from The Cipher's Solo album "The Walking
Dead" due out this year under Prostreamz. I guess he will
explain in more detail what it means when the time comes.
Wu-International:
You told me a while ago you had already started working on
your second solo. Any idea what we can expect ? More of the
same or even more variation musically?
Pro: Def. more variation! I want to build a
constant momentum of creation. Go bigger ...Go further. You
guys know I'm a rebel.....so I hate rules and boxes. I'm
working on collaborating with Pitbull, Gypsy Kings, Corey
Heart, Busta Rhymes, DMX (Which I gave a shout out to on the
Dark Passenger video and most people didn't understand
why...but they will soon! Hehehehe Peace Jeff) and many more
if possible. Also I want to make it public that I would love
to work with Selah Sue. She's an amazing talent...and I
think we could make a masterpiece together. Still got my
fingers crossed Rec. LoL
Wu-International:
Any concrete plans already besides working on the second
solo , for instance that instrumental album we discussed in
the previous interview or the movie scoring you had in mind
?
Pro:
Actually yes. I'll be acting in and scoring a couple
major films for next year. "Heart of a Champion" and "Love
and Cholera" It's def. a blessing to be given the
opportunity to show that I belong here. Since the start of
Prostreamz I have been given nothing but blessings with
meeting talented and positive people who have the same love
and drive for this that I have. Also I've been picked up to
act, score, and sound design a television series on ABC
"Miami Nights". This one I didn't see coming, but my girl
Gia Salazar (Therapist and one of the stars on the show) has
been instrumental in opening a lot of these doors and is a
constant reminder that I was meant for all of this. Thanx G!
Wu-International:
Would you be working with the same artists again who
featured on “I need therapy” ? People such as Silva Tung, El
Boodah, Doc Ill, ... ?
Pro:
Most def. if they are available. The album is going to
be one to remember and anyone who joined me in it's creation
is always welcome to see if we can do it again.
Wu-International:
You seem to be very good with the graphics, as well as
producing etc, what other skills do you have that fans might
not be aware of?
Pro: Well I'm a nerd...always have been. LoL
Anything that has to do with computers I can do...except for
hacking...THATS BAD! Lmao. Acting, directing, 3D Animation,
I'm a walking entertainment company, but I'd be nothing
without the people that support me. As long as I never
forget that ...I will be unstoppable.
Wu-International:
We interviewed Mook who said the Watchmen were no longer
part of the Wu dynasty as they are no longer part of Wu-Tang
Management. How do you view yourself as in being affiliated
or not now you are even no longer with the Wachmen ?
Pro:
That's a funny thing.. that situation. I speak for
MYSELF when I say ..I am NOT..I repeat...LoL I am NOT a
Wu-Tang Affiliate as a solo artist. I was a part of a
Wu-Tang affiliate group and before that managed by Iron
Sheik for Honor Management with 7th 7ign, Prox, and
Cappadonna.
Now that, that is out
of the way. I never dealt with Mook directly. Everything was
dealt with through the owner of the label. When things got
turbulent with WTM we were all told in a meeting that it was
because of the music that I was putting out. That, what I
was doing was not Wu and that the song and video "GO" , on
my solo album, was even the cause of involving RZA himself.
For some reason, upon my leaving the label and starting my
own, I've received calls from several employees of WTM...congratulating
me on my album and video. Also stating that all of the above
was false. Who knows? .....but I propose this:
I would not have a problem speaking with Mook myself,
purely, to understand exactly what transpired or what I'm
responsible for, if anything, ... if he has time to speak,
that is. I hear Mook is a busy man and grinds just as hard
as I do. I'd even be willing to fly up just to meet face to
face, finally, and if nothing else thank him for the
opportunity to be a part of Wu-Tang history.
Info@prostreamz.com
I believe this: The members of the Wu-Tang Clan (R.I.P. ODB)
are men of honour and a family. They remain to be the
largest and most successful Hip-Hop Group of all time.
So...if anyone of the family members believes I don't
belong...I applaud and respect them for speaking out. Cuz
that's what the fuck family does. Protects it's members and
it's beliefs. If your not willing to die for
something...then your already dead.
Wu-International:
What is your view on the Mook interview from a few
days ago?
Pro:
I think that some people, when you piss them off, say
allot out of anger or say allot of shit they don't mean.
Unfortunately, when it's in an interview..it can't be taken
back. I wrote Mook an email after I read most of the
interview. More or less apologizing for whatever it was that
pissed him off to the point that he would deny any official
dealings with the WATCHMEN, for any misuse (In his eyes) of
his company logo or family brand, and that we didn't have a
better communication between WTM and other members of the
group and not just the label owner.
I pass judgment on no one...even tho I am no longer a
WATCHMEN, I will always speak the truth. The truth
is...There's something terribly wrong with this
industry...most people are full of shit and the best way to
NOT get shit on, is to NOT deal with those types of people.
We all get what we deserve in the end. Always...
Wu-International:
There seems to be a whole lot of confusion about what
happened businesswise between the Watchmen and WTM. Did you
ever sign any papers with Mook or WTM ? If so what did you
sign ?
Pro:
Yeah of course I did. We all did. It's impossible for
me to say that WTM signed on their end though. It very well
could have been that we signed and our paperwork sat there
and everything that was done was word of mouth, but I say
this: Why put out press releases, have us on the website,
let us use the logo on products and ads, and talk about us
in interviews if we never signed a management contract???
I'm starting to see why allot of theses artist come in
believing they're "Wu Family", just to have the right person
turn their back, and deem you as no one. Whats done in the
dark will always come to light. It's human nature in it's
rawest form.....and none of us are immune to being too
emotional.
Wu-International:
You were the A&R for the Wu-Nited States Compilation, PCE
Nation presented together with WTM . One would expect papers
being signed for this , was any contract signed for this
compilation at the time?
Pro:
I was the A&R but not
involved in the signing of those kinds of contracts. Again
it's a question of " If things were not approved, why were
they allowed to happen in the eyes of the public and even
given support by the WTM? I don't assume anything, I'm a
watcher...even people who aren't watchers can see the
answer.
Wu-International:
How do you feel your fan base will take all this
considering they were mostly Wu fans?
Pro:
Not sure...the only thing I'm sure of is that, if they
stop being a fan because I'm not a WATCHMEN anymore, then
they were never fans to begin with. That's not to say that's
a bad thing. It means they are dedicated fans of Wu-Tang
Clan and anything Wu which can never be bad...I'm a fan
myself.
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Wu-International:
Any other things you would like to share with the fans ?
Pro:
Follow me: @TheRealPRO
Although I have never seen a penny from the WATCHMEN
projects or it's label, I still encourage you to buy the
albums and support a part of my history...plus ya'll know
it's good music...and it's what I do this for.
Prostreamz:
Make sure you support the I Need Therapy album.
The Cipher - The Walking Dead |August 2011
Jon D. - The Next Generation | 2011
Boodah - The Return | 2011
Prox - One | 2011
...and many more projects. To learn more go to
www.prostreamz.com
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Wu-International:
Thanks for this interview, Pro.
Pro:
Always a pleasure fam...and again I appreciate your
unconditional support. Peace and Love to the team, family ,
and especially the fans......I have more surprises in store.
trust me! BooooooM!!!!!!
Keep up to date
with Pro
www.prostreamz.com
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