Inspiration for Minnesota Artists - The Story Of Prof
- Rhys MacÚisdean
- May 13
- 4 min read
As a singer/songwriter and all around artist myself I grew up listening to someone who I and many others deem to be a Minnesota icon. This man goes by the stage name Prof and is a huge inspiration to me and millions of people who have followed him throughout the years. This article was written in hopes that I would find my place amongst one of the best company’s in Minnesota when pertaining to music and all around community outreach. Shoutout Water Wave and everyone involved, thank you for the opportunity and the blessings that come from it. If Prof reads even the title of this thank you for the inspiration you’ve had on me and my music, the countless songs me and my friends have played during smoke sessions and the love shown for your home.
-Reece MacÚisdean
Prof’s story is a powerful reminder that the challenges we face in life can serve as a foundation for creativity and growth. Like many artists who came from humble or difficult beginnings, he has shown that perseverance, self-expression, and a strong sense of identity can elevate someone from struggle to success. The examples of Prince, Bob Dylan, Adam Young, and others only emphasize the rich creative culture that Minnesota has fostered. These artists show that no matter where you come from, whether it’s a neighborhood full of hardship or one of affluence, you can always turn your experiences into something that resonates with people and leaves a lasting impact.
What makes Prof’s journey even more inspiring is how he blends humor and raw emotion in his music. He uses comedy and over-the-top personas as a form of catharsis, which speaks to the universality of human experience. Even though his rise to fame came through a wild mix of antics and authenticity, there’s something deeply relatable about his story, his ability to turn pain into art, his willingness to be unapologetically himself, and the commitment to staying true to his roots. It’s not just about making music that sounds good, but about creating something that people can feel in their core. Prof’s music invites listeners to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the chaos of life with a sense of humor.
What’s also significant about Prof’s story is that it highlights the transformative power of community. As a teenager, he was able to connect with like-minded individuals in the local music scene, people who shared his passion for hip-hop, and those who saw the potential in him long before he became a household name. His partnership with Rahzwell, his hype man, is a prime example of how collaboration can turn an individual pursuit into something greater. It wasn’t just about his music; it was about building relationships, sharing a vision, and surrounding himself with people who were just as committed to the craft as he was. This sense of unity in the Minneapolis hip-hop scene helped Prof refine his sound, his performances, and his identity as an artist.
While Prof may have been shaped by hardship, his story isn’t one solely defined by struggle. The adversity he faced, his father’s mental illness, the loss of his home, the emotional toll of growing up in a divided environment, was met with resilience. Instead of falling victim to the weight of these experiences, he turned them into the very thing that propelled him forward. His music, while often wild and humorous, reflects the full spectrum of his emotions. He’s able to take something dark and twisted and make it something uplifting or, at the very least, relatable. There’s something uniquely human about that, a reminder that we don’t always have to wear our scars as badges of shame, but instead, we can wear them as badges of honor, showing that we’ve overcome.
Prof’s trajectory into the mainstream wasn’t just a result of his hard work and talent, it was also a testament to the power of staying true to one’s roots. He didn’t have to change who he was or water down his style to become successful. In fact, the opposite is true. He stayed grounded in the culture that nurtured him, even as his career grew to national levels. His album Powderhorn Suites is a direct homage to the very neighborhood where he found his voice, where his story began. This album is more than just a collection of tracks, it’s a love letter to the city that shaped him and to the people who helped him become who he is today. It’s a powerful reminder that you don’t have to leave your past behind to move forward. You can carry it with you, integrate it into your work, and let it fuel your growth.
Even with industry success, Prof has never strayed far from his Minneapolis roots. His commitment to representing his hometown, its people, and its history has made him a beloved figure in the local music scene. He shows that it’s possible to have national recognition without losing the authenticity that made you who you are in the first place. His performances, known for their unpredictability, are a perfect example of this. They’re raw, they’re unfiltered, and they capture the essence of a place and a community that shaped him. He brings that energy to every stage he steps on, making every performance feel like an extension of the life he’s lived and the people he represents.
What makes Prof’s journey especially meaningful is that it serves as an inspiration to anyone who feels like an outsider or someone who’s been written off by society. He’s living proof that you don’t have to come from a “perfect” background to achieve greatness. It doesn’t matter if you come from a tough neighborhood or a family that’s been through its own set of challenges, your story is still valid, and it can be powerful. Prof’s music is a testament to this, offering both catharsis and hope to those who might feel like they have no one to relate to. His success is proof that even in the face of adversity, you can create something beautiful, something that resonates with people on a deep level.
