Pro Blak on His Rap, Chicago, Private School, and The Bears' Downfall

The next person who has graced me by participating in this interview series is a former high school classmate and budding rapper, Don Mayor, who goes by Pro Blak. Enjoy!

Chris: Don, thanks for agreeing to talk to me. We went to high school together, at the Culver Academies. Believe it or not, I've still got your demo from back in the day. Glad to see you're still making a go of it in rap. Can you give me an outline of some of the highlights since that demo? Some of the challenges?

Don: Congrats on holding on to that keepsake. That in and of itself made my day. My career since then has been doing things a little outside of the box. I have performed from everywhere from schools, community centers, churches, mosques, and clubs. I try to be as versatile as possible in my approach and touch as many people with my music as I can. Some of the obstacles are just not conforming to the times, or being what other people want you to be. Sometimes it may be more monetarily advantageous, but not where you want your career to go.

Chris: You go by the stage name of Pro Blak. Can you talk a little bit about what that means?

Don: Pro Blak stands for People Resisting Oppression Blacks and Latins Acquiring Knowledge. It’s about unity, uplifting our communities, and making the best out of your situation. It’s about me being aware of my surroundings, that although I was able to go to a boarding school and a private university my family was still living in the projects. So I got to see what the effects of poverty, gangs, drugs, and the prison system have on a community. It is about recognizing that it’s not just race in America, it is class warfare going on as well. It’s evident everyday in our society with occupy wallstreet, corporate bailouts, layoffs. It is aboutThe haves vs The have-nots. I think everybody got a little bit of Pro Blak in them.

Chris: I almost want to apologize for bringing this up, but I can't help but recall the scene in Eight Mile when Eminem's character disses the guy for going to Cranbrook, a private school in Detroit. You're a private school guy yourself. Is there any of that sentiment in your business or is that just a Hollywood perception?

Don: No need to apologize. I think that the key to success is just being yourself. I think if someone doesn’t want to work with someone because they deem me to be overly educated is that person’s problem not mine. I think the scene in 8 mile that worked against Clearance (character in Eight Mile) was that he ran away for who he was and tried to be something he wasn’t. I’m pretty transparent in my music so my listeners are aware of my past.

Chris: Can you talk about maybe one or two songs you've created that mean a lot to you?

Don: It’s hard to just name two, Chris, but I guess I would have to say My song Chill (chi-ill), an ode to Chicago, is one, and the other is called So I Rise which is inspired by the Maya Angelou poem Still I Rise. That was one of the first songs I made where people said I was really on to something with my Music Career.

Chris: As a writer, I can really appreciate the amount of work it takes to create something meaningful. Who and what inspires your lyrics?

Don: I guess I would have to just say life experiences in general: happiness, sadness, triumphs, failures, problems, and solutions.

Chris: Do you have to keep a day job or are you making money by rapping yet? What would you tell a younger guy who wants to rap?

Don: As an independent artist I make the bulk of my money off of live shows and Itunes sales. I would tell any artist to have a backup plan because the odds of you living off of your art alone overnight is slim and just be dedicated to your craft and yourself and you should be fine.

Chris: You being from Chicago and me from Northern Indiana, one of the things we share is our sports' allegiances. Are you a White Sox fan or a Cubs' fan?

Don: I hate when people make me choose, but when push comes to shove I am a Cubs fan. Team Theo all the way!

Chris: We have that in common, by the way. Cheering for both the White Sox and the Cubs, leaning toward the Cubs. Any hope left in the Bears this season? What expectations do you have for the Bulls in the abbreviated season ahead of them?

Don: The Bears? First off I want to say Marion Barber makes me want to cut my dreads. I am usually an eternal optimist, but you can stick a fork in the beloved. I haven’t seen a season fall apart this bad since I’ve been watching sports. They need Cutler back because the combination of Caleb Hanie, Mike Martz, and that receiving core is a disaster. The Bulls? The Bulls have depth, length, a new consistent scoring 2-guard, a great coach, and the reigning MVP Derrick Rose! I’m expecting great things from them this year and look forward to tuning in every other day with this abbreviated schedule.

Chris: Anything else you want to say?

Don: Sure do. For more Pro Blak check out my Facebook page or Youtube channel. This is only the beginning. God Bless!

Chris: Thanks again, man, and good luck!