Prof, born Jacob Lukas Anderson on April 29, 1984, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is an American rapper, singer, and producer known for his energetic performances and distinctive blend of humor and raw lyricism. Emerging from the vibrant Minneapolis hip-hop scene, Prof has built a reputation as a dynamic live performer and a versatile artist.
Raised in the Powderhorn neighborhood of Minneapolis, Prof developed an early interest in music. In his teenage years, he adopted the stage name “Gampo,” inspired by a childhood friend, and began crafting a “comedic, dirty-mouthed rap persona” that would become central to his artistic identity . He graduated from Minneapolis South High School in 2002.
However, in June 2020, Prof was dropped from Rhymesayers due to concerns over his music’s content and messaging. Despite this setback, he continued to release music independently through Stophouse Music Group. His 2020 album, Powderhorn Suites, named after his childhood neighborhood, debuted at No. 36 on the Billboard 200 chart .
In April 2023, Prof released his seventh studio album, Horse, which featured collaborations with artists like Redman, Method Man, and Kevin Gates. The album achieved significant commercial success, debuting at No. 2 on the Current Rap Albums chart and No. 8 on the Top Billboard 200 chart .
Continuing his momentum, Prof released five new singles in 2024, amassing over 300 million streams and headlining over 40 largely sold-out shows, including performances at historic venues such as Showbox SODO in Seattle and The Rave II in Milwaukee .
Prof is known for his candidness about his personal experiences, including the challenges of growing up in a tumultuous environment. His music often reflects themes of resilience, humor, and introspection. He has a daughter and continues to be an influential figure in the independent hip-hop scene.
