R. Prophet
Encyclopedia
Kenneth Ryan Anthony better known by his stage name R. Prophet, is an American rapper. He was formerly in the Kentucky
-based quintet
alternative southern rap group Nappy Roots
. He attended Western Kentucky University
with the present Nappy Roots members.
native and relocated to Louisville, Kentucky
in 1985. Anthony later pursued acting and theatre by attending duPont Manual High School's, Youth Performing Arts School
, one of only two programs in Kentucky allowing high school students to major in performing arts. Anthony excelled quickly starring in several plays, commercials, and short films. After graduating from high school, Anthony went on to attend Western Kentucky University
where he would later start his music career.
, R. Prophet joined the likes of Skinny DeVille
, B. Stille, Ron Clutch
, Big V
and Fish Scales
to complete the sextet
Nappy Roots
, an American alternative Southern rap group. R. Prophet and fellow members of Nappy Roots
began pioneering their sound at ET’s Music, a record store/studio. Soon after, they released a full-length debut titled Country Fried Cess in 1998. This independent effort caught the attention of several major labels, the group later signed to Atlantic Records
in 1999.
", “Awnaw
” and two time Grammy nominated “Po' Folks
” featuring Anthony Hamilton
. The song's signature concept, verse, and chorus was written by R. Prophet a prolific member of Nappy Roots. Discussing the meaning of "Po' Folks," R. Prophet told MTV.com that the lyrics did not only speak of being poor as an economic issue. "It's a state of mind. It's not so bad being poor when you've got your family and God in your life and you have different values that, when it comes down to it, matter. A lot of other things really don't matter when God is knocking at your door." Po' Folks
later went on to be awarded a BMI publishing award in 2002.
" and Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video
for their DVD "The World According to Nappy."
Also in 2003, R. Prophet' was among a group of celebrities and professional athletes that participated in USO Project
Salute 2003, the tour made stops throughout the Persian Gulf including Iraq. “This was an experience of a
lifetime, being in an actual war zone, it’s something I will never forget”, remembers R. Prophet, of the USO tour. Nappy Roots was among the top groups requested to be apart of USO tour.
Soon After, their third album Wooden Leather
, followed in the latter part 2003, which featured the hit song “Round the Globe” and featured production from Kanye West
, David Banner
, and Lil Jon
.
In 2004, R. Prophet worked with his group on the soundtrack and score for the film “The Lady Killers” by Joel and Ethan Coen.
, Indiana
, and Texas
school systems.
to record his first hit single, "Run Tell The DJ To Crank it" with former Cash Money
producer Mannie Fresh
. The single was an instant hit generating over 2500 spins (radio) after it's independent release. Following the success of his hit single, R. Prophet performed on-stage with the likes of Nelly
, Ludacris
, T.I.
, Young Buck
, and Yung Joc
.
to further pursue his solo career; producing, writing, and recording for several artists, as well as himself. In 2011, R. Prophet teamed with Hugo Ferreira
of Tantric
to record tracks joining rock and hip-hip.
. This committee is composed of historical figures such as His Holiness, The Dalai Lama
of Tibet, Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Dr. Maya Angelou
, and
sports and entertainment greats such as Will Smith
, Bono
, Sean Combs
, Billy Crystal
, Larry King
, Diane Sawyer
, Sean McManus
, Robin Williams
, Angelina Jolie
and Quincy Jones
. R. Prophet states, “It’s an honor to be on this board not only representing my family, the community and hip-hop, but I symbolize what young adults can do with support. It proves all things are possible if you have positive people around you.” R. Prophet goes on to say, “This prestigious group is led by the “Greatest” of all time, Muhammad Ali.” R. Prophet knows that achieving true greatness takes dedication, sacrifice and determination.
Due to the contributions made by R. Prophet and Nappy Roots, the state of Kentucky and abroad, Governor of Kentucky, Paul E. Patton declared September 16, 2002 as “Nappy Roots Day”, as well as the members of the group being officially declared "Kentucky colonel
's, the highest title of honor
bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. “Nappy Roots Day” continues to be a yearly event, which allows fans to celebrate the accomplishments of R. Prophet, Nappy Roots and the overall Louisville public.
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
-based quintet
Quintet
A quintet is a group containing five members.It is commonly associated with musical groups, such as a string quintet, or a group of five singers, but can be applied to any situation where five similar or related objects are considered a single unit....
alternative southern rap group Nappy Roots
Nappy Roots
Nappy Roots is an American alternative Southern rap quintet that originated in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1995 and is best known for its hit single "Awnaw."...
. He attended Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA. It was formally founded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1906, though its roots reach back a quarter-century earlier....
with the present Nappy Roots members.
Early Career
R. Prophet born Kenneth Ryan Anthony is an Oakland, CaliforniaOakland, California
Oakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724...
native and relocated to Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
in 1985. Anthony later pursued acting and theatre by attending duPont Manual High School's, Youth Performing Arts School
Youth Performing Arts School
The Youth Performing Arts School is a performing arts school in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, that concentrates on various music, theatre and dance disciplines for high school students. Students who attend have a two-hour block of arts studies, with the balance of their classes at duPont Manual High...
, one of only two programs in Kentucky allowing high school students to major in performing arts. Anthony excelled quickly starring in several plays, commercials, and short films. After graduating from high school, Anthony went on to attend Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA. It was formally founded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1906, though its roots reach back a quarter-century earlier....
where he would later start his music career.
1997–99: Career Beginnings
In 1997, while attending Western Kentucky UniversityWestern Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA. It was formally founded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1906, though its roots reach back a quarter-century earlier....
, R. Prophet joined the likes of Skinny DeVille
Skinny DeVille
William Rahsaan Hughes and better known by his stage names Skinny DeVille and Saan, is a member of the Kentucky-based alternative southern rap quintet group Nappy Roots...
, B. Stille, Ron Clutch
Ron Clutch
Ronald Wilson , better known by the stage name Ron Clutch, is the oldest member of the Kentucky-based quintet alternative southern rap group Nappy Roots...
, Big V
Big V
The Big V is the senior basketball league in Victoria, Australia comprising 102 semi-professional teams in 10 competitions.These competitions comprise both genders, and incorporate four levels of senior competition , three levels for women and youth leagues...
and Fish Scales
Fish Scales
Melvin Adams or better known by his stage name Fish Scales is a rapper. He is currently in the Kentucky-based quintet alternative southern rap group Nappy Roots. He attended Western Kentucky University between 1995 and 1997 on a basketball scholarship...
to complete the sextet
Sextet
A sextet is a formation containing exactly six members. It is commonly associated with vocal or musical instrument groups, but can be applied to any situation where six similar or related objects are considered a single unit....
Nappy Roots
Nappy Roots
Nappy Roots is an American alternative Southern rap quintet that originated in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1995 and is best known for its hit single "Awnaw."...
, an American alternative Southern rap group. R. Prophet and fellow members of Nappy Roots
Nappy Roots
Nappy Roots is an American alternative Southern rap quintet that originated in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1995 and is best known for its hit single "Awnaw."...
began pioneering their sound at ET’s Music, a record store/studio. Soon after, they released a full-length debut titled Country Fried Cess in 1998. This independent effort caught the attention of several major labels, the group later signed to Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
in 1999.
2000-2002: Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz
Their group's first album released on Atlantic was 2002's best selling hip-hop album, "Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz". The multi-platinum album included the platinum hits "Headz UpHeadz Up
"Headz Up" is the third single by the American alternative Southern rap sextet Kentucky rap group Nappy Roots, from their 2002 debut album Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz.- Chart positions :...
", “Awnaw
Awnaw
"Awnaw" is the debut single by the Kentucky rap group Nappy Roots, produced by James "Groove" Chambers. It was released in 2001, taken from Nappy Roots's debut 2002 album Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz. It peaked at number 51 in the U.S. and features vocals by Jazze Pha who sang the hook/chorus...
” and two time Grammy nominated “Po' Folks
Po' Folks
"Po' Folks" is the two time grammy-nominated second hit single by the Kentucky rap group Nappy Roots. The beat was produced by Trackboyz. The song's signature concept, verse, and chorus was written by R. Prophet a prolific member of Nappy Roots. Discussing the meaning of "Po' Folks," R...
” featuring Anthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton or Antony Hamilton may refer to:*Anthony Hamilton , Irish classical author, of aristocratic Scottish ancestry, who lived in France where he was known as Antoine Hamilton; intimate of French aristocracy, he wrote, in French, Mémoires du comte de Gramont *Anthony Hamilton , English...
. The song's signature concept, verse, and chorus was written by R. Prophet a prolific member of Nappy Roots. Discussing the meaning of "Po' Folks," R. Prophet told MTV.com that the lyrics did not only speak of being poor as an economic issue. "It's a state of mind. It's not so bad being poor when you've got your family and God in your life and you have different values that, when it comes down to it, matter. A lot of other things really don't matter when God is knocking at your door." Po' Folks
Po' Folks
"Po' Folks" is the two time grammy-nominated second hit single by the Kentucky rap group Nappy Roots. The beat was produced by Trackboyz. The song's signature concept, verse, and chorus was written by R. Prophet a prolific member of Nappy Roots. Discussing the meaning of "Po' Folks," R...
later went on to be awarded a BMI publishing award in 2002.
2003-2004
In 2003, R. Prophet and the group garnered several award nominations, including American Music Award nominations for Favorite New Artist and Favorite Band, Duo or Group in the Hip-Hop/R&B category. Nappy Roots was also nominated for Grammy awards for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Po' FolksPo' Folks
"Po' Folks" is the two time grammy-nominated second hit single by the Kentucky rap group Nappy Roots. The beat was produced by Trackboyz. The song's signature concept, verse, and chorus was written by R. Prophet a prolific member of Nappy Roots. Discussing the meaning of "Po' Folks," R...
" and Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video
Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video
The Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video is an accolade presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally named the Gramophone Awards, to performers, directors, and producers of quality videos or musical programs...
for their DVD "The World According to Nappy."
Also in 2003, R. Prophet' was among a group of celebrities and professional athletes that participated in USO Project
Salute 2003, the tour made stops throughout the Persian Gulf including Iraq. “This was an experience of a
lifetime, being in an actual war zone, it’s something I will never forget”, remembers R. Prophet, of the USO tour. Nappy Roots was among the top groups requested to be apart of USO tour.
Soon After, their third album Wooden Leather
Wooden Leather
Wooden Leather is the second studio album by Kentucky-based rap sextet band Nappy Roots, to their first album Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz...
, followed in the latter part 2003, which featured the hit song “Round the Globe” and featured production from Kanye West
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
, David Banner
David Banner
Lavell Crump , better known by his stage name David Banner, is an American rapper, record producer and occasional actor. Banner was born in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated from Southern University. He started his music career as a member of the rap duo, Crooked Lettaz before going solo in 2000...
, and Lil Jon
Lil Jon
Jonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004...
.
In 2004, R. Prophet worked with his group on the soundtrack and score for the film “The Lady Killers” by Joel and Ethan Coen.
2005-2006
In 2005-2006, he started and was involved in numerous community events and programs including; Nappy Roots Failure Free Reading Program; Prophet’s Society, a non-profit organization which helps disadvantaged children; and the development of R. Prophet's Hip-Hop Multiplication CD, an educational tool used to teach children multiplication. R. Prophet also served as a motivational speaker and mentor for KentuckyKentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
, Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
, and Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
school systems.
2007-2009
In 2007 R. Prophet went on to pursue his solo career, traveling to Houston, TexasHouston, Texas
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ...
to record his first hit single, "Run Tell The DJ To Crank it" with former Cash Money
Cash money
Cash money could refer to one of the following:* DJ Cash Money, a Philadelphia-based hip hop DJ.* Money, the financial currency. The usage "cash money" sometimes disambiguates printed currency from other non-physical financial instruments....
producer Mannie Fresh
Mannie Fresh
Byron O. Thomas, better known by his stage name Mannie Fresh, is currently an artist and hip-hop producer who records for Def Jam South and his own division Chubby Boy Records...
. The single was an instant hit generating over 2500 spins (radio) after it's independent release. Following the success of his hit single, R. Prophet performed on-stage with the likes of Nelly
Nelly
Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr. , better known by his stage name Nelly, is an Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor. He has performed with the rap group St. Lunatics since 1993 and signed to Universal Records in 1999. Under Universal, Nelly began his solo career in 2000 with his debut album...
, Ludacris
Ludacris
Christopher Brian Bridges , better known by his stage name Ludacris, is an American rapper and actor. Along with his manager, Chaka Zulu, Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings...
, T.I.
T.I.
Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....
, Young Buck
Young Buck
David Darnell Brown , also known as Young Buck, is an American Southern rapper. Buck is a former member of the New York City Hip-Hop group G-Unit, also a former artist of G-Unit Records as of Nov 26, 2011...
, and Yung Joc
Yung Joc
YaMar Jon Robinson , better known by his stage name Yung Joc, is an American rapper.-Early life:Robinson's father, Vivian Young, ran a hair-care products company and helped him write a jingle for Revlon; Robinson founded his own label to release his music.-New Joc City :After Teaming with producer...
.
2010-Current
In 2010, R. Prophet relocated to Los Angeles, CaliforniaLos Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
to further pursue his solo career; producing, writing, and recording for several artists, as well as himself. In 2011, R. Prophet teamed with Hugo Ferreira
Hugo Ferreira
Hugo Ferreira is a Portuguese-American African-born rock musician and singer-songwriter for the band Tantric.-Biography:...
of Tantric
Tantric
Tantric can refer to:*Tantra, especially Hindu Tantra and tantric yoga*Neotantra, a term used to describe the modern, western use of the word Tantra*Tantric Buddhism, see Vajrayana*Tantric , a hard rock band from Louisville, Kentucky...
to record tracks joining rock and hip-hip.
Other Accomplishments
One of R. Prophet’s biggest honors in addition to being nominated for two Grammys, is the appointment to the Board & Advisory Council of the Muhammad Ali CenterMuhammad Ali Center
The Muhammad Ali Center, a museum and cultural center built as a tribute to the champion athlete and his values, is located in Louisville, Kentucky's "Museum Row" in the West Main District of downtown....
. This committee is composed of historical figures such as His Holiness, The Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama is a high lama in the Gelug or "Yellow Hat" branch of Tibetan Buddhism. The name is a combination of the Mongolian word далай meaning "Ocean" and the Tibetan word bla-ma meaning "teacher"...
of Tibet, Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Dr. Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou is an American author and poet who has been called "America's most visible black female autobiographer" by scholar Joanne M. Braxton. She is best known for her series of six autobiographical volumes, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first and most highly...
, and
sports and entertainment greats such as Will Smith
Will Smith
Willard Christopher "Will" Smith, Jr. , also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor, producer, and rapper. He has enjoyed success in television, film and music. In April 2007, Newsweek called him the most powerful actor in Hollywood...
, Bono
Bono
Paul David Hewson , most commonly known by his stage name Bono , is an Irish singer, musician, and humanitarian best known for being the main vocalist of the Dublin-based rock band U2. Bono was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, and attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School where he met his...
, Sean Combs
Sean Combs
Sean John Combs , also known by his stage names Diddy and P. Diddy, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He has won three Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards, and his clothing line earned a Council of Fashion Designers of America award. He was originally...
, Billy Crystal
Billy Crystal
William Edward "Billy" Crystal is an American actor, writer, producer, comedian and film director. He gained prominence in the 1970s for playing Jodie Dallas on the ABC sitcom Soap and became a Hollywood film star during the late 1980s and 1990s, appearing in the critical and box office successes...
, Larry King
Larry King
Lawrence Harvey "Larry" King is an American television and radio host whose work has been recognized with awards including two Peabodys and ten Cable ACE Awards....
, Diane Sawyer
Diane Sawyer
Lila Diane Sawyer is the current anchor of ABC News' flagship program, ABC World News. Previously, Sawyer had been co-anchor of ABC Newss morning news program, Good Morning America ....
, Sean McManus
Sean McManus
Sean J. McManus is the president of CBS Sports and was the president of CBS News from 2005-2011. He is the son of the late James Kenneth McManus, better known as Jim McKay, famed sportscaster who is best known for hosting ABC's Wide World of Sports and anchoring their Olympic coverage...
, Robin Williams
Robin Williams
Robin McLaurin Williams is an American actor and comedian. Rising to fame with his role as the alien Mork in the TV series Mork and Mindy, and later stand-up comedy work, Williams has performed in many feature films since 1980. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance...
, Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie is an American actress. She has received an Academy Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards, and was named Hollywood's highest-paid actress by Forbes in 2009 and 2011. Jolie is noted for promoting humanitarian causes as a Goodwill Ambassador for the...
and Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones
Quincy Delightt Jones, Jr. is an American record producer and musician. A conductor, musical arranger, film composer, television producer, and trumpeter. His career spans five decades in the entertainment industry and a record 79 Grammy Award nominations, 27 Grammys, including a Grammy Legend...
. R. Prophet states, “It’s an honor to be on this board not only representing my family, the community and hip-hop, but I symbolize what young adults can do with support. It proves all things are possible if you have positive people around you.” R. Prophet goes on to say, “This prestigious group is led by the “Greatest” of all time, Muhammad Ali.” R. Prophet knows that achieving true greatness takes dedication, sacrifice and determination.
Due to the contributions made by R. Prophet and Nappy Roots, the state of Kentucky and abroad, Governor of Kentucky, Paul E. Patton declared September 16, 2002 as “Nappy Roots Day”, as well as the members of the group being officially declared "Kentucky colonel
Kentucky colonel
Kentucky colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Commissions for Kentucky colonels are given by the Governor and the Secretary of State to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or the nation...
's, the highest title of honor
Title of honor
An honorary title or title of honor is a title bestowed upon individuals or organizations as an award in recognition of their merits.Sometimes the title bears the same or nearly the same name as a title of authority, but the person bestowed does not have to carry any duties, possibly except for...
bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. “Nappy Roots Day” continues to be a yearly event, which allows fans to celebrate the accomplishments of R. Prophet, Nappy Roots and the overall Louisville public.
Major Albums (with Nappy Roots)
| Album information |
|---|
Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz
|
| Wooden Leather Wooden Leather Wooden Leather is the second studio album by Kentucky-based rap sextet band Nappy Roots, to their first album Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz... |
Mixtapes (With Nappy Roots)
| Album information |
|---|
Country Fried Cess
|
| No Comb No Brush No Fade No Perm
|
| The Leak
|
| Nappy Roots Music Presents - The Kentucky Kolonels Vol. 1
|
| 90 In The Slow Lane
|
| Innerstate Music Innerstate Music Innerstate Music is a mixtape by Kentucky-based Nappy Roots, released July 31, 2007. Their first as independent artists, Innerstate is an Internet mixtape/album which had been intended to precede The Humdinger until that album experienced several delays.... |
| Cookout Muzik
|
Periodicals
- Billboard, January 19, 2002; September 6, 2003; September 13, 2003.
- Entertainment Weekly, May 31, 2002; September 5, 2003.
- Interview, September 2003.
- Rolling Stone, October 16, 2003.
- Time, April 29, 2002.