It almost seems unfair to refer to Pro Era, the Brooklyn crew that’s got everyone’s ears buzzing, as a “Rap Collective.” Collective seems like a rigid understatement that doesn’t eloquently articulate the true essence of kinship between these kids. Just a few minutes spent with the crew and you can feel that the nucleus that holds the bond of this group together is much more about the music; It’s a genuine brotherhood.
Pro Era, [short hand for The Progressive Era] lead by breakout artist Joey Bada$$ is comprised of; CJ Fly, Kirk Knight, A LA $ole, Dessy Hinds, Rokamouth, Dyemond Lewis, Chuck Strangers, Nyck Caution, Kwon, and last but most certainly not least the late (and great) Capital STEEZ. A group of highly energetic, talented kids ranged from age 17 to their early 20’s with an authenticity that leaves you with that ‘cool kids rapping in the lunchroom’ sentiment. Joey explains, “It started off, and there were four of us. It was myself, [Capital] STEEZ, my homie CJ Fly, and Pow Pe. We all went to the same school, Edward R. Murrow. We would cut classes, and go sneak in the auditorium backstage and just rhyme, for periods and periods. The raw shit.”
Recently, the crew has released their highly anticipated debut mixtape Peep: The Aprocalypse, their most official collaborative effort. The mixtape serves as a proper introduction to the world of who and what Pro Era is: a crew of raw, unfiltered, unapologetic talent.
Watch a day in the Pro Era life in this episode of Ecko Studio Sessions as Joey Bada$$, CJ Fly, Kirk Knight & T’nah work on “Last Cypher” a track off of Peep: the Aprocalypse. A day filled with cyphers, track mixing, and lots of smiles and laughs. R.I.P. Capital STEEZ.
