#BUFFACOLD: WHO IS PR0 SOCIAL?
I was introduced to Pr0 Social in an absurd and fantastic way - through a performance video posted on Sneakvibing’s Instagram in January. There he was, singing with some guys in multi-colored wigs, two-stepping on the stage to the feel-good, light beat of drums and laid-back strumming of a guitar as they sang about a shorty in mom jeans. The group - made up of Pr0 Social, Free Music Party members Kevin Spears and Joe Callahan, and Loverboy Rosaii were performing an unreleased song “Mom Jeans” at Buffalo’s Neitzche Cafe for Rosaii’s Coffee Talk show.
Loverboy Rosai, taken by Devin Chavanne
I wasn’t in Buffalo for the show, but I needed to know who these guys were. They gave off a reviving sound and presence that was needed in the dead of winter - there was a feeling of relaxation, rest, and comfort in this group’s harmony and companionship. They reminded me of why I’ve missed live music: they showcased the ability to create and feel while bringing people together. I was intrigued, so I asked Schondra, our founder, about them. She started me off with one artist in particular who was really lighting up the stage with his smooth groove in that glowing red wig.
Watch here:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZVdUIsI7TZ/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
FREE MUSIC PARTY (from left to right): Eddy Blanco, Enrique, Kevin Spears & Alex Live. Taken by Devine Chavanne
So I sat down with Pr0 Social (virtually) and asked him straight up - “What was that (performance)?”
He laughed and described the act as a last-minute idea in achieving a staple onstage persona. The group easily gave that kick-back-with-friends type feeling because they’ve been on Pr0 Social’s musical journey since he began connecting with other Buffalo artists. He praised other Buffalo artists and the rich, tight-knit, and welcoming community, mentioning his dynamic, intriguing companions Free Music Party and Loverboy Rosaii as enjoyable collaborators for the variety of sound they possess in their music-making process and quick-witted storytelling abilities. I asked him about his own sound and what he thinks he brings to the community. He countered with his natural passion for artistry and versatility - his ability to not be put in a box.
Pr0 Social has demonstrated he can jump into any bag, from afro-beats to dancehall to slow R&B, and his songwriting features a range just as broad. He wants his audience to be able to “casually listen to it (his music) at a party or driving at the gym, or just chilling out.”
Pr0 Social Taken by Justin Ruggerio
Where did it all start, though?
Jerrell Lanos, the artist’s offstage name, got his hold in music as a songwriter in high school, where he first wrote for other musicians before he started writing for himself in 2018. After graduating from his hometown in Rochester, he attended Canisius College in Buffalo, where he worked different jobs around the city while also pursuing music.
“Around the time I was writing and recording my first mixtape I was taking this college course called ‘Prosocial Behavior.’ The class essentially is about why people do things for other people. Is it because of altruism? Or is it for selfish or political reasons? It really made me reflect on what my intentions are for doing music and what I want to do and say as an artist. Sometimes I feel like I make music because someone somewhere is gonna need to hear what I have to say. It’s not always just for my enjoyment alone,” Pr0 Social explained.
https://youtu.be/kxDEOkAgpSw
An affiliate of Free Music Party, Pr0 Social spoke about the purpose of his music a few years ago on Free Music Party YouTube.
Growing up, listening to some of the R&B greats like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, DeAngelo, Mary J. Blige, and Mariah Carey, while taking influence from the R&B and neo-soul artists of today, such as Frank Ocean, SZA, and The Weeknd, Pr0 Social describes himself as a music reviewer who will listen to almost anything if the singer carries some good vocals.
With his early rap influences comprising Jay-Z, Nas, and Biggie, combined with his inspirations of today including Isaiah Rashad, Mick Jenkins, and Kendrick Lamar, Pr0 Social hopes to show his style in both genres.
“What I really take away from rap is, like, being able to tell a story while also being clever, and being witty, and sometimes funny. I think some of our favorite rappers are often comedians at heart, and just explain their life in a funny and clever way. That's one of the things that I've always respected about people that inspire me,” the rising artist explained.
I also spoke with Pr0 Social about his long-awaited upcoming project, Things I’ve Buried. Framing himself as an album-oriented artist who doesn’t usually like putting out singles or as he described “someone bringing you a meal that you ordered and there's a bite out of the burger, like fries missing on the plate,” the new project is all about his process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii24zhw1iMU
Pr0 Social's latest single "3%"
A coming-of-age album highlighting his early twenties to his current age as a 26-year-old, Pr0 Social reflects on how he’s grown out of his past ways of moving through the world. With his vocal harmonies laid on top of hip-hop and r&b production, the talented singer-songwriter assured us that the album will offer variety similar to his prior project - which featured a mix of skilled local artists and producers.
I am more than excited for Pr0 Social to share his much anticipated new music as a fresh face in Buffalo’s hip-hop community.
FOLLOW PR0 SOCIAL on SOCIALS:
Instagram: ://instagram.com/prettypr0social?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
YouTube: https://youtu.be/kxDEOkAgpSw
Check out PR0 SOCIAL on the #BUFFACOLD2022 Playlist
