ProbCause likes to think he is in the middle of it all. He can relate to the younger up-and-comers and the seasoned vets, personally and musically. It puts him at an advantage because he perhaps sees more of the facets to the Chicago scene than the average rapper. “I think I’m in a unique position right now because I kind of bridge the age gap between the newer rappers emerging onto the scene and the ones who paved the way for them and have been rapping for a long time, which allows me to relate and create with a really broad range of artists,” explained ProbCause. He is straight up a very friendly guy, and it is easy to see not only how he can relate to so many other artists, but how Volume 2 came together so flawlessly.
But how did this white painter art school kid from Evanston get into hip hop? He explained, “People always ask me about navigating through hip-hop as a white rapper and I really don’t always know what to say. It obviously impacts how I experience the world and therefor impacts how I write music.” His brother was a sound engineer who had rappers coming in and out all the time. ProbCause started rapping in high school and has been perfecting his craft ever since.
ProbCause has always been musically inclined too. He plays drums and listens to a lot of different people, “I’m influenced by a lot, [and] musically I love jazz and punk rock. I love Miles [Davis], [John] Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Dave Brubeck and I also grew up listening to Rancid, Sex Pistols, Clash, Screeching Weasel. Recently, I’ve been listening to a lot of Toro Y Moi, Robert Glasper, Diggs Duke, [and] Cherub. I don’t know everything really; I even like country music,” he said. All of these influences, particularly his jazz sensibilities, carry a distinct musicality into his production instead of focusing exclusively on bars or beats. The difference in craftsmanship is noticeable on Volume 2.
After touring with Cherub, he realized that you have to leave Chicago to be heard. All of us here are immersed, and while Chicago has been getting press, the scene is newly popular. It has only really been a year or two of mainstream attention, and Prob found travelling helpful not only to build your name, but to appreciate the Chicago scene.
In Chicago and beyond, ProbCause is one to watch. His skills, creativity and persona are refreshing and unlike much else. There is a spin on everything that sounds and feels distinctly his. In both the rap game and the art world he is changing the rules.