R. Prophet

Kenneth Ryan Anthony (born November 29, 1977) better known by his stage name R. Prophet, is an American rapper. He was formerly in the Kentucky-based sextet alternative southern rap group Nappy Roots. He attended Western Kentucky University with the present Nappy Roots members.

R. Prophet
Birth nameKenneth Ryan Anthony
Born (1977-11-29) November 29, 1977
Oakland, California, United States
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1997–present
Associated actsNappy Roots

Early career

R. Prophet, born Kenneth Ryan Anthony, is an Oakland, California 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.

Music career

1997–99: Career beginnings

In 1997, while attending Western Kentucky University, R. Prophet joined Skinny DeVille, B. Stille, Ron Clutch, Big V and Fish Scales to complete Nappy Roots, an American alternative Southern rap group. Nappy Roots began recording at ET's Music, a record store/studio. They released a full-length debut titled "Country Fried Cess" in 1998. This independent effort caught the attention of several major labels, and the group later signed to Atlantic Records in 1999.

2000–02: Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz

The 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 Up", "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.

2003–04

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' Folks" 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 who participated in USO Project Salute 2003, a tour that 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 a part of USO tour. Soon after, their third album Wooden Leather followed in the latter part of 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 three songs for the soundtrack of the film The Ladykillers by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen.[1]

2005–06

In 2005–06, 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 Kentucky, Indiana, and Texas school systems.

2007–09

In 2007, R. Prophet went on to pursue his solo career, traveling to Houston, Texas 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 its 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.

In 2008, R. Prophet was also featured in Hilary Duff's single "Reach Out" from her album, "Best of Hilary Duff". However, he was not officially credited for this.

2010

In 2010, R. Prophet relocated to Los Angeles, 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 of Tantric to record tracks joining rock and hip-hop.

2013

On April 20, 2013, Prophet was brutally beaten and arrested by Kentucky State Police after surviving being tased 15 times. TMZ released exclusive photos of R. Prophet badly beaten with bruises on his arms, wrists, and legs.

2015

On July 22, 2015, R. Prophet appeared on an episode of MTV's Catfish: The TV Show as the show's first celebrity client.

2016

R. Prophet developed hip-hop educational tools for children. He was also acting, recording his solo album (tentatively called "Genesis"), and writing and producing for other mainstream artists. He began independently executive producing films and television shows (e.g., "Hip Hop Boot Camp"), and ghost writing.

2019

R. Prophet signs major distribution deal with SONY music/Orchard in a joint venture with That Rabbit distribution set to release debut single “Jesse James” February 1.

Awards and honors

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 Center. This committee is composed of historical figures such as the Dalai Lama of Tibet, 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 in 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 colonels", the highest title of honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.[2] "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.

Discography

Major albums (with Nappy Roots)
Album information
Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz
  • RIAA Certification: Platinum
  • Released: February 26, 2002
  • Billboard 200 chart position: #24
  • R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #3
  • Singles: "Awnaw", "Po' Folks", "Headz Up"
Wooden Leather
  • RIAA Certification: Gold
  • Released: August 26, 2003
  • Billboard 200 chart position: #12
  • R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #9
  • Singles: "Roun' the Globe", "Sick and Tired"

Mixtapes (With Nappy Roots)
Album information
Country Fried Cess
  • Release: 1998
No Comb No Brush No Fade No Perm
  • Release: 2000
The Leak
  • Release: 2005
Nappy Roots Music Presents - The Kentucky Kolonels Vol. 1
  • Release: 2006
90 In The Slow Lane
  • Released: 2006
Innerstate Music
  • Released: 2007
Cookout Muzik
  • Released: 2008

References
  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0335245/soundtrack
  2. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Kentucky+Governor+Declares+Sept.+16th+%22Nappy+Roots+Day%22%3a+Group+Named...-a091558100

Periodicals
  1. Billboard, January 19, 2002; September 6, 2003; September 13, 2003.
  2. Entertainment Weekly, May 31, 2002; September 5, 2003.
  3. Interview, September 2003.
  4. Rolling Stone, October 16, 2003.
  5. Time, April 29, 2002.
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