Prior to achieving broader recognition, Prof cultivated a substantial local following through consistent independent music releases and energetic live performances. In the mid-2000s, he frequently performed at the Dinkytowner bar alongside his partner and hype man, Rahzwell. It was a period crucial for refining his performance skills and establishing a direct connection with audiences.
Rhymesayers The success of his independent endeavors eventually drew the attention of
Rhymesayers Entertainment, a prominent independent hip-hop label known for artists such as
Atmosphere. In 2010, Prof was part of Rhymesayers' "Welcome to Minnesota" tour. Prof signed with Rhymesayers on December 3, 2013, representing a pivotal moment in his career -- providing him with a larger platform while allowing him to maintain creative control. The announcement, which coincided with the release of his single "The Reply," signaled increased national attention for his work.
Liability was released October 16, 2015, and peaked at 141 on the
Billboard 200 chart November 7, 2015. On February 20, 2018, Prof announced he would be releasing a new album, titled
Pookie Baby, on April 13, 2018. The themes within Pookie Baby reflected a new perspective influenced by injuries sustained from extensive touring, leading to a more nuanced sound. On September 6, 2019, Prof premiered a music video for his song titled "Cousins" featuring Saint Paul, Minnesota rapper, Cashinova. On April 29, 2020, Prof released his first single, "Squad Goals", from his newly announced album
Powderhorn Suites that was due to be released on June 26. However, on June 25, 2020, Rhymesayers dropped Prof from their label, stating that they "failed to not only vet the signing of Prof but also calling into question the intentions behind his music, messaging, and content more strongly". The label's statement specifically referenced "misogynistic lyrics and social media posts" and "accusations of sexual misconduct" as factors in their decision. Rhymesayers further intended to cease the release of
Powderhorn Suites to the extent that they could given the imminent release date.
Powderhorn Suites was released by Stophouse Music Group on November 13, 2020. Prof premiered a music video for his
Powderhorn Suites song "Outside Baby" the same day of the album's release. On November 20, 2020,
Powderhorn Suites peaked at 36 on the
Billboard 200, marking a significant achievement for an independent artist. Prof's most recent album,
Horse, was released via Stophouse Music Group on April 14, 2023, and achieved notable independent chart success, ranking as the #2 Current Rap Album, #1 Heatseekers Album, #1 Emerging Artist Album, #8 Top Billboard Album, and #17 Independent Album on the
Billboard charts.
Horse includes collaborations with artists such as
Method Man,
Kevin Gates, and
Redman. == Live performances ==