Prolyfic

**David Lemar Ewing Jr.** (born April 2, 1981), known professionally as **Prolyfic**, is an American hip-hop record producer and songwriter. He was part of 1st & 15th and has helped produce for Lupe Fiasco since *Fahrenheit 1/15 Part I: The Truth Is Among Us* (2005). He was given a shout-out in the track "Outro," along with fellow members of the FNF team. Their last record together was *Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor* (2006), where they had a public falling out afterwards.

## Background

In 2008, Prolyfic addressed on Okayplayer's forum of why he didn't work on Fiasco's *The Cool*, as he "had a shitty shitty extremely contract along with everyone else who's ever signed/is signed to that company. The only ppl that the structure of that company is set up to eat is Lupe and chilly everyone else is flat fucking broke." Fiasco countered in a post, "NEVER have we taken anything from of our artists or producers unfairly…If anything we give TOO much in the eyes of the industry and based on common industry standards & practices (and alot of times we are hurt by having this mentality: professionally, financially & personally)." This led to Pro responding, "Did your publicist write this for you to say or what, bcuz it is a complete opposite fabrication of what the company does to it's artist(s). … Have you ever read ANY of our contracts? When we was on the phone and you said, 'This Pro shit is whatever,' did you realize that you was telling me that my son starving is 'whatever?' Did you even have a motherfucking clue? Or did u just follow whatever chilly told you without finding out for yourself?"

Followed by this was an interview with *Fake Shore Drive*, where Pro cleared the air about the beef and explained how he first got on with 1st & 15th Entertainment. It started with him, "Chilly, Boogz and Lupe. That was right around the time that Stacks was supposed to be signing, but I think his father had stepped in and decided they didn't want to do it. [...] Before Boogz and I came along there were also two producers, Frankie B Nice and DJ Marbles. It turned out Chilly met Gemini at a studio session during the same week that Chilly met Boogz, and Gemini brought along this cat named Sport. Then boom, the whole company was formed in the matter of two weeks. Some people came later, like Soundtrakk came between the Arista and Atlantic deal." He added that around the time 1st & 15th were dropped by Arista, they had a sampler presented at showcases, where they were seen by Scott Storch and Just Blaze Records, though Chilly "got knocked and that's when Jay stepped in." He continued, "Jay wanted to get Kanye and Just Blaze involved in the project, but then he heard me and Boogz and was 'Okay, I guess we don't need the Kanye's or the Just Blaze's.' So Jay stepped in and saved the deal with Arista because they were getting ready to drop us, and then Artista folds." Daryl Jones, Arista's A&R, was transferred to Atlantic and "got us the deal over there," this entire incident happening within two years. He elaborated on how Chilly got "knocked"—"We kind of started to go downhill at that point, but we got back on our feet and we started to record the album for Atlantic, and they gave us full creative control. Daryl Jones was the overseeing A&R, but we had the final say so, which made it even better. It was much better than Artista where it was their way or the highway. [...] [B]asically the only person we had to answer to was Craig Kallman and that was pretty much it, and he was only involved so much…" He revealed that mainly him and Fiasco worked on "constructing" *Food & Liquor*, then the leak happened. He added about this, "I still think they should have used some of the records from the leaked version. Boogz left the company, so they didn't use any of the Boogz material, which I to this day don't agree with. He has a record that is out there but it isn't too wide spread it's called "Ghetto Story"—and it's an incredible record. Still one of Lupe's best records and it will never officially see the light of day." Concerning the leak:

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> I remember getting the call from Lupe and he was giving me the tracklisting of the leaked album, because we didn't think there was any way all of these could have leaked. So Lupe gave me the tracklisting, and I had never heard of any of the songs before, because whoever did it, was titling them whatever word Lupe said in the first few seconds—like "Pressure" was called "Trials & Tribulations" because Lupe said it at the beginning. So we downloaded the album to find out what tracks leaked—imagine downloading your OWN album. Like "what the fuck" and every song that we held for *Food & Liquor* was on there.
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> So the story goes as follows, and I question this myself, but it goes like this: we had creative control of the project and we weren't giving records to the label. Craig Kallman got pissed and said "Well, I need some music and if you don't, I'm going to find you breach of contract". So we gave some records to Craig and he supposedly gave them to some of his A&R's to work, and then from there it hit the web.
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For his comments about Fiasco's business practices, he stated that the issue has not yet been resolved. He added:

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> People think that this is something new—it's not. This isn't new, but I just didn't put it out there because, you know how people are from Chicago—for lack of better words—we're not bitches. What happened with the Okayplayer situation was that since *Food & Liquor* dropped I constantly get attacked for the kind of beats that I make. So somebody got me so mad on the [O]kayplayer board that I decided to set the record straight. So when I did so, people started asking me questions and it just got too widespread and I let some personal business that didn't need to be out there, out there. I don't take back a single word that I typed because it was all true. I didn't exaggerate a single word I typed.
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> Truth be told, Lupe is the most disloyal person I've ever met in my life. He's loyal to certain people and that's where it starts and ends. The love I showed him as a person, not just a producer, I didn't expect what I got back. I kept it in for years, and I know for years and years to come everyone is going to ask me about this Okayplayer situation. Me and the company parted ways a half a year before *Food & Liquor* came out and I legally left the company the February after *Food & Liquor* was released. So this was something that had been brewing for a long time. My contract was not fulfilled and finally I sought legal help—my legal issues were with the company and Chilly, as a business man. I like to use a quote I heard Mase use regarding Puffy from a long time ago: "I have no issues with Puffy, my only issues was that he did business and called it family". It was family to my face, but business on paper. I trusted that the business and the family was the same, but I got burned in the end. It has nothing to do with Lupe's music, it has to do with him as a person. Because if Lupe lived next door to me, we'd be fighting everyday.
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> Lupe didn't show any loyalty or concern to a person who was in his corner from day one. When Chilly got locked up, we was broke making records. Boogz left. We was broke, eating bologna sandwiches, wearing the same t-shirts everyday making records. It was just me, Gemini, Lupe and Sport. Everyday. We had some people come and check on us from time to time, not financially of course. Then every Friday we would go to visit Chilly. Me and Lupe talked for hours on end everyday, but then once he started to get some attention and a little bit of stardom, he stopped answering the phone, he stopped coming around it was just like "Fuck Pro". I was more loyal to him than I was some of my family members. I thought I met a very good friend late in life.
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> This issue may never be resolved. I really don't care, it was just a live and learn lesson type of thing. I still love his music, but as far as mending this—I just really don't know. I still think his music is dope though—probably a little too complex for most and I think that's his biggest vice. But I still think he's extremely intelligent and I think he has the capability of becoming something great, but his vice for striving to be too complex is hindering his growth. He's always trying to be that next, next, next. Always. Whether it be fashion, his music, whatever.
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When asked if it was possible for any future collaborations with Lupe, he replied, "Well, I tried to reach out to him a while back, via email and also via Daryl Jones, trying to say 'Look man, we don't have to agree personally, but we have fans that want to see us work together and we don't have to kick the bo-bo's, but let's just work, because at the end of the day the product is going to conquer the beef.' But he shot it down. So I don't know if you'll ever see it again."

In 2010, the producer claimed the delayal of *Lasers* was attributed to no hit records for Atlantic to get behind. However, with the fan petition was launched online in support of the rapper, Prolyfic took to Twitter in support:

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> I'm not sure about that, but I sure as hell signed that petition yesterday. Good or bad, I just want to hear that album and would like to see Lupe return to that #1 spot, because when he's spitting, when he's really spitting, there's only a few people seeing him. Period. In December, it'll be 3 years since The Cool was released so the fans are thirsty. Very thirsty. Eventually Lu will give the people what they want…one way or another.
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There was also a rant where he expressed public concern:

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> Some folks might want to turn their head, bcuz I have some choice words for this whole #WeWantLazers "movement" & @LupeFiasco as an artist
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> Ok FIRST off I really like @LupeFiasco as an artist.. I enjoy listenin to his music.. when it's available to listen to… that being said…
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> This n\*\*\*a @LupeFiasco really be on some scared of failure as shit… He is his own worst enemy… and he's fucking up ROYALLY
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> I mean where do I begin? how does Such a talented individual like @LupeFiasco become such a utter disappointment? And it's his own doing
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> 1st u penalize ur fans for WANTING ur music..u make a short mixtape.. then when ur material gets leaked u throw a temper tantrum @LupeFiasco
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> What kind of artist PENALIZES fans for someone leaking they music?!?! you should be happy people WANT your music @LupeFiasco
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> In a state where everyone is rising to success by giving away free music (Drake, Wayne, Gucci Etc.) @LupeFiasco chooses to hoard his music
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> Which results in what? People forgetting about you! which is why @LupeFiasco did not make ANY lists of ANYTHING! When he should be top 3
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> Ain't no release date on #WeWantLazers cuz ain't NO FUCKING HITS on it! cuz @LupeFiasco REFUSES to makes hits.. not that he cant.. he wont!
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> it's like u forgot what got u here in the first damn place! u was set up to be "The One" not a reflection of what ur name means @LupeFiasco
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> There is NO reason why u shouldn't be mentioned in the same conversations as Drake or wayne etc… Ppl say "who?" when u mention @LupeFiasco
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> & why do they do that? cuz @LupeFiasco is to damn scared to fail! he lacks the HEART to take a risk! So he's had a careeer of playin it safe So @LupeFiasco figure he'll appease this crowd.. u know that crowd over there.. they'll ALWAYS love him, and he won't have to feel pressured
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> A fan of @LupeFiasco's says: "if he really got w/some great songwriters, producers, & explored all his options he could make a dope album
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> Just in case you think I'm making this up…
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> But @LupeFiasco is not gonna do that… he'd rather throw temper tantrums and toss complaints about making "what the industry wants"
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> But @LupeFiasco's fans DO NOT want to hear all that crap man.. all they want is the music.. fuck what you talkin bout dude.. do yo job
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> Jim Johnson didn't want to waste a HIT on @LupeFiasco bcuz he INTENTIONALLY associates himself wit Losin..I mean Lazing..Loser Lazer #Shrugs
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> An to be truthfully honest.. If @LupeFiasco every made the "Great American Rap Album" or whatever, it will probably be his best album ever!
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> As an old former friend.. I'm disappointed.. as a current fan.. i'm disappointed.. enuff is enuff.. get off the bullshit @LupeFiasco
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> I knew the moment @LupeFiasco let them ppl over at #OKP embrace him.. I knew it was over..his music changed & he placed a ceiling on himself
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> All that Japanese Cartoon shit is cool or whatever but DAWG that's not what Chilly put you here to do @LupeFiasco And you KNOW that!
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> How you go from being endorsed by Jay-z, to basically no public affiliation whatsoever?!?!? @LupeFiasco You spose to be killin it G
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> Lyrically ain't nobody touching this n\*\*\*a @LupeFiasco but who cares? cuz nobody know! cuz he only caters to a select SMALL crowd of ppl
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> @LupeFiasco's Fans wouldn't have to DEMAND a release on #Wewantlazers if he made the folks at the label WANT to put the machine behind it
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> It's all politics & bullshit… NO.. The folks at atlantic records do not want to put money behind all that emo weirdo bullshit @LupeFiasco
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> do that shit on ur own time..give the FANS some fuckin music to listen to.. put out some mixtapes..BE ACTIVE & u'll be on a list @LupeFiasco
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> Mixtape #Weezy Meant something.. Mixtape @LupeFiasco Meant something..so why is Weezy UP HERE, and lupe down there? Lack of supply to demand
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> Alot of people lives, situations, & freedom went into the development of @LupeFiasco it's a damn shame to watch what he's doing with it
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> I mean canceling a mixtape bcuz some one leaked your music has GOT to be 1 of the dumbest reasons to deprive fans of something @LupeFiasco
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> Why put yourself in position to have fans..that support u.. if u gonna treat them like shit? it's not THEY fault ur music leaked @LupeFiasco
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> Everytime I have a conversation about @LupeFiasco it always go exactly the SAME "man dude is so good, wtf is wrong with him? why ain't he.."
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> At the end of the day dude.. PUT OUT SOME MUSIC.. keep ur BUZZ up.. appease the fans AND THE LABELS or ur gonna get dropped @LupeFiasco b
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> You ain't making no #Hits You go to #neptunes to PURPOSELY get throw away beats.. You ain't putting no music out.. wtf you doin? @LupeFiasco
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> They gon start lookin at you like you dead weight @LupeFiasco then what? YOU HAVE TO DELIVER homie!! it's just that simple
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> Cuz right now @LupeFiasco looking like a Loser.. I mean Lazer.. I mean Loser.. I mean #Wewantlazers O\_o
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> How does a person that's bred to be a winner.. become a #Lazer? @LupeFiasco this ain't you dude..fuck them clothes fuck that rebellion shit
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> When @LupeFiasco 1st started buzzin at the labels ppl was comparin #FNF to like the new BadBoy or Rocafella.. Would u be able to tell today?
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> Does @LupeFiasco's music/Brand/Marketing/Promotion/or #Wewantlazers "Movement" come anywhere close to resembling those powerhouses?
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> There's no reason why it shouldn't tho… He has the talent.. he HAD the funding.. he had the labels.. and he HAD the cosign @LupeFiasco
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> He also HAD the music..once upon a time..this new shit.. I can't listen to it.. it's not for the masses..I dont know who its for @LupeFiasco
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> Why do I care so much? Bcuz I know exactly what went into building @LupeFiasco to be where he is today.. & beyond all that.. I'm still a fan
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> And to sit here and watch all this unfold.. personal bias of Wasalu aside.. is just a damn catastrophe.. it's ironically a @LupeFiasco
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> But it seem like the more ppl that sit by the camp fire waitin for @LupeFiasco to do, the less he does & more appalled he seems at the idea
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> So the real question is: Why the fuck you here then? @LupeFiasco Just go away if you don't want the pressures of pleasing ppl..
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> And if u gon be here.. BE HERE!! get off the high school reject Wasalu shit and get back on the writing for the black album @LupeFiasco shit
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> Call up GBall get in the attic and finish that mixtape.. put that shit out.. call up P and tell him u want a hit record @LupeFiasco
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> Call up Soundtrakk.. get in the lab & GO SEE HIM.. that n\*\*\*a got some cold ass beats waiting for you but you never hear them @LupeFiasco
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> Call up Mr. Jones and tell him you BACK on yo Westside of chicago "Failure" shit & let to Craig Calman Know @LupeFiasco
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> Get ya fucking thumb out ya ass and be the Artist we all stood behind you KNOWING you could be @LupeFiasco
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> And once it finally sink in to you & you get back where u SHOULD be.. I want you to apologize to your fans for making them wait @LupeFiasco
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> Blood, Sweat, And Tears went in to you @LupeFiasco the least you could do is play the part you was selected to play.
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> I think I'll set down off my #SoapBox now..Know that my intentions 2 @LupeFiasco were not fueled by malice but of disappointment & confusion
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Fiasco responded, ""PRO!…my man…[you're] not my manager…fall back…take all that ‘advice' and further your career with it. You put yourself on the outside…so don't be salty now that [you're] being treated like an outsider…My career is mine. And I'll proceed with it how I wish. [You're] ignorant to my situation and why WE move how WE do. Speak what you know, not what you think you know. Frankly you know very little. But I KNOW you lil bro, I'm the reason they even know you at all…I pray you sell a few beats the same way [you're] selling yourself right now. When the music stops who's gonna have a chair to sit in?"

In a statement to MTV News, Fiasco was quoted saying, "My old producer Pro, he was signed at the company maybe four or five years ago. We used to be cool. But Pro knows why we ain't cool no more. I'm not him, the type to air business or make false accusations just for the sake of getting my name out there. He knows why I don't really fuck with him. He knows why Chill don't fuck with him. He knows why the company don't fuck with him, why half of the city don't really fuck with him."

## Gallery

**@prolyfic\_**: "Back in 2002-03 me, @1gemstones & @Lupefiasco was slinging these flyers around like hot cakes on the grounds of many highschools and stores. This was when we was signed to #arista and was trying to build a buzz for Lupe and the #fnf brand. L.A. Reid was president at the time & Darrale Jones was our A&R. One night I remember we drove to almost every south suburban high school and flooded the grounds with these flyers, then drove all the way to Hyde park highschool and did the same. If you ever came out and seen one of these flyers at your school or bus stop etc. that was our doing. We was our own street team. There's another interesting story about that particular night revolving around these flyers, but I'll let Lupe tell you that one.... #fnfup #firstandfifteenth #1stn15th #Lupe #fiasco #Lu #thebeginning #throwback"
* September 18, 2014
* Instagram

## References

1. ↑ Ketchum III, William (January 15, 2008). "Lupe Fiasco Catches Flack from Former Producer". *HipHopDX*.
2. ↑ Barber, Andrew (April 13, 2008). "FSD Interviews Prolyfic". *Fake Shore Drive*. Archived from the original on April 21, 2008.
3. ↑ Barber, Andrew (July 23, 2010). "Former Lupe Fiasco Producer Prolyfic Reacts to Lasers Petition". *Fake Shore Drive*.
4. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco Responds to Prolyfic's Claims". *HipHopDX*. July 27, 2010.
5. ↑ Reid, Shaheem (July 27, 2010). "Lupe Fiasco Talks Fan Petition, 'Lasers' Being in Limbo". *MTV*.