Pro Era
Pro Era (Progressive Era) was an American hip-hop collective from Brooklyn, New York. It was founded in 2011 by rappers Capital Steez and Joey Bada$$. The collective was known for its old-school hip-hop sound and its focus on lyrical skill and conscious subject matter.
Key members of Pro Era included, but were not limited to: Joey Bada$$, Capital Steez (deceased), CJ Fly, Kirk Knight, Nyck Caution, Powers Pleasant, Dyemond Lewis, A La $ole, and Dessy Hinds. The group functioned both as a collaborative unit and a platform for its members to launch their solo careers.
Pro Era gained significant attention through mixtapes, music videos, and performances. Their early mixtapes, such as "The Secc$ Tape" and "Peep: The Aprocalypse," showcased their raw talent and cemented their place in the underground hip-hop scene. Joey Bada$$'s breakout mixtape, "1999," further propelled the collective into the mainstream consciousness.
Following Capital Steez's tragic death in 2012, Pro Era continued to release music and tour extensively. Each member pursued individual projects while remaining affiliated with the collective. Pro Era's legacy lies in its contribution to the resurgence of traditional hip-hop values and its impact on a generation of young rappers. While the group's activities have become less frequent in recent years, their influence on contemporary hip-hop remains evident.