Chris DeLine

“I am entering a new chapter in my career,” revealed Derek Minor in a recent blog post, explaining his decision to shed his PRo moniker. “This new chapter includes a new direction, and new goals.” The first major act under his new name has arrived in the form of the third installment in his PSA series, this one bearing the appropriate title “Who is Derek Minor.” It’s a fitting statement not only because of the recent rebranding, but also because of how the mixtape documents a broad sea change for the Murfreesboro-based MC.

“As my career continues, my aim is to be transparent and real with the people,” he added on his blog. And when reaching out for comment via email he backed up this statement of transition, expressing how PSA 3 is a massive step forward for him as an artist. “This record is much more mature than the last PSA installments,” he said. “I’m much older, have seen more, and I think I’ve developed my craft much better.”

“Also, I produced more records than any other mixtape I’ve ever done,” he noted, further revealing how the new release stands as a personal landmark. His work in that regard is solid, and the album is remarkably sound musically with very tight production by not only Minor but a small army of talented beat-wizards. Additionally, the album has a long list of lyrical contributors including Dre Murray, JSon, Viktory, and Tedashii, who all appear on the track “Sad Condishun.” “The fact that I got this megamix of artist on that one song was dope,” said Minor. “It was a really cool record — one of my favorites for sure.”

Not unlike thousands of tapes that have done the same, PSA 3 has its fair share of disposable phone message skits, but any filler is easily forgivable when considering the quality of such high-energy tracks as “Higher” and “I’m Focused,” or even the relaxed sounds of “Feeling Good.” However musically sound PSA 3 is, the mix revolves around a variety of inspirational themes which remain at the heart of Minor’s music — themes not unlike those expressed in the lead single “Get Up” regarding being mindful of the world around you. “Though it is broken, there is hope,” added Minor.

And while not entirely overstated on “Get Up,” the religious aspect of Minor’s work is far more prevalent throughout PSA 3. It’s something that can be either inspiring or overbearing based on your individual stance on religion — and more specifically Christianity — but on a personal level it’s something that’s becoming less a distinctly black and white issue. There is some black metal that I enjoy, for example, but in no way am I about to redefine my life as a satanic nihilist any time soon just because of the ideas projected through a piece of music. Similarly, not all of Minor’s beliefs resonate with me, but I can still celebrate the thematic tones of positivity and personal empowerment that are prevalent throughout his music. “Regardless of our condition, up bringing, or background there is a always something greater on the horizons.” That — I can get behind.

[This article first appeared on Break on a Cloud.]