Beast Coast: A Look At Joey BadA$$’s Pro Era Collective [PHOTOS]

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Thanks to Malia Obama, the Pro Era crew got quite the boost ahead of the debut of its front-runner, Joey BadA$$, debut album, B4.Da.$$. But while the Brooklyn teen has been shining, there exists a whole team behind him with loads of talent themselves.

Now that Middle America has probably been lied to and told that the Pro Era are a gang of thugs hellbent on destroying American values, we’re here to set the record straght. The Pro Era, short for Progessive Era, are a musical and artistic collective which includes rappers, producers and neighborhood homies.

The Era has made several appearances on Joey BadA$$’s releases, and some members have projects of their own including the late, great Capital STEEZ.

Hit the following pages as we introduce the Progressive Era in full. And let us repeat: Everyone in the crew contributes to the success of the other. That teamwork is refreshing to see.

We also don’t want to forget to say a sincere Rest In Power to the brother Junior B.

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Photo: Instagram

http://instagram.com/p/xgUhgiRxud/

Joey BadA$$

The 19-year-old breakout star of the crew burst onto the scene in 2012 with his excellent 1999 mixtape. With a nod to the 1990s yet with an updated 21st Century rhyme flow, Joey showed and proved until the majors started knocking. His debut, B4.Da.$$, drops on January 20th, which is also his 20th birthday.

Captial STEEZ

Capital STEEZ, affectionately known as Steelo to his crew, was the perfect compliment to Joey BadA$$’s erratic flow. With one of the most passionate deliveries ever recorded, STEEZ wasn’t afraid to get into your face with his bars. It’s been two years since his passing, and his loss has been a blow to the crew and fans of the Brooklyn bomber. RIP, Steelo.

A La $ole

A La $ole, like much of the rest of the team, raps in the tradition of old. The raspy-voiced Flatbush rapper is also quite active on social media and just dropped a new solo track that you can peep below.

http://instagram.com/p/xW818ySVPi/

Chuck Strangers

The only thing you need to know about Chuck Strangers is that he makes ill beats and loves pot.

http://instagram.com/p/xN-gtqQJIx/

CJ Fly

CJ Fly has been making quiet moves and has been featured on Pro Era releases as well as songs on his own. His latest jam, “Ernee” can be peeped below.

Dee Knows

Not much is known about crew photographer and visual artist Dee Knows. But some of the snaps on his Instagram page are super dope.

Dessy Hinds

Dessy Hinds is another fire spitter from the Era and deserves much more shine. The way he oliberated Common’s “Kingdom” track is proof that it’s time for this kid to get more shots on the microphone.

http://instagram.com/p/xN5FE2npeI/

Dirty Sanchez

Dirty Sanchez, despite having the name of a rather disgusting bedroom act, is nasty in the GOOD way. He’s peppered his bars throughout many Era songs and we’re pretty sure he’s ready to break out.

Check him out on “47 Goons” here:

https://soundcloud.com/apollo-music-group/47-goonz-feat-dirty-sanchez

http://instagram.com/p/w4U9KNnoqK/

Dyemond Lewis

Dyemond Lewis and his ultra-cool delivery might snag him an entirely different type of listening group, as he’s doing something a little left of what the Era currently. Don’t take that the wrong way, because he’s well-versed in the ways of the 47.

Jab/J.A.B.

We couldn’t find much with Jab rocking on it, but what we did locate was flames. Looking out for more from this kid.

https://soundcloud.com/bluntiqrecords/jab-more-drugs

http://instagram.com/p/xfjjJwIycC/

Kirk Knight

Doubling as an emcee and producer, Kirk Knight has bodied both arenas with confidence.

http://instagram.com/p/xdhXn8k5Af/

Kwon Swank

The Era’s local funnyman, DJ and host of their concerts, Kwon Swank has been making comedy clips for a couple of years now on YouTube.

http://instagram.com/p/xhbSh5ovg7/

Nyck Caution

Nyck Caution has been active as any of the Era members, and actually had a full project out before Joey BadA$$.

http://instagram.com/p/xgF-W0K_Gn/

Powers Pleasant

Meet the Era’s president, producer and DJ.

https://soundcloud.com/powersxpleasant/clockwork-live-dj-set

Rokamouth

Rokamouth was an art student before he started rhyming. His rap style, from the little he’s recorded, is all over the place but in this case that’s a good thing.

https://soundcloud.com/scionav/pro-era-come-come-dirty

http://instagram.com/p/wzTTuvKHRS/

Sur Niles

Sur Niles is a producer and designer for the Era.

http://instagram.com/p/xgUXfeqb3o/

Swankmaster Raw

Swankmaster Raw is one of the latest to join the Era, but he reps the 47 strong and rolls tight with Dyemond Lewis.