During the 1990s, D.Prosper also known as Mastermind, carved out a distinctive place in the underground hip-hop scene at a time when lyricism, authenticity and cultural awareness were paramount. Emerging from Providence, Rhode Island, D.Prosper entered hip-hop through spoken word poetry, a foundation that deeply shaped his approach to music and storytelling.
Before releasing any records, D.Prosper was already gaining recognition as a poet. As a member of the Providence Poetry Slam Team, he competed on the National Poetry Slam circuit, where his sharp intellect and commanding presence stood out. This poetic background would later become a defining feature of his music, blending dense lyricism with introspective and socially conscious themes.
In 1995, D.Prosper relocated to NYC, immersing himself in the city's vibrant underground culture. He became a regular performer at iconic venues such as the Nuyorican Poets Café, where poetry and hip-hop intersected. Around this time, he sharpened his skills in freestyle sessions alongside artists who would later become central figures in hip-hop, including Mos Def, Masta Ace, Pharoahe Monch and Da Bush Babees.
Recording under the name Mastermind, D.Prosper released his debut EP "The Adventures of Mastermind" in 1996 on Brainchild Entertainment, which is his own record label. The wax is composed of the songs "Karma", "Autobiography of a Bad MC" on the A-side, and "Ambulance Ride" on the B-side. All the productions were handled by D.Prosper and Avatar.
In 1997, he followed up with his second single "Waited All My Life / Hip-Hop Heads", released on Brainchild Entertainment/Griotchild Entertainment, with Avatar and him still handling the productions.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, D.Prosper chose not to aggressively pursue mainstream visibility. Instead, his work reflected a deliberate and thoughtful approach, prioritizing artistic integrity over industry pressure. This choice contributed to his cult status in the 90s underground scene, where he was respected as a talented lyricist and a bridge between poetry and hip-hop.
By the end of the decade, D.Prosper began shifting his focus toward the business and creative development side of the industry, laying the groundwork for a later career in A&R. However, his contributions during the 90s remain an essential chapter in underground hip-hop history... defined by intellect, restraint and a deep respect for the culture.
No need to say that his 12-inches are highly recommended ! You'll find the second one fairly easily, but tracking down the first one will be a whole different story.
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