Mr. Probz

Biography

Dennis Princewell Stehr (born May 15, 1984), known professionally as Mr. Probz, is a Dutch singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer. He began his career in the hip-hop community, gaining recognition through collaborations in the Netherlands and the United States. Early in his career, he expressed himself through graffiti before focusing on music.

Career Breakthrough

Mr. Probz achieved international recognition with his 2013 single "Waves". The song, originally an acoustic ballad, became a global hit after being remixed by German DJ Robin Schulz in 2014. The remix topped the charts in over 50 countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. This success led to a Grammy nomination for Best Remixed Recording. Following "Waves", he released another multi-platinum single, "Nothing Really Matters", in 2015.

Notable Collaborations

Throughout his career, Mr. Probz has collaborated with a diverse range of artists. He has worked with hip-hop figures such as 50 Cent, T.I., and Chris Brown. He has also collaborated with prominent electronic dance music artists like Armin van Buuren, Hardwell, and David Guetta. In 2019, he was featured on the song "Faith" with the Swedish duo Galantis and country legend Dolly Parton.

Artistry and Overcoming Adversity

Mr. Probz is known for his recognizable vocals and emotive lyrics. His music often blends elements of hip-hop, R&B, soul, and pop. His journey has been marked by significant personal challenges. In 2010, he was shot and seriously injured in Amsterdam. In 2013, his home and recording studio were destroyed in a fire, though he managed to save his laptop containing most of his music. Just days after the fire, he performed the original acoustic version of "Waves" on Dutch television. He later released the album "The Treatment", which was salvaged from the fire, for free to his fans.

Later Career and Ventures

In addition to his music career, Mr. Probz has ventured into other business areas. He founded his own record label, Left Lane Recordings, to release his own music and support emerging artists. He has also invested in real estate and a studio compound. In 2019, he was recognized as the first Dutch artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify.