Mr. Probz
A Dutch artist who transformed a viral YouTube clip into a global chart-topper, blending soulful vocals with hip-hop and electronic production.
Born 1984 (age 42)·Dutch singer·Birthday: May 15·Millennials
Biography
Dennis Stehr, known as Mr. Probz, crafted a success story for the digital age. He first gained attention as a rapper in the Dutch scene, but it was a raw, acoustic song uploaded to YouTube in 2013 that changed everything. 'Waves', a haunting reflection on emotional turbulence, resonated globally, leading to a polished electronic remake with producer Robin Schulz. That track became a phenomenon, topping charts across Europe and cracking the Top 10 in the United States. Rather than a one-hit wonder, Probz leveraged this breakthrough, showcasing his skills as a singer, songwriter, and producer on subsequent albums. His journey from online authenticity to mainstream validation illustrates the new pathways to musical impact.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Mr. was born in 1984, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Mr. Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Mr.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His single "Waves" (Robin Schulz remix) reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and the German Singles Chart in 2014.
- The original version of "Waves" accumulated over 100 million views on YouTube, launching his international career.
- He has released multiple studio albums, including 'Prayer' and 'The Treatment', as a singer and producer.
Did You Know?
He is also a visual artist and has created artwork for his own album covers.
Before music, he worked in construction and as a personal trainer.
The stage name "Mr. Probz" originated from his childhood nickname.
“I recorded 'Waves' in my bedroom, just me and a guitar, trying to catch a feeling.”
