By Derrius Edwards –@rawcommnc
Affiliate of the music group Three 6 Mafia, brother to hip-hop icon Juicy J, Mr. Dirty South himself, Project Pat, made a pit-stop in Greensboro, NC for the Cheese-N-Dope Tour this past Sunday at The Blind Tiger.
Spearheading the role as one of Down South’s most noticeable influences, Sunday evening featured an array of good vibes and good drinks to match the energy provided by Pat’s adoring fans.
Hailing from North Memphis, Pat’s musical influence is acknowledged globally with chart-topping records such as “Chickenhead” and Three 6 Mafia’s “Sippin’ On Some Sizzurp”. His musical prowess as an artist dictates a method of storytelling that permeates the social construct within hip-hop.
If it wasn’t for artist like Project Pat in vocalizing the rhetoric associated with Down South livin’, who’s to say the game would be where it is today.
The venue lights dimmed low and the cell phone lights went up as the fans began to prepare for the show.
Pat did not shy away from providing his audience with a blend of new music and some of his most notable songs from the past. One of which being “Twerk Dat Azz” featuring Trill Entertainment artist Webbie. Which of course transitioned into an all-out on-stage twerk-fest featuring participants from the crowd.
Audience engagement was vital and encouraged as he even went so far as to passing out Ciroc, to age appropriate individuals. That’s right, “Tonight, Imma turn up with my fans, we gone do this shit the right way. We drinking.” — Project Pat.
Above all, what stood out the most to me about the evening was Project Pat’s dedication to hip-hop. His love for the game was exemplified in his unwavering desire to provide his listeners with an experience, as they navigated this North Memphis’ legend world through music.
We were able to catch up with Project Pat before the show for a one-on-one interview to discuss new music and some of his influences.
@realprojectpat
What inspired the name Project Pat?
It was a name given to me by one of my partna’s in the streets. I was always in the projects coming up, that’s where he would always see me. It just all made sense in the end.
How did you get started with music?
I got started with the music with Juicy (Juicy J). I saw the money in the situation and got involved like that.
What inspires your creativity as an artist?
Really, my brother (Juicy J). He really pushed me, kept telling me to come with different styles so people would know who I am. A lot of people in the game who really influenced me are: 8Ball, MJG, Scarface and Too Short. I use to listen to Master P, C-Murda and that’s what got me raveled up in where I am today.
Lot of underground Memphis rappers that never came out or surfaced inspired me also.
How has the game changed since you started making music?
Streaming. Back then we didn’t have that. You would sell a million records and people would really listen to your stuff, but now it’s a lot more streaming and online-based.
What inspired the song “Chickenhead”
(Haha) I was walking down the street behind this girl from South Memphis. Her hair was in a pony-tail and I was just like “bwok, bwok”, this a true story, I swear. And I use to be knocking her all the time (f*****g) and I was just like “man this girl ain’t nothing but a chicken”, they use to call girls in Memphis chickens. I was in the projects on the North side in these apartments, walking up the steps going “bwok bwok, chicken chicken”, thinking it would be a hard song and I swear that’s where it came from.
Talk to me about “Racks” ft. Gucci Mane & Rich The Kid
When Gucci first got out, he gave me 2 songs. We got Tay Keith to produce it and typically I don’t like to put two different artists on a track that don’t know each other, but Rich and Gucci already had a working relationship so it was a go. Shit, we dropped the track and I’m actually working on the visual now.
What can we expect next from you?
Working on the new album right now, Cheese-N-Dope album is on the way. Got a song out with 21 Savage, but I’m headed to ATL to finish up a verse for another track we have together. I plan on putting something together with Kevin Gates when I head to LA soon. Juicy, me and him gone put something out too. I’m just working man.
Closing Remarks
For new music, updates, all that, make sure yall follow me on IG @realprojectpat . Booking info, all of that included in the bio. After the tour finished, the album is on the way. Just make sure yall stay tuned.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQap_0fCuyk
