PAT24seven

PAT24seven is the new-age lovechild of hip-hop and human individuality. Some refer to him as a “backpack rapper,” but he is unquestionably much more than that. To put it more accurately, PAT is a welcomed addition to the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, and he is armed with an assortment of intelligent and uplifting lyrics that encourage his listeners to always follow their dreams. This rather uncommon quality for hip-hop artists is especially unique in a city like Memphis, which is generally known for a style of rap that is heavily rooted in the streets. On the contrary, PAT genuinely enjoys rock, pop, soul, and alternative music, in addition to hip-hop. As a result, he has a wide range of ideas from which to draw inspiration when he constructs his sound. Consequently, he is able to connect with a very diverse audience……backpackers or otherwise.

Patrick Henry Johnson III was born in Savannah, GA, but his family moved to Memphis when he was in junior high. Growing up, PAT was an all-around kid and a natural performer. At a young age, he and his sister would regularly put on shows that their mother would videotape and show to friends and family, a practice that would continue on through his high school years. Yet, PAT was also a great athlete, so he most often chose to devote his time to sports. Upon graduation, he reluctantly decided to put his artistic gifts on the back burner, and he accepted a track scholarship to Wallace State Community College. However, as fate would have it, he suffered a career-ending injury during his freshman year – an incident that would prove to be vital in his decision to pursue music.

Sure enough, after leaving Wallace State, PAT enrolled in the music program at Middle Tennessee State University. It was there that he was first introduced to the recording studio, and eventually where he made his first venture onto the stage. Inspired by artists like Lupe Fiasco and Kanye West, PAT realized that he could use his creativity and love of performing to send a positive message to those who would listen. He soon began spending most of his free time making music, and while still a student at MTSU, he released his first project – a mixtape called “Pay-A-Tention.” This debut production was not only well received by his peers around campus, but it unexpectedly spread beyond the borders of MTSU and cultivated a loyal fan-base throughout the rest of the state. This ultimately gave PAT the confidence that he really could make it as an entertainer, so he decided to leave school after only three and a half years in order to completely dedicate himself to making music.

Since the release of “Pay-A-Tention” in 2009, PAT has performed at numerous venues around Memphis, and at virtually every major college throughout Tennessee. Some of his most notable shows include: Tennessee State University’s Homecoming Concert (some past performers are Lil’ Wayne, Chris Brown, and Mya), the 60 Seconds Live Summer Showcase (sponsored by the Center City Commission of Memphis and LiveFromMemphis.com), and several other shows in which he has shared the stage with major acts like Mystikal, 8Ball & MJG, Curren$y, FreeSol, and All Star, just to name a few. PAT has also been featured on several popular blog-sites and magazines over the last couple of years. In fact, he was recently the winner of a contest in which hundreds of music fans from across Memphis voted him to be the featured artist in Concrete Magazine.

Undoubtedly, PAT24seven exceeds his own hype with a seemingly incessant flow of inspiring songs, and a stage-presence that is absolutely infectious…yet at the same time, humble. Although he’s only 5’5” tall, PAT stands high above the masses of fledgling artists who don’t succeed simply because they fail to push the boundaries of not only hip-hop, but music in general. Knowing this, if talent and diligence are the keys to becoming successful in this business, then it is merely a matter of time before this talented young emcee sets the music world on its ear. Proof that hip-hop is not dead and that music can still be fresh and innovative, PAT24seven is firmly the defense.

www.pat24seven.com