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Project Pat

Project Pat is an rapper and a key figure in movement, renowned for his affiliation with the Memphis-based group and his solo career that began in the late . Born Patrick Earl Houston (February 8, 1973) in , he is the older brother of , a co-founder of , and has frequently collaborated with the group on tracks and albums, contributing to their signature and sound. Project Pat's breakthrough came with his debut studio album, (1999), released under the label, which showcased his gritty lyricism about street life and gangsta themes. His follow-up, Mista Don't Play: Everythang's Workin (2001), achieved commercial success, debuting at number four on the and featuring the single "Chickenhead," which peaked at number 87 on the and became a club staple with its infectious, bass-heavy production. Throughout the 2000s, he released additional albums such as Layin' da Smack Down (2002) and Crook by da Book: The Fed Story (2008), often drawing from personal experiences including time spent incarcerated, while maintaining ties to Three 6 Mafia's extended roster. More recently, Project Pat has continued performing and collaborating, including surprise appearances at events like Coachella in 2025 alongside Three 6 Mafia members and guests such as Travis Barker and Machine Gun Kelly.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Patrick Earl Houston, known professionally as Project Pat, was born on February 8, 1973, in . He grew up in a working-class neighborhood in North , specifically in the projects, where he was exposed to the realities of and street life from an early age. This environment, characterized by economic hardship and urban challenges, profoundly influenced his worldview and later artistic themes. As the older brother to Jordan Michael Houston III, better known as , Project Pat shared a close family dynamic in their household. The brothers grew up together under the influences of their family setting, with —born in 1975—often looking up to his sibling during their formative years. This sibling relationship provided mutual support amid the difficulties of their surroundings, fostering a bond that would later extend into their musical endeavors. During the 1980s, Project Pat and his brother were immersed in the burgeoning culture of through local radio stations and neighborhood block parties, which played a key role in introducing them to the genre's rhythms and storytelling. This early exposure laid the groundwork for their involvement in the local scene, eventually connecting Project Pat to the formation of as a familial precursor to his career.

Initial music involvement

Project Pat, born Patrick Earl Houston in , entered the music scene in the early 1990s through his familial ties to the burgeoning local rap underground, where his brother Jordan Houston (known as ) was already active. Growing up in the city's projects provided a foundational environment steeped in culture, motivating Pat to pursue after witnessing Juicy J's early financial success from CD sales, which amounted to $24,000 for one project. His initial involvement came as a and featured artist on Three 6 Mafia's tapes, with his first recording appearances dating back to alongside the group's formative releases. These early contributions appeared on compilations like Club : Underground Vol. 2, where he provided vocals amid the raw, lo-fi sound characterized by ominous beats and street narratives. Pat's role often involved energizing tracks with ad-libs and verses that complemented the collective's horrorcore-infused style, helping to build the group's following through cassette distributions in the local scene. Influenced by Memphis rap pioneers such as , whose laid-back flows and pimp-themed lyrics shaped his rhythmic delivery, Pat also drew from local DJs and producers like DJ Squeeky, whose gritty production techniques permeated the city's underground tapes. These elements informed his unique, drawling cadence, which encouraged him to refine for distinction within the scene. Pat played a key role in the formation of the Hypnotize Minds collective in the early 1990s, collaborating closely with his brother and to assemble a camp of artists including , , and . This loose affiliation evolved into a creative hub for shared recordings and performances, laying the groundwork for the group's later label ventures and emphasizing a hypnotic, bass-heavy aesthetic that defined their output.

Career

1990s: Formative years and

In the late 1990s, Project Pat emerged as a key figure in the underground, building on his familial ties to through brief features that showcased his gritty delivery and street narratives. These early appearances laid the groundwork for his solo trajectory within the collective. In 1998, Project Pat signed to , the independent label founded by his brother and , with distribution handled through Relativity Records via . This affiliation positioned him at the forefront of Memphis's burgeoning and scenes, emphasizing raw, bass-heavy production and themes of hustling and survival. Project Pat's debut album, , was released on September 14, 1999, entirely produced by and , who crafted its signature sound with thumping 808s, eerie samples, and relentless rhythms reflective of Southern street rap. The title track "Ghetty Green" and standout single "" (featuring ), along with cuts like "Out There" and "Choices," highlighted his triplet flow and vivid depictions of North Memphis life, blending energy with edges. Tracks such as these established Project Pat's style, influencing the raw, party-anthem vibe that would define his contributions to the genre. Critically, was hailed as an underground cornerstone of , offering a stark portrayal of urban grit and earning praise for its innovative production within hip-hop's Southern evolution, though it achieved modest commercial peaks at No. 52 on the and No. 9 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album's initial sales underscored its cult status among rap enthusiasts, solidifying ' role in elevating regional sounds nationally.

2000–2002: Breakthrough with Mista Don't Play and Layin' Da Smack Down

Project Pat's breakthrough came with his second studio album, Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin', released on February 27, 2001, via and . Building on the regional momentum from his 1999 debut Ghetty Green, the album debuted at number 4 on the , selling over 126,000 copies in its first week. The lead single "Chickenhead," featuring and members and , propelled the project to national attention. Released in late , the track peaked at number 12 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 87 on the Hot 100, becoming a staple in Southern with its gritty, club-ready . The album itself earned gold certification from the RIAA for 500,000 units sold by March 2001. Following this success, Project Pat released his third album, , on August 6, 2002, again under Loud and . The double-disc set peaked at number 12 on the , showcasing tracks like "Weak Niggaz" and "Gorilla Pimp," produced by and . Its release faced delays stemming from label complications at , amid the company's broader distribution challenges with . During this period, Project Pat extensively toured alongside , solidifying his presence in the Southern rap circuit and cultivating a growing fanbase through high-energy live performances that highlighted ' signature style.

2003–2006: Imprisonment and Crook by da Book

In 2003, Project Pat, whose real name is Patrick Houston, was serving a sentence stemming from a 2001 for possession of firearms as a convicted felon, for which he had been sentenced to 51 months in June 2002. This period marked a significant hiatus in his solo career, as he was incarcerated until July 28, 2005, limiting his ability to record and promote new material. Despite the interruption, his earlier hits such as "Chickenhead" from 2001 continued to maintain his visibility in the Southern rap scene during this time. While imprisoned, Project Pat contributed limited features to projects through phone recordings, allowing him to stay somewhat connected to the music industry amid the constraints of federal custody. Upon his release in mid-2005, he quickly refocused on , channeling his experiences behind bars into his fourth studio , Crook by da Book: The Fed Story, released on December 5, 2006, via and . The , produced primarily by the collective including his brother and , drew direct inspiration from his incarceration, with its title and themes exploring federal prison life and street survival. Crook by da Book: The Fed Story debuted at number 64 on the chart, selling approximately 31,000 copies in its first week, marking a solid return for Project Pat post-incarceration. Tracks like the opening "I Ain't Goin' Back to Jail" vividly reflected themes, with detailing the harsh realities of confinement and a resolve to avoid , underscored by the gritty, bass-heavy production typical of . Other songs, such as "Raised in the Projects," further tied his personal history of legal to broader narratives of street life, reinforcing the album's conceptual focus on redemption and resilience.

2007–2012: Post-release albums and mixtapes

Following his release from in 2006, Project Pat entered a rebuilding phase in his career, marked by a series of label-backed albums that maintained his signature sound while exploring themes of street survival and success. His fifth studio album, Walkin' Bank Roll, was released on October 30, 2007, through in partnership with Koch Records. The project emphasized motifs of accumulated wealth and gritty urban hustling, evident in tracks like "Rubberband Me" and "Don't Call Me No Mo," which blended boastful with about street perils. Produced primarily by and , the album drew loose inspiration from the incarceration narratives of his prior work Crook by da Book, but shifted toward triumphant post-prison reflections. In 2009, Project Pat delivered Real Recognize Real, his sixth studio album, issued on February 24 via and . This release showcased guest appearances from family collaborator and emerging rapper on cuts like "Keep It Hood," reinforcing Pat's narrative-driven style that wove personal anecdotes with cautionary tales of loyalty and betrayal in the streets. Critics noted its liberated feel, free from heavy commercial pressures, allowing Pat to prioritize authentic storytelling over mainstream trends. Project Pat's output continued with Loud Pack, released on July 19, 2011, under . The album incorporated emerging influences through heavy bass lines and repetitive hooks on tracks like "Duffle Bag" and "Flashin'," while staying rooted in his unyielding focus on drug trade realities and interpersonal conflicts. produced by and , it highlighted Pat's refusal to dilute his street-oriented content, earning praise for its entertaining consistency. During this period, Project Pat also ventured deeper into mixtape culture, releasing early efforts like Cheez N Dope in 2011, distributed freely on platforms such as to build fan engagement outside traditional retail channels. These extended the thematic continuity of his albums, emphasizing raw, unpolished tales of excess and resilience, and helped solidify his presence in the evolving digital landscape.

2013–2019: Independent era and collaborations

Following his release from major label constraints, Project Pat embraced greater independence in his music career from 2013 to 2019, focusing on mixtape releases and selective partnerships with smaller labels while building on the raw, street-oriented formulas of his 2000s work. This period marked a return to prolific output, emphasizing Memphis trap influences with gritty narratives of hustling and survival. In 2015, Project Pat signed a distribution deal with eOne Music (formerly Koch Records) for his studio album Mista Don't Play 2: Everythangs Money, released on April 14 as a direct sequel to his 2001 breakthrough Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin'. The project featured contemporary production from beatsmiths like Mouse Trap and Drumma Boy, alongside guest spots from Wale, 2 Chainz, and August Alsina, updating the original's crunk energy for a new generation while peaking at No. 43 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Parallel to this, Project Pat flooded the mixtape circuit with several volumes in the Cheez N Dope and Street God series, often hosted by DJ Scream to amplify underground buzz. The Cheez N Dope installment dropped in January 2013, showcasing 26 tracks of lean-infused trap anthems produced by Lil Awree and DJ Spinz, with features from Nasty Mane and Raheem of 8Ball & MJG. Its sequel, Cheez N Dope 3, arrived in December 2014, expanding on the theme with cuts like "What You Said" featuring Young Scooter and production from Drumma Boy. The Street God saga began with the self-titled volume in December 2015, co-hosted by DJ Scream and DJ Bay Bay, followed rapidly by Street God 2: God Bless the Streets in early 2016, Street God 3: Louis Vuitton Don in July 2016 (hosted by DJ Scream and Bigga Rankin), and Street God 4: Tried and True later that year—collectively amassing over 20 tracks per release centered on testimonial-style raps about street life, with beats from Zaytoven and Southside. These projects were distributed via platforms like LiveMixtapes and DatPiff, reinforcing Pat's cult following without major label oversight. Collaborations during this independent stretch highlighted Pat's enduring ties to Southern rap heavyweights, particularly , whose trap dominance complemented Pat's narrative style. Notable joint efforts included "Pounds of Purple" from Gucci's 2015 mixtape Goochsomnia (also featuring ), the Zaytoven-produced "Dope Boy" on Pat's Street God 3 in 2016, and "I Got It on Me" from Gucci's Trap God 3 that same year (with DJ Scream). By 2018, they linked again on "Racks" from Pat's standalone single, featuring and underscoring their shared affinity for opulent, codeine-laced bravado. These features helped sustain Pat's visibility amid the rise of rap, without long-term label commitments beyond eOne's project-specific support.

2020–present: Recent joint projects and features

In 2023, Project Pat hosted the mixtape Guns n Roses Reloaded by Bambizzle, providing intros and maintaining his influence in the scene through curated trap-infused tracks. This project highlighted his ongoing role in supporting emerging Southern rappers while evoking the gritty, street-oriented sound of his roots. In April 2025, Project Pat made a surprise appearance with Three 6 Mafia at Coachella, performing alongside members and guests including Travis Barker and Machine Gun Kelly, marking a high-profile reunion that energized fans with classic Memphis rap anthems. A notable crossover feature came in 2024 on "Sked," the ninth track from Denzel Curry's album King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2, where Project Pat joined Kenny Mason to deliver verses that merged classic Memphis cadence with modern trap aggression, bridging generational gaps in hip-hop. The collaboration underscored Pat's enduring appeal to younger artists seeking authentic Southern flavor. Project Pat's 2025 output included high-profile features that blended his style with contemporary production. He appeared on 's single "Flashlight," alongside his brother , incorporating nostalgic elements into an electronic-trap hybrid produced by and himself. Later that year, on , Pat contributed to the EP Psychward by and WesGhost, featuring on the title track with slowed, atmospheric beats from producer d00mscrvll that evoked psychological themes in rap. These releases, produced by modern beatsmiths, demonstrated Pat's adaptability while reviving Hypnotize Minds-inspired vibes through . Additionally, he featured on 's "Make It Home" from the album Head On Swivel, reinforcing their collaborative legacy.

Personal life

Family relationships

Project Pat, born Patrick Earl Houston, shares a close familial and professional bond with his younger brother, Jordan Michael Houston III, professionally known as , who co-founded the influential group in 1991. This sibling relationship has profoundly shaped Project Pat's career, beginning with early guest appearances on Juicy J's projects in the and extending to ongoing collaborations that underscore their mutual influence in the scene. Juicy J introduced Project Pat to the music industry, providing a foundational entry point that evolved into a lifelong partnership marked by shared artistic vision and family loyalty. The brothers' collaboration continued prominently post-2010, including joint performances and work on their anticipated joint album THEM GOATS (announced for 2024), where publicly praised Project Pat as a pioneering figure whose contributions deserve greater recognition. This project exemplifies how their family ties have sustained creative output amid evolving industry landscapes. Project Pat is also a , with his Patrick Houston Jr. representing a key aspect of his until the latter's untimely passing on January 10, 2025, at age 22 following a shooting in . In July 2025, a woman was arrested and charged in connection with the . While details on Project Pat's marriage remain private, his role as a has been integral to his narrative of personal growth and resilience. Extended family connections in the community, including relatives peripherally involved in local scenes, further embed Project Pat within a broader network of artistic kinship, though specific involvements by cousins or in-laws are not extensively documented.

Legal troubles and incarceration

Project Pat, born Patrick Earl Houston, faced numerous legal challenges during his early adulthood, primarily stemming from involvement in Memphis street life. In the , he was arrested multiple times, including for aggravated , which led to his status as a convicted felon. He served approximately four years in prison on two separate charges during this period, marking a turbulent phase that included repeated collisions with the law. These earlier convictions resulted in probation terms that Houston later violated, exacerbating his legal entanglements into the early . In January 2001, he was pulled over for speeding in , where police discovered two unregistered revolvers under the seat of his SUV, leading to charges of unlawful possession of a by a felon and a violation. After a in his first , a second federal in , convicted him in March 2002 on two counts of the charge. On June 11, 2002, he was sentenced to four years in , followed by three years of supervised release, a $75,000 fine, and $200 in court fees. Houston served his sentence until his release on July 28, 2005. Following his release, focused on , channeling his experiences into community in and beyond. As a -based , he began at correctional facilities, delivering motivational talks to inmates about personal transformation and avoiding . His efforts expanded to prison ministry programs, including speaking engagements at facilities like the State Penitentiary, where he shared insights on faith and life after incarceration to support others' reintegration.

Musical style and influences

Signature sound and themes

Project Pat's signature sound is deeply rooted in the hypnotic style, characterized by dark, bass-heavy production crafted primarily by and of . This production often employs drum machines for booming sub-bass, sharp digital snares, syncopated rhythms, and minimalistic synth loops, creating a lo-fi, ominous atmosphere that underscores the raw energy of . His delivery features a laid-back, drawling flow that mesmerizes listeners, blending hardcore rap with and elements to evoke the gritty underbelly of North street life. Lyrically, Project Pat's work revolves around recurring themes of street hustling, survival through incarceration, and unapologetic Southern bravado, drawing directly from his experiences in Memphis's criminal and time behind bars. Songs frequently depict the perils of drug dealing and as means of economic survival, while portraying prison life as a brutal that hardens resolve and reinforces regional pride. This bravado manifests in boasts of resilience and dominance, often laced with graphic realism that mirrors the violence and paranoia of urban hustling. A hallmark of his approach is the integration of hooks and repetitive chants, which amplify the hypnotic quality and make tracks club-ready, as exemplified in "Chickenhead" where the infectious "Bwok, bwok, chicken chicken" refrain punctuates verses on and street excess. Over time, his sound evolved from the raw, underground grit of the —marked by unpolished beats and explicit influences—to more -infused productions in the , incorporating hi-hats and slides while preserving the core bass-driven menace and thematic focus on hustling. This shift reflects broader trends in Southern rap, allowing Project Pat to maintain relevance through collaborations and mixtapes that bridge old-school aesthetics with contemporary trap dynamics.

Key collaborations and impact

Project Pat's longstanding partnership with , the group founded by his younger brother , has been a cornerstone of his career, marked by frequent guest appearances and shared production under the label. Notable collaborations include the 2000 hit "" with , which peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and exemplified the and Southern rap fusion that defined early 2000s . These ties extended to contributions that bolstered the group's breakthrough, including indirect support for their 2006 Academy Award-winning track "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp" from the film , where Project Pat's established role in the Memphis collective amplified their mainstream recognition as the first act to win Best . Beyond , Project Pat has featured on tracks with prominent artists across eras, bridging underground to broader audiences. In 2006, he appeared alongside on Three 6 Mafia's "" from the platinum-certified album , a high-energy single that showcased his signature drawl over infectious beats and reached number 10 on the chart. More recently, in 2024, Project Pat collaborated with and on "SKED," the ninth track from Curry's mixtape King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2, paying homage to Southern rap roots while introducing his style to a new generation of listeners. Project Pat's rhythmic delivery and street narratives have profoundly shaped the and subgenres, influencing subsequent artists who built on his blueprint of gritty storytelling and hypnotic flows. , a key figure in modern , has acknowledged Project Pat's impact, positioning him as a foundational "King of " before Dolph's own rise, with Pat's early works like Mista Don't Play (2001) serving as a template for Dolph's independent hustle anthems. Similarly, , part of the post-2010s wave, draws from the raw, localized lyricism Pat pioneered, contributing to the city's enduring dominance in innovation. His contributions have earned formal recognition in lore, including features in post-2010 documentaries that highlight his pivotal role. The 2021 short film Project Pat: The Legend of Mistah Don't Play explores his evolution from underground mixtapes to , emphasizing his influence on generations of rappers. Additionally, Project Pat's work is highlighted in discussions of the city's legacy alongside Three 6 Mafia's 2013 induction into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, underscoring his status as an underappreciated architect of sound.

Discography

Studio albums

Project Pat's debut studio album, , was released on September 14, 1999, through , , and . The project peaked at number 52 on the chart and number 9 on the Top R&B/ Albums chart. It established Pat's signature gritty style, drawing from street narratives and produced primarily by affiliates and . His second album, Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin', arrived on February 27, 2001, via and . It debuted at number 4 on the , selling 126,200 copies in its first week, and was later certified gold by the RIAA. The album's lead single, "Chickenhead" featuring and , became a regional hit, highlighting Pat's raw lyricism over dark, bass-heavy beats. Laying' Da Smack Down, Pat's third studio effort, was issued on August 6, 2002, by , , , and . It entered the at number 12, moving 68,000 units in its debut week. Despite label delays, the release solidified Pat's presence in Southern rap with tracks emphasizing gangsta themes and collaborations from artists. Following a period of legal issues, Crook by da Book: The Fed Story dropped on December 5, 2006, under and Urban Music. The album debuted at number 64 on the , with approximately 40,000 copies sold initially. Inspired by Pat's prison experiences, it featured guest spots from Young Jeezy and , focusing on redemption and street survival. Walkin' Bank Roll, released October 30, 2007, marked Pat's shift to independent distribution via and Koch Records. It peaked at number 47 on the . The project showcased Pat's entrepreneurial mindset, with the title track promoting financial independence in . In 2009, Real Recognize Real came out on February 24 through and , Pat's first major-label deal since 2002. It reached number 70 on the 200. The single "Keep It Hood" featuring gained traction, blending Pat's veteran flow with emerging trap elements. Loud Pack, Pat's seventh studio album, was independently released on July 19, 2011, by and his own Project Records imprint. Produced entirely by and , it emphasized high-energy street anthems without major chart entry on the 200. The title alluded to premium marijuana, tying into Pat's ongoing themes of hustling and culture. The sequel Mista Don't Play 2: Everythangs Money followed on April 14, 2015, distributed by eOne Music. It peaked at number 43 on the Top R&B/ Albums chart. Building on the original's success, the album included the single and reflected Pat's evolution in the era. Pat's ninth studio album, M.O.B., arrived on September 8, 2017, via X-Ray Records. Featuring and , it did not chart prominently on the but maintained Pat's core sound of paranoia-laced street tales and heavy bass production. The acronym stood for "Money Over Bitches," underscoring his prioritization of wealth in lyrics.

Collaborative and mixtape releases

Project Pat has engaged in several collaborative projects and mixtapes throughout his career, often partnering with family members, fellow Memphis rappers, and producers to expand his reach in the scene. These releases typically feature raw, street-oriented tracks emphasizing themes of hustling and survival, distributed primarily through platforms like and for fan accessibility. One notable early collaborative mixtape is Cocaine Mafia (2011), a joint effort with and his brother , hosted by DJ Eric Styles. The project includes 18 tracks blending influences with high-energy features from artists like Wale and , showcasing Project Pat's signature drawl over booming beats. Released independently, it highlighted his connections within the broader rap community and was made available on mixtape sites like . In 2017, Project Pat teamed up with rapper K-Bird for the collaborative album 2Kings, an 11-track EP distributed via platforms such as and . The release features guests like on "I Got Strong" and Black Static Blue Flame on "Colorado Babe," focusing on themes of and street life with emphasizing heavy and Memphis-style hooks. It served as a platform for Project Pat to mentor emerging talents while maintaining his gritty lyricism. The Cheez N Dope mixtape series, beginning around 2011, represents a key body of informal work, with volumes like Cheez N Dope (2013) and sequels distributed on . These projects, often self-produced under , include tracks such as "Bare Face Robbem" and features from Nasty Mane, exploring drug trade narratives with minimalistic beats. The series extended fan engagement through free downloads, amassing thousands of streams on . Later mixtapes include Lean and Cookies (2019), a seven-song collaborative EP with and Kafani, available on and . Tracks like "Drinkin Lean" featuring underscore codeine culture and West Coast-Memphis fusion, with production leaning into syrupy, slowed tempos. Released via Ice King Music, it bridged regional styles and garnered plays through streaming services. In 2023, Project Pat hosted Reloaded by Bambizzle, a 19-track on featuring Mandown Bam. The project, distributed independently, includes intro skits by Project Pat and focuses on reloaded Southern trap anthems, available for streaming and download. A planned joint with , titled Dem Goats, was announced in late 2023, emphasizing brotherly synergy in production and features. confirmed in early 2025 that the is completed and expected to release soon, positioning it as a high-impact return to their roots. Extending into 2025, Project Pat contributed to Diplo's d00mscrvll Vol. 1 series, with appearances on the "Flashlight" (featuring , released July 2025) and "PSYCHWARD" (with WesGhost, released October 2025). These tracks, part of a broader electronic-trap fusion project on platforms like , incorporate Project Pat's verses over experimental beats, marking his venture into modern collaborative extensions beyond traditional .