Gangsta Pat

Gangsta Pat ranks among the earliest Memphis rappers to secure a major-label deal, though he never matched the recognition or commercial reach of Memphis trailblazers Three 6 Mafia and Eightball & MJG; his pioneering role nevertheless secures his place in the city’s rap history. Atlantic inked the artist as gangsta rap was emerging and issued #1 Suspect (1991) along with the singles “I’m tha Gangsta” and “Gangsta’s Need Love 2.” Much like the label’s other rap projects of that period, the debut failed to register widely, soon vanishing from print and leaving Pat without a contract. He resurfaced underground in 1992 on Wrap Records, an Ichiban-distributed indie that promptly folded; the imprint put out All About Comin’ Up (1992) and Sex, Money & Murder (1994), supported by the respective singles “Gangsta Boogie” and “That Type of Gangsta.” Success remained confined to the Atlanta-Memphis corridor, prompting a move to Power Records, where Deadly Verses (1995) and Homicidal Lifestyle (1997) appeared. Those releases displayed a more reflective and seasoned approach, with Pat accelerating his delivery in the manner of Bone while adopting darker subject matter reminiscent of Three 6 Mafia. Although the pair of well-regarded albums built a dedicated following, national sales did not follow, and Pat shifted to Red Rum. He stayed with the label long enough to issue a succession of projects that began with The Story of My Life (1997) and mirrored the prevailing sounds of each era. Seeking greater visibility, he aimed a pointed dis track at Three 6 Mafia on his 1999 album Tear Yo Club Down.