Today we’d like to introduce you to Pat Jr.. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Raleigh, North Carolina’s Pat Jr. is a seasoned veteran, with music covering multiple genres and sounds, Junior emcees and produces. 2014 & 2015 found the North Carolina upstart releasing a couple of projects in “Nystagmus” and “Just Because I Wanted To Give You A Mixtape” respectively. Both projects though in retrospect seemed to play the role of primer as Pat Junior was cooking up his best work yet. “Learning To Live (In A Day)” was released in 2016 to critical acclaim.
The album was picked up and covered by outlets like Dead End Hip Hop, Indy Week, and more. Blavity said, “Learning to Live really is a journey through adult life, relationships with a lot at stake, the black experience and so much more.” “Learning To Live (In A Day)” led Pat Junior to be covered by international outlets. The world took notice of Pat Junior and this found him opening for NoName at the Hopscotch Festival and doing shows with legendary acts like Oddisee, Black Milk, and Kooley High.
After dropping “LTL” a shift came. Pat Junior found himself hitting a creative wall with his production in sampling vinyl so much. This caused Junior to embark on a journey to stretch his ears, listening to the grittiness of Madvillainy mixed with the diversity and originality of Soulection brought him to his next endeavor the “Black & Mild” series. The culmination of all the experiments, the car rides blasting Madvillainy on Autumn days brought him to release this series. Gaining more Press from IndyWeek and this time adding NPR to the fray. In October of 2019, Pat Junior released his full-length November 2019 album, “I Thought I Knew”
Recently Pat started a sound design company with a partner, Pelham & Junior Co., that made waves by securing placement on the Big Sean single “Overtime,” produced by Hit-Boy.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
“People, especially the Black Community, need to hear vulnerability and transparency in Hip-Hop music to let them know that they don’t have to be afraid to be themselves,” Pat explains. “I don’t see a lot of examples of that in Rap overall and even fewer examples from Black men who rap. I want my music to work for people’s well being”
Gold Fangs on Sunday is a project that carefully balances infectious production and introspective lyrics that cut as well as comfort. “Cool Wit You” is a track that displays that perfectly by starting with his struggle with the music industry.
This industry person said my music was bright/ but this dark world ain’t ready for a positive light
You need a stool for the climb/ Like a gimmick or a story that tells of glorious crime
He ends with inspirational self-confidence that pushes past those challenges.
You can die while you’re still alive/ You really got to love who you see inside
“We must hire ourselves for a job we need to commit to daily. Work for our own well-being to reach for solid mental health, contentment, joy, self-awareness and acceptance, courage, safety, greatness, and then some.” Pat explains. “By sharing emotions, thoughts, and experiences Black men don’t usually share, I hope to be able to care for my community while being a part of my community.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a musical artist of sorts. Alt Hip-Hop Artist, songwriter, producer & sound designer. Those are the three I’m most known for but I’m just an overall creative person. I’ve learned & know storyboarding and scriptwriting and I’m a creative visionary when it comes to putting together all sorts of visual projects. I’m definitely the proudest of my personal musical journey as an artist.
It’s something I cultivated from the ground up with authentic friendships and wisdom from mentors whom I’m fans of. I believe my message and approach to creativity sets me apart from many. I’m all about creating authentic feelings & thoughts that work for the well-being of others. There are not too many Black male artists that are doing that in the Hip-Hop genre.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was very outspoken, adventurous, and a social butterfly. Life took a turn in my early twenties that caused me to be more introverted but I’m growing and getting back to the person I once was when I was younger. I took interest in movies, video games, some English Literature, and of course music. My ear is really eclectic due to my mother introducing me to all sorts of genres but mainly Hip-Hop music.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.iampatjunior.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/iampatjunior
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iampatjunior
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iampatjunior
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/iampatjunior
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0lOsH3CaZpQIE3QO40SFvx
Image Credits
Jessica Dunston
