Fat Pat joined the 27 club on February 03, 1998. The cause of death is recorded as: Murdered
Patrick Lamark Hawkins, better known by his stage name Fat Pat, was an American rapper hailing from Houston, Texas. He was a founding member of the Dead End Alliance (DEA) group alongside his brother John "Big Hawk" Hawkins, DJ Screw, and Kay-K, all original members of the Screwed Up Click (S.U.C.). Fat Pat's music career took off when Wreckshop Records released his first two albums, Ghetto Dreams and Throwed in da Game, posthumously in 1998.
Fat Pat gained notoriety through his collaborations with other artists and his unique sound. One of his most notable accomplishments is his contribution to Lil' Troy's single "Wanna Be a Baller," which was released in 1998 as the second single from Lil' Troy's debut major label studio album Sittin' Fat Down South. The song reached number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart. Fat Pat's verses on this track have become a testament to his talent and influence in Houston hip hop.
Despite his early demise, Fat Pat's legacy continues to thrive in the Houston area and beyond. UFC heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis uses Fat Pat's 1998 single "Tops Drop" as his walkout song when he fights, including when he fought Ciryl Gane for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 265 in Houston. Comedian Shane "The Young Bill" Gillis used the same track as his intro music for his 2023 Netflix comedy special "Beautiful Dogs." The #1 ranked Houston Cougars Men's Basketball team uses "Tops Drop" as its intro song for home games at the Fertitta Center. Fat Pat's music remains popular and continues to inspire new generations of Houston hip hop artists.
Tragically, Fat Pat's life was cut short when he was fatally shot by an unknown gunman on February 3, 1998, at the age of 27. The circumstances surrounding his murder remain unsolved to this day. Eight years later, his brother, rapper Big Hawk, was also murdered by an unknown assailant. This loss left a profound impact on the Houston hip hop community and beyond. Despite these unfortunate events, Fat Pat's music continues to live on, inspiring and entertaining audiences through various mediums. His contributions to the genre have solidified his place as a legend in Houston hip hop and American rap music.