P.A.T. Junior releases video for 'S.O.T.B'

In 2017 I'd wager to state that North Carolina's hip-hop scene is stronger than it's been in the past decade. It seems like stand-out emcees have been popping up left and right, each one inhabiting their own unique niche, putting a personalized spin on the genre. However, in recent years it's harder to find someone that's had as compelling an evolution as P.A.T. Junior. I remember years back at a beat show in Nice Price Books when Oak City Slums shouted out to P.A.T, he jumped on the mic and swiftly spat some aggressive, yet entrancing bars. Back then the emcee showed promise, but now he shows prowess, bobbing and weaving through the rhythmic swings of a beat like a boxer planning his next hook.

P.A.T's live shows are also quite the spectacle, boasting a live drummer and DJ, P.A.T's energy is infectious, it's raw and unfiltered but isn't weighed down by glitz and glamour. That's why tracks like 'S.O.T.B', P.A.T.'S latest single, work so damn well. The beat itself is simple, a choppy piano riff that's on a continuous loop and frequently chopped and screwed. Every now and then a bass line will swell, hi-hats will chirp and pitch-changed vocals will accentuate particular lines.

While the song is a few months old, an accompanying video directed by Corey Reid was recently released that helps breathe new life into the song. Throughout most of the video P.A.T is lurking in shadows, playing to the song's bleak, dark aesthetic and frankly just looking really fuckin' cool. "Strategy's important," P.A.T touts, "you gotta choose whether to Bruce Wayne or throw the mask on 'em". With the skill and determination that we've already seen from him this year it's pretty clear which option P.A.T. Junior has chosen.

You can check out the video for "S.O.T.B" below and be sure to check out P.A.T's upcoming show at The Pinhook opening for Hotline alongside the up-and-coming producer, Trandle. Purchase tickets for the event here.

First Person Plural releases video for "Dead Man"

Around this time last year I was lucky enough to stumble upon Mike Robinson's solo project First Person Plural. Previously known for his work as the bassist for Annuals, Robinson's solo work allows the musician to step forward from the rhythm section and emerge as the stellar songwriter he is.

First Person Plural contributed a track to this blog's first compilation album last spring and later in 2013 released Gold Wasp, an excellent foray into Robinson's ethos. Gold Wasp put Robinson's immersive songwriting on display, showcasing his deep, raspy voice alongside some ornately arranged tracks that range from anthemic to low-key, folk driven ballads.

Late last year Robinson gathered a few talented local cohorts to produce a video for "Dead Man" one of Gold Wasp's standout tracks. With Brian Corum (of Lonnie Walker) playing the titular role, the video follows a Weekend At Bernie's type of format, with the dead man hilariously courting a woman through his effortless swagger. With performance shots of Robinson and his former bandmate Adam Baker interspersed with the quirky video, "Dead Man" plays out as a wonderful visual companion to an already fantastic song.

The video is directed by Marisa DeLuca Shields and features scenes from Raleigh locales like The Alley and Oakwood Cemetery. Gold Wasp is currently available for purchase on iTunes and Bandcamp.