Patrick Lamark Hawkins (December 4, 1970 – February 3, 1998), better known by his stage name Fat Pat (also known as Mr. Fat Pat), was an American rapper from Houston, Texas, who was a member of DEA (Dead End Alliance) with his brother John "Big Hawk" Hawkins, DJ Screw, and Kay-K, all original members of the Screwed Up Click (S.U.C.).Simmonds, Jeremy (2008) The Encyclopedia of Dead Rock Stars: Heroin, Handguns, and Ham Sandwiches, Chicago Review Press, , p. 575Newton, Michael (2009) The Encyclopedia of Unsolved Crimes, Facts On File Inc, , p. 160
Wreckshop Records released his first two albums, Ghetto Dreams and Throwed in da Game in 1998 after his death. Later releases were on the Screwed Up Click label.
Murder
On February 3, 1998, Hawkins was fatally shot by an unknown gunman at 10440 South Drive, Houston, Texas, after going to a promoter's apartment to collect an appearance fee. The promoter was not home, and he was shot in the corridor outside the apartment. He was 27 years old. Fat Pat's murder still remains unsolved.
Eight years later, his brother, rapper Big Hawk, was also shot to death by an unknown assailant.
Legacy Houston-based 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 Gillis used the same track as his intro music for his 2023 Netflix comedy special "Beautiful Dogs". The Houston Cougars men's basketball team uses "Tops Drop" as its intro song for home games at the Fertitta Center. As reported by the Houston Press, well over a decade since Hawkins' death, his music continues to be played heavily in the Houston area.
Discography
Albums 1998: Ghetto Dreams 1998: Throwed in da Game 2001: Fat Pat's Greatest Hits 2004: Since The Gray Tapes 2005: Since The Gray Tapes Vol. 2 2008: I Had a Ghetto Dream 2025: Dreams To Reality: A Tribute to Fat Pat
With Dead End Alliance 1998: Screwed for Life
Singles YearSongU.S. Hot 100U.S. R&BU.S. RapAlbum1998"Tops Drop"-465Ghetto Dreams
Featured singles YearSongU.S. Hot 100U.S. R&BU.S. RapAlbum1997"25 Lighters" (DJ DMD featuring Lil' Keke & Fat Pat)---Twenty-Two: P.A. World Wide1999"Wanna Be a Baller" (Lil Troy featuring Fat Pat & Big Hawk)704031Sittin' Fat Down South2006"Swang" (Trae featuring Fat Pat & Big Hawk)---Restless
See also 27 Club Houston hip-hop List of murdered hip hop musicians List of unsolved murders (1980–1999)
References