In the beginning of his music career, FatRat Da Czar, decided to stay in Columbia and bypass the route many young rappers take by trying to gain attention on the national stage.
After finding years of success as a solo artist, FatRat, whose real name is Darius Johnson, began recording at the Boom Room Music Studio in 2011. Young artists began seeking him out for career advice after finding his videos online.
After some time, FatRat embraced the role of a mentor, and began making a career from it.
“It was a role that was made for me, and I don’t think I knew this at the time, but it eventually came to me,” Johnson said.
FatRat Da Czar has created music in Columbia for nearly a decade. The rapper cut his first demo at the ripe age of 16.
Now 35, FatRat has created a trilogy of popular albums titled “Da Cold War.” The third part of the series was released last fall. However, success was not something he found over night.
“Columbia had its period of time where it wasn’t as receptive of rap as it is now, and so … there were obstacles in getting booking agents and talent buyers and promoters to book us in venues,” he said.
The rapper has used his experience and talent to pave the way for the next generation of music in Columbia. Cole Connor, Grand Royale and Ran Bruce are only a few of the young talented artists working with FatRat.
“I want to be here to usher the new crop of hip-hop talent coming out of South Carolina. They keep me young. They keep me fresh. The Boom Room is doing extremely well, and I am having a lot of fun with it,” he said.
FatRat is still creating new music and preforming at different events. In fact, the rapper has a full schedule for the next few months with a performance at the South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, Tuesday and a spot this year in the St. Pat’s in Five Points lineup.
However, the rapper seemed most passionate about the second annual Hip-Hop Family Day on Main Street April 12. Last year, almost 4,000 people attended the day-long event, and this year, organizers think it will grow even higher.
“Fans of hip-hop need to tune in, because this year, it’s really going to be major,” Johnson said. “I am hopefully going to be instrumental in bringing this talent to forefront, and I think before 2014 is over with, fans of South Carolina hip-hop will have something to be really proud about.”