Project Pat & viral 9-year-old girl set to rock Beale Street

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Iconic Memphis-born rapper Project Pat is teaming up with an unexpected partner for 901 Day — a 9-year-old girl.

Her name is Alaynna Doty, and her TikTok performance of Pat’s 2001 hit “Chickenhead” has racked up over 5 million views.

The fourth grader’s karaoke clip not only captured the attention of new fans — but caught the eye of Project Pat himself.

The video, posted by Alaynna’s mom Lauren Durham, led on-demand US streams of ‘Chickenhead’ to increase by 219% — pushing the 24-year-old song to debut at #8 on Billboard’s R&B & Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales Chart last month.

With that reaction, it’s no surprise Project Pat saw the video — but he didn’t stop there.

On top of reposting the TikTok, Project Pat’s team paired up with Gus’ World-Famous Fried Chicken in Nashville to surprise Alaynna with an invitation: an opportunity to meet the rapper in Nashville and perform with him in Memphis.

Now, Alaynna and Project Pat are set to take the stage together for 901 Day on Beale, an annual event celebrating Memphis culture and music.

And despite the big crowd expected, Alaynna says she’s more excited than nervous.

Alaynna says she’s excited to continue sharing her love of performing online, whether it be rapping in a restaurant, or singing her favorite country songs.

You can catch her live with Project Pat this Monday, September 1st, at the 901 Day in Beale celebration, happening from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Project Pat will go on the main stage at 6:30 p.m.

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