Patrick Dhane Lanshaw, better known by his stage name Lil Wyte, is a Memphis-born rapper who carved out his place in Southern hip-hop with a raw voice, rapid-fire flow, and gritty storytelling. Born on October 6, 1982, Lil Wyte showed a natural talent for rhythm and rhyme early on, famously reciting Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” word-for-word as a kid. His teenage years were filled with freestyle battles and local performances, where he honed his skills and earned street credibility. Teaming up with his friend Lil Black, he joined the group Shelby Forest Click, eventually catching the attention of Three 6 Mafia’s DJ Paul and Juicy J—an introduction that would change his life.

Signed to Hypnotize Minds, Lil Wyte dropped his breakout album Doubt Me Now in 2003, moving over 135,000 units independently and gaining underground success. His music blends Southern crunk energy with hard-hitting lyrics about street life, addiction, and resilience. Over the years, he’s collaborated with major Southern rap figures like Project Pat, Frayser Boy, and JellyRoll, with whom he released the fan-favorite No Filter albums. In 2011, Lil Wyte founded Wyte Music, further asserting his independence in the industry. He also made a name in the cannabis world by launching his own strain, OG Wyte Kush. Though his journey hasn’t been without controversy—including run-ins with the law—Lil Wyte remains a respected voice in Southern rap, celebrated for keeping his sound authentic and unapologetically real.