Patrick Wayne Stay, better known as legendary battle rapper Pat Stay, tragically passed away last weekend at age 36 following a stabbing in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A larger-than-life presence in the international battle rap community, Stay was a one-of-a-kind performer who was well-respected by his peers (from Eminem and Drake to Method Man and Royce da 5’9”) and adored by fans.
Here are eight essential moments where Stay’s wit, creativity and skills came to the fore on the rap battle circuit.
PutYourMoneyWhereYourMouthIz Vol. 7: Pat Stay vs. Bartone
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Upload date: May 8, 2009
Stay was one of the premier acts in several battle rap leagues throughout his career. Starting as one of the biggest faces in the now defunct Elements League, the Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, native made his debut in the Toronto-based King of the Dot (KOTD) as a 23-year-old soon after its inception, and as the league rapidly grew in popularity, Stay also became one of its marquee names.
Arsonal vs. Pat Stay I
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Upload date: Mar. 13, 2011
“Two of the scene’s most disrespectful emcees held nothing back!” said KOTD at the time.
Quickly becoming a fan favourite due to his electrifying stage presence and undeniable charisma, Stay’s ability to balance hilarious, quick-witted punchlines with hard-hitting, visceral bars was unmatched. His style could cause side-splitting laughter as quickly as it could cause one’s face to scrunch up in sheer disgust at just how nasty a line or scheme was, and he rapped every line with an effortlessly smooth delivery.
World Domination #3: Pat Stay vs. Head I.C.E.
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Upload date: Sept. 10, 2012
As Stay’s reputation grew, some of the biggest names in the premier US leagues like Ultimate Rap League (URL) and Grindtime were coming to KOTD to take him on. Facing legends like Arsonal, Head I.C.E. and Math Hoffa, Stay had swiftly risen through the ranks to eventually earn himself a title match, leading to him becoming the longest-reigning KOTD champion to this point, while simultaneously becoming one of the biggest battlers in the world.
This clash of the titans found two men at the height of their powers trading blows with equal force.
World Domination #4: Arcane vs. Pat Stay (Title Match)
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Upload date: Sept. 9, 2013
Stay’s championship reign began with one of the most important battles in KOTD’s history. With then-champion Arcane facing ghostwriting allegations, Stay came with his most impressive and well-constructed rounds yet. Stay walked on that stage so undeniably cool, confident and comfortable, you’d believe he was guaranteed the title before he walked in. He showcased a perfection of his style, humorously dismantling Arcane from the outset, sarcastically opening the battle with the now iconic, “Arcane… that’s a hard name,” before meticulously breaking down his opponent. It flawlessly set the tone for the battle and perfectly encapsulated Stay’s personality and approach to the sport.
Blackout #4: Pat Stay vs. Dizaster (Title Match)
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Upload date: Feb. 18, 2014
A clearly physically imposing presence on stage whenever he graced the microphone, it was easy for Stay to play the tough guy, but a big part of his charm was his tendency to let his guard down. More than just being so smooth he could “moonwalk with steel toe boots on,” he’d often vanquish his hardened exterior for a well-timed joke or a personal anecdote mid-battle.
For example, his third round in his title defence against Dizaster is as much about his passion for the art and love for the fans as it is about establishing himself as the better MC. This willingness to be multifaceted in a forum that glorified the toughest and meanest not only made Stay stand out but gave him an innate relatability for fans and spectators.
Blackout #5: Pat Stay vs. Charron (Title Match)
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Upload date: Mar. 3, 2015
As champion, Stay defended his title against three of the biggest names to ever grace the KOTD stage in Dizaster, Daylyt and Charron, before eventually losing it in a close battle with Illmaculate. His run was an incredible feat, as the opponents he faced were some of the toughest competition across any league, and they were all at their respective peaks.
RBE: Aye Verb vs. Pat Stay
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Upload date: Sept. 10, 2018
After losing the title, Stay touched the stage in several battle leagues. Battling in URL, Rare Breed Ent. and Don’t Flop, to name a few, Stay went toe-to-toe with legends like Aye Verb, Charlie Clips, DNA and Hollow da Don, further solidifying himself as one of the greatest to ever do it, all the while staying true to himself. Never once giving into the trends or adapting to his opponent’s style to beat them at their own game, win or lose, he was always Dartmouth, Nova Scotia’s own, Pat Stay.
Decade: Pat Stay vs. Arsonal II
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Upload date: Dec. 25, 2018
His willingness to wear his heart on his sleeve became even more apparent in his later battles, as personal growth and maturation began to shine through in his battle rounds. His rematch with Arsonal at KOTD’s Decade event in 2018, feels like a full circle moment watching it back. The tangible tension between the two MCs that was on clear display in their first battle dissipated, and the result is two friends cracking jokes at each other’s expense and laughing about fatherhood while flaunting their skills. It’s a showcase of camaraderie between legends that we rarely get to see in the medium, and is impossible to watch without cracking a smile.
It may not have been Stay’s last battle, but it perfectly bookends the nearly eight years that had passed since their first encounter, showcasing Stay’s growth as an artist, performer and person, and serves as the perfect send off to a legend gone too soon.
