30 Years Later, Tragedy Inspires Rap Artist’s First Song

Thirty years ago, in April 1995, two young boys, both five years old, were playing near C-Town Supermarket in Fair Haven when tragedy struck. One of the boys managed to climb onto a transformer and received a fatal 13,800-volt shock. Patrick Stenson, now known as Off Brand Budd, was the other boy who witnessed the tragic event. This incident has continued to weigh heavily on Stenson for the past three decades, prompting him to channel his raw emotions into poetry and rap music.

After a powerful performance at the Re-Imagine interactive art exhibit at Nolo last month, Stenson, now 36 years old, is preparing to release his debut song and video, “Hot Winter,” in collaboration with his musical partner Johnnie “5iverr” Singleton. His upcoming project, “Welcome to My World,” is scheduled for release in February.

Reflecting on the tragic incident from his childhood, Stenson remembers his mother instructing him to keep an eye on his uncle, Jeremy Davis, who tragically passed away on that fateful day in 1995. In the aftermath of the event, a therapist provided Stenson with a notebook as an outlet for his feelings of anger and frustration. Stenson found solace in writing poetry and rap lyrics as a means of coping with his emotions.

Growing up in Farnam Courts, a former public housing complex in New Haven, Stenson’s exposure to music from a young age played a significant role in shaping his artistic endeavors. Surrounded by the sounds of rap, soul, and classic hits, Stenson absorbed various musical influences that informed his lyrical style. Despite early doubts about his abilities, Stenson’s passion for poetry eventually evolved into a talent for crafting rap lyrics.

Inspired by the competitive world of battle rap, Stenson honed his skills and mastered the art of wordplay and lyrical delivery. Through years of self-education and immersion in the rap scene, Stenson refined his understanding of rhythm, flow, and song structure, drawing inspiration from iconic figures like DMX and Jadakiss.

Of all the rappers who influenced him, DMX left a lasting impression on Stenson with his candid portrayal of personal struggles and triumphs. Stenson admired DMX’s willingness to address sensitive topics such as mental health, addiction, and perseverance in his music. These themes resonated deeply with Stenson, empowering him to confront his own inner demons and experiences in his lyrics.

As Stenson prepares to share his music with the world, he remains committed to sharing his authentic voice and personal journey through his art. The release of “Hot Winter” marks a significant milestone in Stenson’s career as he continues to explore his unique storytelling abilities and musical expression.