Micah LeVar "Pastor" Troy, born on November 18, 1977, in College Park, Georgia, has long been a formidable figure in the Southern rap scene. Known for his raw lyrics and powerful delivery, Troy has cemented his legacy as both a solo artist and as a member of the hardcore rap group D.S.G.B. (Down South Georgia Boyz). With a career spanning over two decades, Pastor Troy's influence in the world of hip hop is undeniable.
Early Life and Origins
Pastor Troy's journey began in College Park, where he was born to Alfred Troy, a former drill instructor turned pastor. This unique upbringing influenced not only his stage name but also the fiery passion and discipline that would characterize his music. After graduating from Creekside High School, Troy attended Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. However, it wasn’t long before his love for rap led him to fully commit to a career in music.
His stage name, "Pastor Troy," is a clever play on words, combining his last name with his father's profession, while also nodding to the character Castor Troy from the 1997 film Face/Off. This cinematic reference became even more prominent with the release of his fourth album, Face Off, a direct homage to the movie.
Breaking into the Rap Scene
Pastor Troy burst onto the scene in 1999 with his debut album, We Ready (I Declare War). The album made waves, largely due to the infamous track "No Mo Play in G.A.," where Troy took aim at fellow Southern rapper Master P. The controversy surrounding the track helped propel Pastor Troy into the spotlight, and he quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the rap game.
Collaborations with big names in the industry soon followed. Ludacris featured Troy on his album Back for the First Time for the track "Get Off Me," further expanding his reach. As the frontman of D.S.G.B., Troy also contributed to the group's rise, with their origins rooted in Augusta, Georgia. His collaborations continued with a notable appearance on Lil Jon's Kings of Crunk album on the track "Throw it Up."
Universal Soldier and Mainstream Success
In 2002, Pastor Troy released Universal Soldier, an album that became a regional hit in the South. The standout track "Are We Cuttin'," featuring Ms. Jade, was featured on the soundtrack for the action film xXx and helped the album debut at #13 on the Billboard 200. This success solidified Pastor Troy’s status as a major player in the Southern rap scene.
However, creative differences with Universal Records led to his departure from the label after the release of By Any Means Necessary in 2004. Undeterred, Troy continued to release music independently, including Face Off, Part II, which addressed conflicts with fellow Atlanta artists Lil Scrappy and BME.
A Prolific Career and Continued Evolution
Pastor Troy’s work ethic and passion for music were evident as he continued to release album after album. In 2006 alone, he dropped three albums: Stay Tru, By Choice or By Force, and Atlanta 2 Memphis, a collaborative project with Memphis rapper Criminal Manne. Despite being released independently, Stay Tru debuted at #150 on the Billboard 200, showcasing Troy's loyal fanbase and his ability to thrive outside the major label system.
Troy's output remained consistent over the years, with releases like Ready for War in 2009 and The Last Outlaw in 2012. His mixtape series Crown Royal and the 2015 album WAR (We Are Ready), which featured collaborations with Paul Wall and Bun B, demonstrated his enduring relevance in the rap scene.
Retirement and Legacy
In 2017, Pastor Troy announced his retirement from music, releasing what he declared as his final album, O.G.P.T. Alongside this, he pursued his passion for filmmaking, writing, directing, and starring in his second movie, Down 2 Come Up, which was slated for release in March 2020. Despite his retirement, Troy couldn’t stay away from music for long, later releasing two more albums, Clubber Lang and Enemy of the State.
On April 5, 2016, Pastor Troy’s contributions to Atlanta’s music scene were formally recognized when he received the Legends of ATL Award from BMI. This honor was a testament to his impact on the city’s hip hop culture and his role in shaping the sound of Southern rap.
Conclusion
Pastor Troy's career is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and undeniable talent. From his early days challenging industry giants to his later years as an independent powerhouse, Troy has always marched to the beat of his own drum. His influence can still be felt in the Southern rap scene, and his legacy as a pioneer of hardcore Southern hip hop is firmly established. Whether through his music or his ventures into film, Pastor Troy remains a cultural icon whose contributions to the world of rap will not be forgotten.
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