Church's Texas Chicken Signs Project Pat for Original Song 'Chickahhhn'

Church's Texas Chicken has released an original Southern hip-hop song, "Chickahhhn," recorded with Memphis rapper Project Pat, in a marketing push that ties the brand to music and culture rather than to menu pricing.

The track is a spin on Project Pat's 2001 hit "Chickenhead," which featured Three 6 Mafia and La Chat. The collaboration began with an unplanned viral moment. Rapper Lil' Lucky posted his own Church's-inspired version of "Chickenhead" on social media. The video caught the attention of both Project Pat and Brunner, Church's creative agency. The three parties then built "Chickahhhn" together.

What does the campaign contain?

The music video leans on nostalgia as its creative device. It features classic cars and Church's vintage logo. Lil' Lucky appears alongside Project Pat in the final production.

CEO Roland Gonzalez framed the project as community strategy, not just advertising. "At Church's, bringing people together is an important part of our DNA, and that goes beyond the food we serve. We're committed to showing up for our local communities and creating experiences that bring people together," Gonzalez said in a statement.

He added: "Music is a powerful way to connect with people and celebrate the culture that makes our communities special. Partnering with Project Pat on 'Chickahhhn' helps us take the connection to another level."

Is this part of a broader pattern?

Yes. The song follows a popup experience at a Chicago Church's restaurant with rappers Juvenile and Mannie. The chain has also worked with a roster of up-and-coming hip-hop artists to spotlight new talent and connect with guests.

Recent adjacent campaigns include:

• A content series with viral food personality and pitmaster Walter Johnson, known as Mr. Tenderism, to showcase new dry rubs
• A new signature "Churchie Sauce" promoted through a Big Dip Block Party in Atlanta
• A "Golazo Meal" timed to the FIFA Men's World Cup

Why are chains making original music?

Church's is not alone. Original music is becoming a standard tool in chain restaurant marketing, alongside menu launches and value messaging.

• KFC recently released "Finger Lickin' Machine"
• Wendy's launched the album "Songs to Listen to in a Wendy's Parking Lot" earlier this year
• Chipotle teamed up with the London Vegetable Orchestra last month to record "From Ground to Sound," a track built around the chain's 53 ingredients

Notably, none of these chains has disclosed production costs, licensing terms, or measured sales impact for the music projects. The companies describe cultural connection. They do not publish return figures.

The Project Pat track extends that playbook. Church's is betting that a 24-year-old hip-hop reference, social media virality, and a vintage logo can do work that traditional advertising once did. Whether the bet pays off in traffic will depend on measures the company has so far chosen not to share.