By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
A musician/rapper from Salina is seeking encouragement and support locally, after qualifying for a national competition that aims to discover the 'next big musical talent.'
Payton Patterson, aka 'Trap Set' is from Salina and has made noise with his musical talent. After going viral with his hit song "Peach Crown," Patterson has been putting up averages of 1 million views a month on TikTok from his content. With Patterson's hard work and talent, this has put him in a great opportunity to become the 'next big musical talent' as he made it to the Top 5 in the "RollingStones Americas Next Top Hitmaker competition."
Patterson has experienced great support from his fans around the world, but would also love to gain that support from his hometown.
"I have alot of support from all over the world, but it would mean everything to see Salina come along for the ride," said Patterson.
Background of 'Trap Set'
Patterson did not start rapping until last year, but always knew how to. He did many behind the scenes work for about 10 years, but was finally able to record his first song last year. His first release was on April 18, 2025 and hit a million each day on TikTok for the first 10 days he released the song.
He is a publisher as a member of the performing rights organization 'ASCAP' which is also 'PLEASEREMEMBERP8N.' Patterson is writer for ASCAP as well.
"I believe my sounds do amazing, but I have no support from my hometown," said Patterson.
Patterson was born in Salina in 1991, went to Kansas City for his junior and senior year of high school and then lived in Chicago for some time. His two kids Aiyana and Jaiden both attend Salina public schools.
Vote for 'Trap Set'
Patterson made it to the Top 5 of the RollingStones Americas Next Top Hitmaker competition and hopes people from Salina can vote him in to win the competition. Voting is free once daily and you can also donate to the Global Citizen Foundation, who puts together a music festival (Global Citizens Festival) in New York, headlined by artists such as Post Malone, Doja Cat, and The Weeknd.
Patterson has a chance to win and if he does, he gets the opportunity to perform at the Global Citizens Festival. This potential win can get Patterson into the RollingStone magazine as "America's Next Top Hitmaker" and walk away with $50,000.
Voting for finalists ends on Thursday, July 3rd and you can vote for 'Trap Set' free once a day by going to: https://tophitmaker.org/2025/trap-set
For 'Trap Set' music, go to: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2U5oDxlU3LsPHOHMCNt2L1?si=Xhiyb-eaSdSsPUT-zQZnLQ