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Three 6 Mafia

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Three 6 Mafia

Triple Bitch Mafia (formerly known as Triple Six Mafia) is an Academy Award-winning rap group. They are also the first hip hop group from Memphis, Tennessee to go platinum,[citation needed] and the second hip hop act to win an Oscar. They are the originators of certain types of crunk music.[citation needed] The group currently has two core members, DJ Paul and Juicy J. It also includes Lord Infamous, and the group's affiliate, Project Pat.

History

Formation of the group

Three 6 Mafia started in 1991 with three rappers, DJ Paul (Paul Beauregard), Juicy J (Jordan Houston), and Lord Infamous (Ricky Dunigan). The original name for the hip hop group was Backyard Posse, followed shortly after by Triple Six Mafia. The group formed through release of many EPs from their own record company with Nicky Scarfo, Prophet Entertainment, later launching their own label Hypnotize Minds Records. During their early career, they also were able to propel the careers of several other rappers.

In 1995, the group released its first official album as Three 6 Mafia, Mystic Stylez using the profits from its highly successful underground tape Smoked Out, Locked Out to record this album.[citation needed] This was followed by the Live by Yo Rep EP, which took lyrical jabs at Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and their second album, Chapter 1: Da End.

Major label signing

In 1997, they were signed to Relativity Records, where they made their first major record release, Chapter 2: World Domination. During this time, they were able to develop their technical style to gain some attention from major hip hop audiences with the single "Tear Da Club Up '97."

At this point in the group's evolution, having signed to a major label and having scored an admirable hit single, group leaders Juicy J and DJ Paul began extending their brand. They started by releasing group member solo albums (Gangsta Boo, Koopsta Knicca), non-group member solo albums (Project Pat, The Kaze) and also compilation-styled albums (Tear Da Club Up Thugs, Hypnotize Camp Posse, Da Headbussaz and Prophet Posse). Around this time, they also released collections of tracks from earlier years (Underground Vol. 1: 1991-1994, Underground Vol. 2: Club Memphis, Underground Vol. 3: Kings of Memphis).

Follow-ups and lineup changes

In 2000, the official Three 6 Mafia follow-up to the Chapter 2 album, When the Smoke Clears, was released. With the success of the lead single, Sippin’ on Some Syrup in a few non-Southern markets, the album debuted at number six on Billboard's album charts. It received no MTV airplay and little national radio rotation. This album also featured a much anticipated collaboration with underground favorites Insane Clown Posse and Twiztid. Three 6 even wore ICP merchandise in one of their videos.[citation needed]

This era also saw the departure of two members. In 2000, Koopsta Knicca left due to a monetary dispute; In 2001, Gangsta "Lady" Boo left to pursue a solo career, citing religious differences.

The group later began work on the direct-to-video film, Choices: The Movie, and affiliated solo albums. Choices and its accompanying soundtrack (Choices: The Album) were released in 2001. In 2002, there were two solo releases from the group's two producers. One from DJ Paul called Underground Vol. 16: For Da Summa and one called Chronicles of the Juice Man by Juicy J.

In 2003, Three 6 Mafia released the album Da Unbreakables, which features collaborations with Lil' Flip, Pimp C (from UGK), Lil Wyte, Frayser Boy and Project Pat. The album produced the hit "Ridin' Spinners," which featured Lil' Flip.

In 2005, the group released their follow up direct-to-video, Choices II: The Set Up, and their highly-anticipated album, Most Known Unknown. It was notable that Lord Infamous was missing from this album. The generally accepted reason was that he had been incarcerated; however, Three 6 Mafia claimed he was "on holiday." Recently, he has officially returned to Three 6 Mafia. The album includes the hit "Stay Fly", featuring Young Buck and 8 Ball & MJG. They also worked on the movie Hustle & Flow, which would lead them to an award and released a greatest hits album, Most Known Hits.

Academy Award win

On March 5, 2006, Three 6 Mafia made history as they became the first African American hip-hop group to win an Academy Award for Best Song and also became the first hip-hop artists to ever perform at the ceremony.[1] The group was nominated for the song "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" from the Hustle & Flow soundtrack. This marked only the second time rap act was had won an Academy Award, following Eminem in 2002.[2]

The Oscar-winning members of Three 6 Mafia were credited by their real names, Jordan Houston (Juicy J) and Paul Beauregard (DJ Paul), along with Cedric Duane Coleman (Frayser Boy), although host Jon Stewart did refer to them as "Three 6 Mafia" after their victory, saying "Martin Scorsese: 0 Oscars. Three 6 Mafia: 1."[2]

Recent events

On June 7, 2006, Sony officially acknowledged the departure of original Three 6 Mafia member, Crunchy Black. He stated his reason for departure was to make a solo album that DJ Paul and Juicy J had put off for years. DJ Paul, Juicy J, Project Pat, and Lord Infamous then becoming the only members of the Three 6 Mafia. Lord Infamous is currently inactive with the group, but still a member. He is working with his new record label, Black Rain Entertainment with Memphis rapper II Tone.[citation needed]

The two producers of the group now have their own reality show, Adventures in Hollyhood. The show will focus on what it's like to be a member of the Three 6 Mafia, balancing the increased fame after their Oscar win while attempting to stay true to their loyal fans. The show is set to premiere on April 5, 2007 at 10 p.m. eastern time on MTV.[citation needed]

Three 6 Mafia are currently working on their newest album, Last 2 Walk, which is due for release on May 22, 2007.[citation needed]

Controversy

Anti-Christian accusations

The group's name has been a topic of controversy because of some people's belief that their name refers to the Number of the Beast (supported by their former name "Triple Six Mafia"). They are known to have mentioned the occult in song topics and this, with their name, has potentially affected their amount of television and radio play (until their success with "Stay Fly"). In their first full-length LP, Mystic Stylez, the group's references to the occult reached its climax. The most notable example of the groups occult references can be found in the song "Fuckin Wit Dis Click." Lord Infamous states "No I'm not a Christian," and DJ Paul's verse is filled with blatant Satanic lyrics, such as "I'm on a cross, Lucifer, please cut me free," and "A mind for murder but the barrel couldn't tell you half about this Antichrist; Look into my eyes tell me what you see; The demonic man about scarecrowism; Saints can you feel me," and also the most blatant lyrics in the album's title track "Mystic Stylez," DJ Paul recites "Satan worshipper, a thug I be in my profile, read my file, I been a mean child for a while, within a mystic style."

They have never claimed to worship Satan, however, and have said they are Christian. Also, in their acceptance speech at the Academy Awards in 2006, group member Juicy J thanked Jesus for their Academy Award for Best Song in a motion picture.[3] The name's meaning is attributed to the fact that "it started with three people in the group, [and] ended up with six; Three 6 Mafia" (even though their original name was Triple Six Mafia) according to an interview with Juicy J.[4]

Their 2005 single, "Stay Fly," was also referenced in the argument of Three 6 Mafia's satanic "shoutouts" for the high pitched, almost female voice, in the background at the beginning of the song. The voice was assumed, by at least some, to be saying "Lucifer, Is My King, 'Til I Die" or "You're My God, You're My King, Lucifa." However, the track was actually derived from the classic song "Tell Me Why Has Our Love Turned Cold" by funk/soul singer, Willie Hutch. The actual track says "You're my pride, you're my dream, you're my Dar-ling."

In an issue of Entertainment Weekly, Juicy J defended the group, saying that the group's name was decided for entertainment purposes: "Back then in the '90s, nobody knew who we were. We had to get ourselves out there and be known; put something that would draw attention, and it did." Additionally, Juicy J's father is the pastor of a Christian church, and Juicy J has supported and has helped fund the church community.[citation needed]

Dispute with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

On the 1995 single, Live By Yo Rep, the group had accused Cleveland group, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, of stealing its style (a mix of quasi-harmonic rapping and blatant references to the occult). A rebuttal from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony came on the track "All Original" on their album, Art of War, that speaks critical remarks against Three 6 Mafia. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony paid insult to Three 6 Mafia on the song "Notorious Thugs" with The Notorious B.I.G.. The beef ceased to exist in 1999, becoming apparent when Krayzie Bone appeared on Project Pat's Ghetty Green album. A track on the upcoming 2007 Bone Thugs album will also feature a song produced by DJ Paul & Juicy J.

Disputes with former members

The group was also able to make a number of other enemies with former members such as Playa Fly, Gangsta Blac, T-Rock and Kingpin Skinny Pimp. They also lost several members such as Koopsta Knicca, who left due to a monetary dispute, while La Chat and Gangsta Boo are currently pursuing solo careers. Gangsta Boo was rumored to have converted to a more conservative form of Christianity, changing her name to Lady Boo, feeling that "Gangsta" was no way to express her beliefs, but she switched back to Gangsta Boo and began rapping with her old style shortly after her departure.

Discography

Albums

For a list of albums released by Hypnotize Minds, see Hypnotize Minds.
Cover Title Information
File:Mysticstylescover.jpg Mystic Stylez
Chapter 1: The End
File:Ch.2wd.jpg Chapter 2: World Domination
File:Whenthesmoke.jpg When the Smoke Clears
File:Choices-thealbum.jpg Choices: The Album
File:Daunbreak.jpg Da Unbreakables
Choices II: The Setup (DVD & CD)
File:Mostknown.jpg Most Known Unknown
Last 2 Walk

Compilations and box sets

Album Cover Album information
File:Three 6 Mafia - Underground Vol. 1 - 00 - Front Cover.jpg Underground Vol. 1: (1991-1994)
File:Clubmemphis.jpg Underground Vol. 2: Club Memphis
Underground Vol. 3: Kings of Memphis
File:Mostknownhits.jpg Most Known Hits
Smoked Out Music Greatest Hits
File:Prophetgreatest.jpg Prophet's Greatest Hits

EPs

Album Cover Album information
Live By Yo Rep (EP)

Singles

Year Song U.S. Hot 100 U.S. R&B U.S. Rap UK singles Album
1998 "Late Nite Tip" — #76 — — Chapter 2: World Domination
1998 "Tear Da Club Up '97" — #70 #29 — Chapter 2: World Domination
2000 "Who Run It" — — — — When the Smoke Clears/Three 6 Mafia Presents: Hypnotize Camp Posse
2000 "Sippin' on Some Syrup" (Feat. UGK, & Project Pat) — #30 — — When the Smoke Clears
2000 "Tongue Ring" — — — — When the Smoke Clears
2001 "Baby Mama" (Feat. La Chat) — #94 — — Choices: The Album
2001 "2-Way Freak" (Feat. La Chat) — — — — Choices: The Album
2003 "Ridin' Spinners" (Feat. Lil' Flip) — #62 — — Da Unbreakables
2003 "Who Gives A...Where You From" (Feat. DJ Kay Slay) — — — — Streetsweepers Vol. 2: The Pain From the Game
2005 "Stay Fly" (Feat. Young Buck & Eightball & MJG) #13 [Platinum] #9 #3 #33 Most Known Unknown
2006 "Poppin' My Collar" (Remix) (Feat. Project Pat) #21 [Gold] #10 #6 — Most Known Unknown
2006 "Side 2 Side" (Remix) (Feat. Project Pat & Bow Wow) — #63 — — Most Known Unknown
2007 "Doe Boy Fresh" (Feat. Chamillionaire) #76 TBC — — Last 2 Walk

Songs featuring Three 6 Mafia

  • "2 Bogus" – Crucial Conflict from Good Side, Bad Side
  • "2 Live Party" – 2 Live Crew
  • "24's (Remix)" – T.I. from TRAP MUZIK
  • "3,2,1, Go!" – Lil' Flip from I Need Mine
  • "4 Oz." – Ying Yang Twins from U.S.A. (Still United)
  • "Act A Fool" – Lil Jon from Crunk Rock
  • "Ball Till I Fall" – Yung Redd & Lil Ron from Tha Paper Route
  • "Been Gettin Money" – Project Pat from Crook By the Book: The Feds Story
  • "Born In The Ghetto" – 3re Tha Hardway
  • "Break da Law 2001" – Project Pat from Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin'
  • "Cadillac" – Trae & Paul Wall from Restless
  • "Chickenhead" – Project Pat also f/ed La Chat from Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin'
  • "Chop Me Up" – Justin Timberlake also f/ed Timbaland from FutureSex/LoveSounds
  • "Chulin Culin Chunfly (Street Mix)" – Voltio also f/ed Calle 13 from Voltio
  • "Clap Your Hands" – GLC
  • "Closing The Club" – 112 from Pleasure & Pain
  • "Club Gettin' Crowded" – Chingy from Hoodstar
  • "Cruzin" – 8 Ball & MJG featuring Slim of 112 from Ridin High
  • "Don't Play With Me" – Dem Franchize Boyz from On Top of Our Game
  • "Don't Stand So Close '2001' – Gangsta Boo from Both Worlds *69
  • "Don't Start Nothin'" – C–Loc from It's a Gamble
  • "Face Down" – Spice 1 from The Playa Rich Project
  • "Fresh Out Da Spot" – Playaz Circle
  • "Gameroom" – Grandaddy Souf & Blood Raw
  • "Gangsta" – T-Hud & Project Pat from Undrafted
  • "Gangster Walk" – David Banner also f/ed Marcus, & 8 Ball & MJG from Certified
  • "Get 'Em Shawty" – Killer Mike from the upcoming album I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind
  • "Go 2 Sleep" – Ludacris also f/ed I–20 & Lil' Wilson from Word of Mouf
  • "Gold Shine" – Project Pat from Ghetty Green
  • "Good Googly Moogly – Project Pat from Crook By da Book: The Fed Story
  • "Hennessey & Hydro" – I–20 from Self Explanatory
  • "Hood Drug Warz" – B.G.
  • "Hood Rat" Young Jeezy, Three 6 Mafia & Project Pat
  • "I'm A Playa" – Paul Wall from the People's Champ
  • "Just Another Crazy Click" Insane Clown Posse (ICP) feat. Three 6 Mafia
  • "Like a Pimp" – UGK from Dirty Money
  • "Matrix" – Tango Redd also f/ed Frayser Boy from Southern Smoke 18
  • "Move Bitch (Remix)" – Lil Jon also f/ed Youngbloodz from Put Yo Hood Up
  • "Nan Notha'" – Frayser Boy from Gone On That Bay
  • "Players Anthem" – UGK
  • "Players In da Atmosphere" – Lil' Wyte from Doubt Me Now
  • "Posted In The Club" – Lil' Scrappy from Bred 2 Die Born 2 Live
  • "Prime Suspect" – Young Trojanz from Prime Suspects
  • "Purple Punch" – Cam'ron also f/ed Juelz Santana & Bun B
  • "Real Down Here" – 5th Ward Weebie, 6 Shot & Chyna Whyte from The Actual Meaning
  • "Represent" – Lil' Flip also f/ed David Banner from U Gotta Feel Me
  • "Ridin Spinners (Remix)" – La Chat & Lil Wyte from Southern Smoke
  • "Rush" – Ike Dirty from Dirty's Way
  • "Shackles" – Dirtbag
  • "Smack Ya Head Off" – Unusual Suspects from Jinx Da Juvy
  • "Summer Tyme – Frayser Boy Me Being Me
  • "Still Here" – Lyfe Jennings also f/ed Project Pat from The Phoenix
  • "Take Ya Clothes Off" – Play–N–Skillz from The Process
  • "Throw me that pack" – Czar*Nok
  • "U.S. Souldier Boy" – Lil Wyte from Phinally Phamous
  • "What They Do" – Mr. Serv–On & Fiend from War Is Me, Pt. 1: Battle Decisions
  • "Whatever" – 5th Ward Weebie, Fiend & Mr. Serv–On from Ghetto Platinum
  • "Where Itz Going Down" – Twiztid also f/ed ABK & Blaze Ya Dead Homie from Freek Show
  • "Who's Gonna Ride" – Christina Milian from So Amazin'
  • "Y'All Gon' Ride (Ft. G–Unit)" – 50 Cent from G-Mix: The Album

Songs produced by Three 6 Mafia

  • "1,2,3, Goodie" – Goodie Mob
  • "Closed Mouths" – Stat Quo ft. T.I.
  • "Diamond In The Back" – Ludacris
  • "Got It Sewed Up (Remix)" – Mike Jones
  • "Hennessey and Hydro" – I-20
  • "Highest Investment" – Lil Scrappy
  • "Hustleville" – South Breed
  • "If You Got A Problem" – T.C.
  • "Pop It For Some Paper" – Terrence Howard (DJay)
  • "Sex Appeal (Pimp In My Own Mind)" – Ray Cash
  • "Sippin Sumthin" – Stat Quo
  • "Stomp" – Young Buck ft. T.I. & Ludacris
  • "Takin Hits" – Young Buck ft. D–Tay
  • "Throwback 2004" – Big Kuntry ft. T.I.
  • "We Got Gunz" – Ludacris feat. I-20, Titty Boi & Chingy
  • "What Chu Lookin At?" – Fresh

Filmography

Appearances in feature films

Appearances on television series

Original videos on DVD

Original television series

Trivia

  • Three 6 Mafia recorded a song, "Some Bodies Gonna Get It", for the WWE Wreckless Intent CD. Three 6 Mafia also gave WWE.com an interview and on May 26, 2006, they performed live on SmackDown! sponsored by wrestler Mark Henry[1], who used the song as his entrance theme.
  • Paris Hilton has sought out and obtained Three 6 Mafia to help her produce and write tracks for her upcoming album. Their meeting was profiled in an episode of The Simple Life.

See also

References

  1. ^ Three 6 Mafia, Santaolalla Win Musical Oscars Jonathan Cohen, March 06, 2006
  2. ^ a b Three 6 Mafia Wins Oscar Kim Osorio and Ivory M. Jones, March 06, 2006
  3. ^ Three 6 Mafia: Award Tour
  4. ^ Interviews: Three 6 Mafia, EightBall, MJG & Yo Gotti - True Hustlers of Memphismemphisrap.com, July 29, 2005
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