Three 6 Mafia's Timeless Influence in Music History
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Chapter 1: The Lasting Legacy of Three 6 Mafia
Three 6 Mafia has carved out a significant niche in the music landscape, showcasing a body of work that continues to resonate. Despite not releasing new music as a group for over 14 years, their influence is omnipresent, with numerous contemporary artists sampling their tracks. Notable names like Drake, A$AP Rocky, G-Eazy, Cardi B, and Travis Scott have all drawn inspiration from their distinctive sound. One of their most frequently sampled tracks is the provocative "Slob on My Nob," a memorable anthem where Juicy J makes a bold request.
As new songs emerge that utilize Three 6's beats, I find myself revisiting their classic albums. With the passage of time, their importance in music history only grows. Their unique style and approach set them apart, and even as members departed, DJ Paul and Juicy J remained as the core of the group.
I had the opportunity to see them perform live, opening for Ludacris, and it was one of the most entertaining shows I’ve experienced. They transformed their set into a lively party, inviting women on stage to dance and celebrate with them, culminating in a crowd of around 30 women joining them by the end of their performance. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone in the audience reveling together, creating a memorable experience where the duo acted as both performers and hosts.
What sets Three 6 Mafia apart in hip-hop is how their appeal has evolved over time. Instead of fading into nostalgia, they remain relevant, continuing to influence the modern genres they helped establish. Their crossover appeal transcends boundaries, rooted deeply in their identity.
The Origins of Their Sound
DJ Paul and Lord Infamous grew up in Memphis, sharing a passion for music and horror films. This blend of dark themes permeated their early work, where they initially branded themselves as the Serial Killaz. DJ Paul's production and lyrical skills could have supported a solo career, but his collaboration with Lord Infamous, a pioneer of horrorcore and the triplet rhyme style, was pivotal.
Meanwhile, Juicy J was making waves as a DJ, producer, and rapper on the north side of Memphis. The chemistry between him and DJ Paul was immediate, leading to the formation of what would become the original lineup of Three 6 Mafia, including Lord Infamous, Koopsta Knicca, Gangsta Boo, and Crunchy Black. With DJ Paul and Juicy J at the helm, they managed both production and performance, establishing themselves as leaders within the group.
Their debut album, Mystic Stylez, was released in 1995 when they were still teenagers. The album's dark aesthetic and themes touched on the occult, creating a gothic atmosphere that was unique to their Memphis roots. DJ Paul reflected on this, stating, "The darkness of Memphis is what makes it so cool...we couldn't have made songs like that in another city."
The Evolution of Their Music
As they matured, Three 6 Mafia's sound evolved. Their sophomore album, Chapter 1: The End, marked a shift away from horrorcore themes as they transitioned into adulthood. Tracks like "Late Nite Tip" explored after-hours connections, while "Where's Da Bud" showcased Lord Infamous's solo talent.
With each passing album, they created a series of club anthems. Chapter 2: World Domination included hits like "Hit a Muthafucka" and "Tear Da Club Up," solidifying their status in the burgeoning crunk movement. In 2000, their first platinum album, When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1, featured the iconic "Sippin' on Some Syrup," which popularized the lean drink culture.
Three 6 Mafia's impact on hip-hop is undeniable, as they pushed the boundaries of lyrical content by openly discussing drug use, unlike many of their contemporaries who focused primarily on selling drugs. Following the album's release, Koopsta Knicca and Gangsta Boo left the group, marking a significant shift in their lineup.
Rise to Prominence
The group created a film titled Choices, which doubled as a soundtrack for the project. Their 2003 album, Da Unbreakables, became an underrated classic with standout tracks like "Testin' My Gangsta" and "Ridin' Spinners." However, it was during the production of their most famous album, Most Known Unknown, that they truly reached new heights. The track "Stay Fly" became a massive hit, featuring contributions from Memphis legends 8Ball and MJG.
In a historic moment for hip-hop, they won an Academy Award for Best Original Song with "Hard Out Here for a Pimp," becoming the first rap group to achieve this honor. Their final album, Last 2 Walk, was released in 2008, leaving only DJ Paul and Juicy J as the remaining members.
Continued Influence and Legacy
Even during their hiatus, both DJ Paul and Juicy J continued to produce music independently. Juicy J’s solo career flourished while DJ Paul collaborated with former members for projects like Da Mafia 6ix. Tragically, Lord Infamous passed away in 2013, followed by Koopsta Knicca in 2015, both leaving behind a rich legacy.
Juicy J discussed the challenges the group faced on the podcast The Bridge: 50 Years of Hip Hop, revealing that drug use was a significant factor in their original disbandment. "When everybody was sober... things change," he reflected, acknowledging the struggles they faced.
A reunion of sorts occurred during a Verzuz battle against Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, featuring surviving members Gangsta Boo and Crunchy Black alongside DJ Paul and Juicy J. Their performance reignited speculation about a potential new album.
DJ Paul mentioned in a 2019 interview that he regularly clears samples, and the duo has maintained most of their publishing rights. Recently, they filed a $6.45 million lawsuit against $uicideboys for copyright infringement. Notably, even a fast-food chain has been accused of borrowing from their work.
Three 6 Mafia stands as a unique entity in music history. DJ Paul and Juicy J have achieved a level of success that allows them the freedom to create at their own pace, a luxury they’ve rightfully earned. Regardless of their future endeavors, their impact on the music world remains undeniable.
The first video showcases the official music video for "Stay Fly," highlighting its cultural significance and the group's vibrant energy.
The second video features the original sample used in "Stay Fly," illustrating the musical roots that influenced Three 6 Mafia's sound.