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{{short description|American hip-hop group}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}} | |||
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Musicians --> | {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Musicians --> | ||
|name |
| name = Three 6 Mafia | ||
| |
| background = group_or_band | ||
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| image = Three_6_Mafia_full_group.jpg | ||
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| image_upright = 1.2 | ||
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| caption = ], Koopsta Knicca, Crunchy Black, ], ], and ] | ||
| alias = {{hlist|Triple Six Mafia|Tear Da Club Up Thugs|Backyard Posse|Da Mafia 6ix}} | |||
|background = group_or_band | |||
|origin |
| origin = ], U.S. | ||
| genre = {{hlist|]|]|]|]|]|]|]}} | |||
|genre = {{flatlist| | |||
| discography = ] | |||
*] | |||
| years_active = {{flatlist| | |||
*] | |||
* 1991–2012 | |||
*] | |||
* 2019–present | |||
*] | |||
}} | }} | ||
| label = {{hlist|]|Prophet|]|]|]|]|]}} | |||
|years_active = 1991–2011<br>2013–present | |||
| |
| associated_acts = {{flatlist| | ||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
}} | |||
|associated_acts = <!-- Exercise constraint and add only the NOTABLE acts associated with Three Six Mafia; see ] for criteria --> | |||
{{flatlist| | |||
*Da Mafia 6ix | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | *] | ||
*] | |||
*] | |||
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*] | *] | ||
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*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | *] | ||
*] | |||
*] | |||
}} | }} | ||
| current_members = ]<br />]<br /> Crunchy Black | |||
|Current_members = | |||
| past_members = ] (deceased) <small></small> <br />Koopsta Knicca (deceased) <small></small> <br />] (deceased) <small></small> <br /> | |||
*] | |||
}} | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
|Past_members = | |||
*] (deceased) | |||
*] (deceased) | |||
*] | |||
|}} | |||
'''Three 6 Mafia''' is an American ] group from ], formed in 1991. Emerging as a horror-themed ] group, they went on to enjoy mainstream success.<ref name="allmusicbio">{{cite web |last1=Birchmeier |first1=Jason |title=Three 6 Mafia - Biography & History |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/three-6-mafia-mn0000924367/biography |website=] |access-date=August 18, 2019}}</ref> The group's 1995 debut album '']'' became an influential ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Birchmeier |first1=Jason |title=Mystic Stylez - Three 6 Mafia |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/mystic-stylez-mw0000177290 |website=AllMusic |access-date=August 18, 2019}}</ref> They have released music on independent labels such as Prophet Entertainment and their own ] label, as well as ], ], and ]. | |||
'''Three 6 Mafia''', originally known as '''Triple 6 Mafia''', is an American ] group originally from ], signed to ] under the ] imprint. The group was formed by DJ Paul, Lord Infamous, and Juicy J in 1991 and was at first known as Triple 6 Mafia. During the group's earlier years they were known as Backyard Posse before becoming known as Triple 6 Mafia and often worked with members of the Prophet Posse and the Gimisum Family. Koopsta Knicca joined the group in 1994. Crunchy Black was at first added to the group as a dancer in 1995 and Gangsta Boo became a full member of the group after the release of the debut album ''Mystic Stylez''. | |||
Two of their albums are ]-certified ]: '']'' (2000) and '']'' (2005), the latter featured their hit single "]". In 2006 the group won the ] at the ] for their song "]" from the film '']''. The group's latest studio album, '']'', was released in 2008. Three 6 Mafia's worldwide album sales stand at 5.5 million as of 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.38192/title.three-6-mafia-members-juicy-j-dj-paul-crunchy-black-to-reunite# |title=Reunion Of Three 6 Mafia Members Juicy J, DJ Paul & Crunchy Black Only A Possibility |last=Baker |first=Soren |date=April 4, 2016 |publisher=Hipopdx.com |access-date=February 1, 2018 }}</ref> | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===1988–1990: Origins=== | |||
The group started in 1991 in Memphis with ] (Paul Beauregard), ] (Jordan Houston), ] (Ricky Dunigan), and Boblet. The original name for the dark hip hop group was "Backyard Posse". The group formed through the release of numerous EPs from their own record company with Nick Scarfo, ], which were sold around Memphis and the Mid-South. Later DJ Paul and Juicy J formed their own label, ] Records. During their early career, they also propelled the careers of several other rappers. Eventually added before the release of ], rappers ] (Robert Cooper), ] (Lola Mitchell), and ] (Darnell Carlton) joined the group. Many artists over the years ended up leaving the label over money disputes. | |||
Three 6 Mafia's founding members became musicians at young ages. In 1988, DJ Paul, at age 13, was taking piano lessons, and his half-brother,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA8YeDULaUg| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211104/VA8YeDULaUg| archive-date=2021-11-04 | url-status=live|title=DJ Paul on 'Seed of 6ix' Consisting of Lord Infamous' Son and Paul's Nephew (Part 1)| website=]|date=December 16, 2018|access-date=September 14, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Lord Infamous, age 15, was a singer practicing bass and electric guitar. The two would compose songs together, with Paul playing piano and drums while Infamous played bass and guitar and sang. | |||
At the same time, in ], Juicy J, at age 13, was learning how to ] as well as rap. He had initially wanted to be a singer, but in the late 1980s and early 1990s he fell in love with the ] style, and he, like his future founding group members across town, wanted to make music like popular artists at the time such as ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ap.swishersweets.com/outlaws/djpaul/|title=DJ Paul|website=Swisher Sweets Artist Project|language=en-US|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> | |||
The group expanded and help start the careers of notable Mafia affiliates, including ], ], ], ], T-Rock, ], ], M.C. Mack, Scan Man, | |||
Chrome, BoogieMane & ] among others. The production acumen of Juicy and Paul also brought about a number of side projects such as Tear da Club Up Thugs, Hypnotize Camp Posse and Da Headbussaz as well as independent label ventures. | |||
In 1989, DJ Paul and Lord Infamous formed the duo "Da Serial Killaz".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.26728/title.dj-paul-reflects-on-lord-infamous-career-founding-three-6-mafia|title=DJ Paul Reflects On Lord Infamous' Career & Founding Three 6 Mafia|date=December 22, 2013|website=HipHopDX|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> It was at this time they distributed their own mixtapes of popular songs at school, and Lord Infamous had started rapping with his signature triple time flow. Juicy J was also creating his own mixes by this time but was not putting his raps on tapes just yet. | |||
At this point in the group's evolution, having signed to a major label (]), group leaders DJ Paul and Juicy J began extending their brand. They started by releasing solo albums by their label affiliates such as, Can It Be? by Gangsta Blac, ], ], ] and ] by ], ], ], ] and ] by ], ] by ], ] & ] by ], and compilation-styled albums such as collections of tracks from earlier years ('']'', '']'' & '']'' among other projects). Three Six Mafia also originally coined the term "Crunk" as a description of their Southern type sound. | |||
=== |
===1991–1992: The beginning=== | ||
By 1991, DJ Paul had already begun to make a name for himself in the local hip-hop scene through DJing at local clubs, such as Club 380 Beale, where he got his first opportunity to perform. His mixtapes, which were gradually evolving to include more and more original content of "Da Serial Killaz", also helped spread word of his talents.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.memphisflyer.com/CallingtheBluff/archives/2013/04/11/q-and-a-with-dj-paul-of-three-6-mafia|title=Q & A with DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia|last=Goggans|first=Louis|website=Memphis Flyer|language=en|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> At the time, the hip hop scene in Memphis had not taken a fully fledged form yet, but early works by artists such as DJ Spanish Fly and DJ Squeeky were hinting at what was to come.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.factmag.com/2013/11/27/the-essential-three-6-mafia/|title=The Essential... Three 6 Mafia|date=November 27, 2013|website=FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music.|language=en-US|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> Meanwhile, Lord Infamous was still rapping and evolving his lyrical style. In North Memphis, Juicy J was slowly building a name for himself as well, now that he was making his own songs and distributing them with his mixtapes, as well as DJing at local clubs with his mentor. | |||
In 2006, Three 6 Mafia became the first ] group to win the ] with "]" (which they co-wrote with ]) as one of the theme songs for '']''. They were also the first hip-hop artists to ever perform at the ceremony, which they did with ''Hustle & Flow'' actress ] reprising her chorus.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.xxlmag.com/news/latest-headlines/2006/03/three-6-mafia-wins-oscar/ |title = Three 6 Mafia Wins Oscar |publisher = xxxlmag.com}}</ref> It was the second hip-hop song (and the first crunk/Dirty South song) to win an Oscar, after ]'s "]" in 2002 from his film '']'', and only one other hip-hop song since then has won an Oscar – ] and ]'s "]" (from '']'') in 2015. Right before presenter ] announced that they had won, she chuckled and sang the refrain from the song. The energy from Houston, Carlton, Coleman, and Beauregard's presence and acceptance speech was infectious, causing that year's Oscar host ] to quip "How come they're the most excited people here tonight? Why is that? They're thrilled! They're thrilled!.... ''That's'' how you accept an Oscar!"{{sfn|Oscar telecast, Jan. 2012}} | |||
That same year, DJ Paul and Juicy J first crossed paths after Juicy sought out Paul in 1991 for help making beats. The two quickly grew fond of each-other's musical styles and the two subsequently teamed up with Lord Infamous to form the group "The Backyard Posse". DJ Paul and Lord Infamous still continued work as "Da Serial Killaz" by themselves, and in 1992 released the first legitimate original recording to come out of the eventual Three 6 Mafia camp, "Portrait of a Serial Killa". Featuring dark beats by Paul and ]-styled lyrics from Lord Infamous and DJ Paul, this tape is recognized in its raw form as a pioneering work of horrorcore hip hop. Juicy J in the meantime released his debut hard copy mixtape, ''Volume 5'', that same year, as well as his seminal track in its original form, "Slob on My Knob". | |||
===Events after Academy Award win=== | |||
On June 7, 2006, Sony announced the departure of original Triple 6 Mafia member ]. He stated his reason for departing was to make a solo album that ] and ] had allegedly put off for years,with most of the material being used for "Most Known Unknown". Crunchy also complained he was being financially cheated by Paul and Juicy.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQJFgN3jCLs&list=UUSYZK3JnVse6_rmU8WKuIcg |title = why crunchy black left 3 6 mafia million dollar question finaly answered for fans |publisher = Youtube.com|accessdate=2015-10-09}}</ref> Thereafter Three 6 Mafia consisted just of remaining members DJ Paul and Juicy J. | |||
===1993–1996: Debut, ''Mystic Stylez'' and ''Chapter 1: The End''=== | |||
The two producers of the group had their own reality show, '']'', on ]. The show focused on the pair balancing fun and studio work after their Oscar win. Associate rappers ] & ] along with hometown friends Big Triece & Computer co-starred. The show premiered on April 5, 2007 on MTV & was not renewed for a second season.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/adventures_in_hollyhood/series.jhtml |title=Adventures in Hollyhood (TV Series) |publisher=MTV |date=2007-03-21 |accessdate=2015-10-11}}</ref> | |||
The first notable release from members of the group that dropped in 1993 was DJ Paul and Lord Infamous's ''Come With Me to Hell'', which featured original forms of future Three 6 Mafia hits such as "]" and "Porno Movie". Paul's "DJ Paul Volume 12" mixtape was also released at this time. That same year, while recording music for "The Backyard Posse", Lord Infamous rapped a line referring to his crew as the "Triple Six Mafia". The group later adopted the name, seeing that the name more closely matched the bleak and dark imagery of their music.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.26728/title.dj-paul-reflects-on-lord-infamous-career-founding-three-6-mafia|title=DJ Paul Reflects On Lord Infamous' Career & Founding Three 6 Mafia|date=December 22, 2013|website=HipHopDX|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> | |||
Juicy J had yet to release a notable work of his own at this point, but in 1994 that would change with ''Vol. 9: It's On'' and ''Vol. 10: Chronicles of the Juice Manne''. Similar to Paul and Infamous's works the previous year, these tapes featured what would turn out to be some of the framework of future hit songs. | |||
Three 6 Mafia was also featured on ]'s "Chop Me Up" from his 2006 album ''].''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H305U0 |title=FutureSex / LoveSounds: Justin Timberlake: Music |publisher=Amazon.com |date= |accessdate=2011-03-02}}</ref> | |||
Also in 1994, the group added its fourth official member, rapper Koopsta Knicca (Robert Cooper Phillips). Following the addition, the group released their first unified release with the mixtape '']'', which featured fellow budding local rappers ], Kingpin Skinny Pimp, ], 211, K-9, Lil Glock and S.O.G. That same year, Koopsta Knicca recorded the original version of what would become his first solo album, ''Da Devil's Playground''. | |||
After leaving Three 6 Mafia a number of years prior, Lord Infamous was featured on DJ Paul's second solo album '']'', which was released on May 5, 2009. Lord Infamous was featured on 8 tracks. Juicy J's second solo album '']'' was released on June 16, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0026RLPYK |title=Hustle Till I Die: Juicy J: Music |publisher=Amazon.com |date= |accessdate=2011-03-02}}</ref> The album featured his brother and frequent collaborator ]<ref name="amazon1">{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002B4K1NE |title=<nowiki>30 Inches (Feat. Gucci Mane & Project Pat) ],<ref name="amazon1" /> ]<ref name="amazon2">{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002B4PI00 |title=<nowiki>Ugh Ugh Ugh (Feat. Weebie & Project Pat) ].<ref name="amazon2" /> | |||
1994 also marked a significant milestone for the group, when Paul and Juicy, alongside local entrepreneur Nick Scarfo, formed ], their first imprint. Through the label, the Prophet Posse was created, which was a looser collective that consisted of several local Memphis rappers who associated closely with Paul and Juicy J and ultimately signed onto the label, but were not members of Triple 6 Mafia. It was at this time when Juicy J's older brother, ], emerged with his debut, ''Solo Tape''. | |||
Three 6 Mafia released their ninth studio album '']'' on June 24, 2008, after multiple delays. The album featured collaborations with ], ], ], ], ] and ]. | |||
In 1995 the group filled out when it officially added rappers Crunchy Black and ]. It was later this year when the group shifted its name to Three 6 Mafia and released its debut album '']'' on Prophet. The LP earned them widespread recognition and attention locally and in the southern underground hip hop scene, and as a result, Prophet landed a distribution deal with ]. The group's first song on the radio was "Da Summa".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uicradio.wordpress.com/2016/10/31/criminally-underrated-juicy-j-three-6-mafia/|title=Criminally Underrated: Juicy J & Three 6 Mafia|last=Ford|first=Brody|date=October 31, 2016|website=UIC Radio|language=en|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref>]''|240px]] | |||
After a number of mixtapes, DJ Paul released his third solo studio album '']'' on October 22, 2012. He announced that the album is a mix of gangsta rap and crunk music, with it also incorporating influences from dubstep and electronic dance music. The album featured past collaborators ] and ], and also came with a bonus DVD including a self-titled short movie, music videos and behind the scenes footage. On November 26, 2013, ] released ''Volume 16: The Original Masters'', a remaster of his 1994 mixtape ''4 Da Summer of ’94'', on ]. | |||
In 1996, the group released '']'', its first non-] record. At the helm of Prophet, DJ Paul and Juicy J would produce and release a handful of albums of some of the label's other acts, including Gangsta Blac's ''Can It Be?'' and Kingpin Skinny Pimp's ''King of Da Playaz Ball'' in 1996. At the end of 1996, however, DJ Paul and Juicy J had a falling-out with Nick Scarfo, and a lengthy legal lawsuit ensued between the two sides over Prophet. It was at this time when Paul and Juicy laid the framework for ], their own independent label, which would become the powerhouse for Three 6 Mafia’s music. In 1997, Three 6 Mafia and Hypnotize Minds signed a distribution deal with ]. | |||
From 2009 through 2012, ] moved completely away from Three 6 Mafia to focus on his solo career. During this time he released a number of solo mixtapes such as ''Rubba Band Business'' and ''Blue Dream & Lean''. He also frequently collaborated with rapper ], appearing on a number of his mixtapes. In December 2011, ] confirmed that he was the newest member of ]'s ] imprint – as an A&R and one-third owner of the imprint.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.spin.com/articles/juicy-j-stay-trippy-three-6-mafia-comeback/ |title=Juicy J: Trippy Nonstop |publisher=SPIN |date= |accessdate=2015-10-09}}</ref> After releasing a series of singles, including the chart topping "]" which features ] and ], ] released his third solo studio album '']'' under ], ] and ] on August 27, 2013. Juicy J has since stated that he would still "love to" participate in a Three 6 Mafia album in the future.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25286/title.juicy-j-says-he-would-love-to-participate-in-a-three-6-mafia-album-in-the-future|title=Juicy J Says He Would "Love To" Participate In A Three 6 Mafia Album In The Future|author=|date=31 August 2013|work=HipHopDX|accessdate=19 March 2015}}</ref> | |||
===1997–2000: ''Chapter 2: World Domination'' and ''When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6 Sixty 1''=== | |||
In 2011, DJ Paul and Juicy J starred in ]'s cooking show '']'' together with seven other celebrities and eventually won first place.<ref>{{cite web|title=Danielle Staub and DJ Paul Named Winners of VH1′s Famous Food!|url=http://www.realitytea.com/2011/09/08/danielle-staub-and-dj-paul-named-winners-of-vh1s-famous-food/|publisher=Reality Tea|accessdate=30 December 2013 |date= September 8, 2011}}</ref> In an interview, published in July 2011<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.talkofthetown411.com/2011/07/three-6-mafia-vh1-famous-foods-juicy-j.html |title= Three 6 Mafia VH1 Famous Foods Juicy J |website=TalkoftheTown411.com| accessdate= 27 July 2011}}</ref> DJ Paul cleared up some controversy from the show, involving ] best known from the ]. | |||
In 1997, after forming Hypnotize Minds, the group signed a deal with ] and began working on what would become its first ] album, '']''. Polishing up their darker sound for a more palatable aesthetic while still retaining their authenticity, ''Chapter 2: World Domination'' went on to reach ] Gold status, selling over 800,000 copies in the United States. The LP peaked at no. 40 on the ''Billboard'' Top 200. The LP included the club anthem "Tear Da Club Up". At this point in the group's evolution, DJ Paul and Juicy J began expanding their brand and focused on developing Hypnotize Minds. Along with Three 6 Mafia, they brought along several artists from Prophet in their transition to Hypnotize Minds, creating the Hypnotize Camp Posse, the successor of the Prophet Posse. Over the next few years, the new label would put out and the Prophet Posse's ], ] (trio of Project Pat, M.C. Mack and Scan Man)'s ''Kamakazie: Timez Up'', ]'s, ], Gangsta Boo's '']'', Project Pat's '']'', and Hypnotize Camp Posse's self titled album ('']''). | |||
In 1999, Tear da Club up Thugz, a subgroup of Three 6 Mafia members in the founding trio of DJ Paul, Juicy J, and Lord Infamous, released '']'', which is recognized as one of if not the first album made entirely in the "]" production style. The album included Juicy J's solo "Slob On My Knob" and went on to be certified Gold by the RIAA. ''CrazyNDaLazDayz'' peaked at no. 18 on the ''Billboard'' Top 200 music chart. Later that year, group member Koopsta Knicca's debut album, ''Da Devil's Playground: Underground Solo'', was released independently, although like all the Hypnotize Minds albums, was still produced by DJ Paul and Juicy J. | |||
===Da Mafia 6ix=== | |||
In 2013, it was announced that five of the six original members of Three 6 Mafia — ], ], ], ] and ] — were reuniting as Da Mafia 6ix, with plans to release an album which was scheduled for a March 2014 release. Recording began in Las Vegas in late 2013.<ref name="dm6">{{cite web|title=DJ Paul Announces Da Mafia 6ix Album Info|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25587/title.dj-paul-announces-da-mafia-6ix-album-info|publisher=HipHopDX|accessdate=2013-11-13}}</ref> On November 12, 2013, Da Mafia 6ix released their first mixtape '']''. The tape was almost entirely produced by DJ Paul and featured ], ], ], ], ] and ] affiliates ], Skinny Pimp and ], among others.<ref>{{cite web|title=Three 6 Mafia! Da Mafia 6ix! New Mixtape '6ix Commandments' |url=http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/24335/da-mafia-6ix-6ix-commandments.html|publisher=LiveMixtapes|accessdate=2013-11-13}}</ref> ] and ] also appeared as surprise guests on the posse song "Body Parts", being credited just as "& more" in the track listing. The mixtape was supported by the lead single "Go Hard" featuring Yelawolf.<ref>{{cite web|title=Da Mafia 6ix 'Go Hard' With Yelawolf (and Not Juicy J)|url=http://www.spin.com/articles/da-mafia-6ix-yelawolf-go-hard-stream-three-6-dj-paul/|publisher=] |accessdate= 2013-11-13}}</ref> The mixtape also received a retail release and debuted at number 34 on the US ''Billboard'' Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-albums?page=3 |title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums |publisher=Billboard |date= |accessdate=2015-10-09}}</ref> The group is managed by DJ Paul's management team, TBA Worldwide. | |||
In 2000, the group soared to new heights in the crunk music genre, carried by their most successful LP, '']''. The album went on to achieve RIAA Platinum status, a first for the group, and spawned the single "]", which featured ]. | |||
On December 21, 2013, founding group member ] died of a ] in his sleep at his mother's home in Memphis, Tennessee.<ref name="liref">{{cite web | url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/12/dj-paul-confirms-lord-infamous-died-mothers-house/ | title=DJ Paul Confirms Lord Infamous Died At His Mother’s House | publisher=XXL Magazine | accessdate=21 December 2013 | author=Diep, Eric}}</ref> Gangsta Boo would also leave the group in May 2014. DJ Paul explained it saying, "It was what we thought was going to be best for everybody. It just happened. Nobody forced nobody. It was a gut feeling."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.28690/title.dj-paul-reveals-gangsta-boo-s-departure-from-da-mafia-6ix|title=DJ Paul Reveals Gangsta Boo's Departure From Da Mafia 6ix|author=|date=29 May 2014|work=HipHopDX|accessdate=19 March 2015}}</ref> The reunited group's album, '']'', was released on March 17, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arena.com/article/dj-paul-announces-da-mafia-6ix-album-release-date|title=Home – Arena Music|publisher=Arena.com|accessdate=19 March 2015}}</ref> On October 9, 2015, group member ] died of a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/61558-three-6-mafias-koopsta-knicca-has-died/ |title=Three 6 Mafia's Koopsta Knicca Has Died | News |publisher=Pitchfork |date= |accessdate=2015-10-09}}</ref> On June 26, 2016 it was announced that Juicy J would be rejoining Three 6 Mafia at the 2016 Gathering Of The Juggalos. | |||
2000 represented a troubling year for the group. The Prophet Posse, which to this point had still been working closely with Hypnotize Minds in an auxiliary-type relationship, disbanded, and its members who had not made the transition to Hypnotize Minds ceased making music with Three 6 Mafia and the rest of Hypnotize Minds. Moreover, group member Koopsta Knicca was forced out of Three 6 Mafia due to ongoing legal issues, which culminated with his 2000 robbery incarceration, which voided his contract with Sony and forbade him from recording with the group.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/editorials/id.3066/title.koopsta-knicca-a-tragic-loss-for-hip-hop|title=Koopsta Knicca: A Tragic Loss for Hip Hop|date=October 14, 2015|website=HipHopDX|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> Koopsta Knicca was notably absent from the album cover of ''When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6 Sixty 1'' and music videos that accompanied tracks on the album because of his incarceration, despite still being a member of the group at the time of the album's release. | |||
==Members== | |||
===2001–2004: ''Choices'' and ''Da Unbreakables''=== | |||
===Current Members=== | |||
Despite losing Koopsta Knicca from its ranks and cutting ties officially with Prophet, Three 6 Mafia and Hypnotize Minds were still successful. In 2001, the group released the soundtrack to the DJ Paul, Juicy J and Hypnotize Minds-produced film, ''Choices''. The soundtrack was released as a studio album and ('']''), kept the Three 6 name and Hypnotize Minds brand growing. Moreover, Juicy and Paul successfully positioned Project Pat to become the new star of Hypnotize Minds, with his 2001 LP '']'' hitting #4 on the ] and being certified Gold by the RIAA, being thus far the only Three 6 Mafia affiliate or member to release an RIAA-certified solo album. | |||
*] (1991—2011, 2013–present) | |||
2001 also saw Gangsta Boo leave Three 6 Mafia following the release of ''Choices: The Album'', citing a variety of reasons including group dynamics, religion, alleged financial mismanagement and her desire to pursue a solo career.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1451101/three-6-mafias-gangsta-boo-finds-god-becomes-lady-boo/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021080443/http://www.mtv.com/news/1451101/three-6-mafias-gangsta-boo-finds-god-becomes-lady-boo/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 21, 2014|title=Three 6 Mafia's Gangsta Boo Finds God, Becomes Lady Boo|last=Archive-Soren-Baker|website=MTV News|language=en|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vladtv.com/article/166455/gangsta-boo-reveals-why-she-left-three-6-mafia|title=EXCLUSIVE: Gangsta Boo Reveals Why She Left Three 6 Mafia and Hypnotize Minds|website=www.vladtv.com|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> | |||
*] (1991—2011; 2016—present) | |||
*] (1995–2006, 2013—present) | |||
In 2002, Juicy J and DJ Paul re-released their remastered and dramatically updated "Vol. 10" and "Vol. 16" albums respectively as '']'', and '']''. These LPs represented their solo studio LP debuts and the last piece of some of their older sound, effectively giving way to full on Crunk. | |||
In 2003, the latest incarnation of Three 6 Mafia, DJ Paul, Juicy J, Lord Infamous, and Crunchy Black, released their album '']''. Spawning hit singles such as "Ridin' Spinners" and "Testin' My Gangsta", the album was a success, with the RIAA certifying it Gold by the RIAA. In 2004, Three 6 Mafia began to mobilize for what would become their domination over hip-hop. They were working on a sequel to their 2001 film, as well as another studio LP. But DJ Paul, Juicy J, and Hypnotize Minds's ], were about to ink a deal with the directors of '']'' to write the original track ‘It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp‘ for the film that would ultimately result in the group winning an ]. | |||
===2005–2006: Academy Award, ''Choices II: The Setup'' and ''Most Known Unknown''=== | |||
During 2005, many members had left including Lord Infamous, and with that even more affiliates, but other acts such as Project Pat and Frayser Boy cropped up as successes to keep the camp moving forward. This moving forward reached its zenith in 2005–06 for Three 6 Mafia, wherein they became superstars of hip-hop. Firstly, they dropped the sequel to their ''Choices'' movie, '']'', and a studio album to go along with it that sold 400,000 copies. Secondly, they released their most commercially successful LP, '']'', which charted at #3 on the Top 200 and went on to sell 1,600,000 copies in the United States, becoming their second album to go Platinum in America and their best selling overall. The LP featured 3 successful singles: "]", "]", and "]". "Stay Fly" is Three 6 Mafia's most commercially successful song, being certified Double Platinum in America. The song featured ] and ]. The song also peaked at no. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 music charts. "Poppin' My Collar", the remix which featured Project Pat, was certified Platinum by the RIAA and peaked at no. 21 on the Billboard Top 100. Also in 2005, they released an additional film, the comedy, ''Clean Up Men''. | |||
Three 6 Mafia's rise came to a head in 2006 when they became the first hip hop group to win the ] with "]" (which they co-wrote with Frayser Boy) as one of the theme songs for ''Hustle & Flow''. They were also the first hip hop group to perform at the ceremony, which they did with ''Hustle & Flow'' actress ] reprising her chorus.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.xxlmag.com/news/latest-headlines/2006/03/three-6-mafia-wins-oscar/ |title = Three 6 Mafia and Hypnotize Minds Wins Oscar |date = March 6, 2006 |publisher = xxxlmag.com}}</ref> Right before presenter ] announced that they had won, she chuckled and sang the refrain from the song. The energy from DJ Paul, Juicy J, Crunchy Black, and Frayser Boy's on-stage presence and acceptance speech was infectious, causing that year's Oscar host to quip "How come they're the most excited people here tonight? Why is that? They're thrilled! They're thrilled!.... ''That's'' how you accept an Oscar!"<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du_01sqzsck | title="It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" Wins Best Original Song | 78th Oscars (2006) | website=] | date=January 20, 2012 }}</ref>{{CN|date=January 2024}} | |||
===2007–2011: ''Last 2 Walk''=== | |||
On June 7, 2007, Sony announced the departure of Crunchy Black. He stated his primary reason for departing was to make a solo LP that DJ Paul and Juicy J had allegedly put off for years, as much of the material that he'd wanted on his solo LP was used for ''Most Known Unknown''. Crunchy also later cited frustration over alleged financial mismanagement.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://boxden.com/showthread.php?t=749693|title=Crunchy Black Interview And Why He Left 3-6 Mafia|website=boxden.com|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQJFgN3jCLs&list=UUSYZK3JnVse6_rmU8WKuIcg |title = Why Crunchy Blac left 3 6 Mafia million dollar question {{sic|fin|aly|nolink=y}} answered for fans |date = March 19, 2011 |publisher = YouTube.com|access-date=October 9, 2015}}</ref> Thereafter Three 6 Mafia consisted officially of DJ Paul and Juicy J. | |||
The pair was featured along with ] on fellow Memphis artist, ]'s single, "Chop Me Up" from his 2007 album ''].''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H305U0|title=FutureSex / LoveSounds: Justin Timberlake: Music|website=Amazon|access-date=March 2, 2011}}</ref>] | |||
In 2007, DJ Paul and Juicy J landed their own ] show, '']'', on ]. The show focused on the pair balancing fun and studio work after their Oscar win. Project Pat along with friends Big Triece & Computer co-starred. The show premiered on April 5, 2007 on MTV & aired for 1 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/adventures_in_hollyhood/series.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070318024603/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/adventures_in_hollyhood/series.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 18, 2007 |title=Adventures in Hollyhood (TV Series) |publisher=MTV |date=March 21, 2007 |access-date=October 11, 2015}}</ref> | |||
Three 6 Mafia released their 9th studio album '']'' on June 24, 2008, after multiple delays. The album featured collaborations with ], ], ], UGK, and 8Ball & MJG among others. | |||
After leaving Three 6 Mafia in 2005, Lord Infamous was featured on DJ Paul's second solo album '']'', which was released on May 5, 2009. Lord Infamous was featured on eight tracks. Juicy J's second solo album '']'' was released on June 16, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0026RLPYK |title=Hustle Till I Die: Juicy J: Music |website=Amazon |access-date=March 2, 2011}}</ref> The LP featured Project Pat and other rappers such as V-Slash, ], ] and ]. | |||
In 2011, DJ Paul and Juicy J starred in ]'s cooking show '']'' together with 7 other celebrities and eventually won 1st place.<ref>{{cite web|title=Danielle Staub and DJ Paul Named Winners of VH1′s Famous Food!|url=http://www.realitytea.com/2011/09/08/danielle-staub-and-dj-paul-named-winners-of-vh1s-famous-food/|publisher=Reality Tea|access-date=December 30, 2013 |date= September 8, 2011}}</ref> <ref name=":0">{{cite web|url= http://www.talkofthetown411.com/2011/07/three-6-mafia-vh1-famous-foods-juicy-j.html |title= Three 6 Mafia VH1 Famous Foods Juicy J |website=TalkoftheTown411.com| access-date= July 27, 2011}}</ref> DJ Paul cleared up some controversy from the show, involving ], best known from the ].<ref name=":0" /> | |||
In December 2011, Juicy J confirmed that he was the newest member of ]'s ] – as an A&R and co-owner.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/09/juicy-j-stay-trippy-three-6-mafia-comeback/|title=Juicy J: Trippy Nonstop|date=September 6, 2013|publisher=SPIN|access-date=October 9, 2015}}</ref> | |||
===2012–2018: Hiatus, Da Mafia 6ix, and independent endeavors=== | |||
By the end of 2012, Juicy J had moved completely away from Three 6 Mafia work to focus on his solo career. During this time he released a number of solo mixtapes such as ''Rubba Band Business'' and ''Blue Dream & Lean''. He also had begun frequently collaborating with Wiz Khalifa, appearing on a number of his mixtapes. | |||
After a number of mixtapes, DJ Paul released his third solo studio album '']'' on October 22, 2012. He announced that the album was a mix of gangsta rap and crunk music, with it also incorporating influences from dubstep and electronic dance music. The album featured past collaborator Gucci Mane, and also came with a bonus DVD including a self-titled short movie, music videos and behind the scenes footage. | |||
On November 26, 2013, DJ Paul released ''Volume 16: The Original Masters'', a remaster of his 1994 mixtape ''4 Da Summer of '94'', on ]. After releasing a series of singles, including the chart topping "]" which featured ] and ], Juicy J released his third solo studio album '']'' under Taylor Gang Records, ] and ] on August 27, 2013. Juicy J has since stated that he would still "love to" participate in a Three 6 Mafia album in the future.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25286/title.juicy-j-says-he-would-love-to-participate-in-a-three-6-mafia-album-in-the-future|title=Juicy J Says He Would "Love To" Participate In A Three 6 Mafia Album In The Future|date=August 31, 2013|work=HipHopDX|access-date=March 19, 2015}}</ref> | |||
In 2013, it was announced that five of the six original members of Three 6 Mafia – DJ Paul, Crunchy Black, Koopsta Knicca, Lord Infamous and Gangsta Boo – were reuniting to form a new group, to be known as Da Mafia 6ix, with plans to release an album which was scheduled for a March 2014 release. At the time of the formation of Da Mafia 6ix, DJ Paul clarified that the collective was "not a Three 6 Mafia reunion" and described it as "a totally new group".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.24236/title.dj-paul-confirms-a-reunion-of-three-6-mafia-members-with-new-group-name|title=DJ Paul Confirms A Reunion Of Three 6 Mafia Members, With New Group Name|work=HipHopDX|access-date=June 26, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> The new group opted for a style reflecting their roots, focusing largely on the horrorcore foundations of their early works. Recording began in ] in late 2013.<ref name="dm6">{{cite web|title=DJ Paul Announces Da Mafia 6ix Album Info|date=September 28, 2013|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25587/title.dj-paul-announces-da-mafia-6ix-album-info|publisher=HipHopDX|access-date=November 13, 2013}}</ref> On November 12, 2013, Da Mafia 6ix released their first mixtape '']''. The tape was almost entirely produced by DJ Paul and featured 8Ball & MJG, ], ], ] and old ] affiliates Kingpin Skinny Pimp and La Chat, among others.<ref>{{cite web|title=Three 6 Mafia! Da Mafia 6ix! New Mixtape '6ix Commandments' |url=http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/24335/da-mafia-6ix-6ix-commandments.html|publisher=LiveMixtapes|access-date=November 13, 2013}}</ref> Juicy J and Project Pat also appeared as surprise guests on the posse song "Body Parts", being credited just as "& more" in the track listing. The mixtape was supported by the lead single "Go Hard".<ref>{{cite web|title=Da Mafia 6ix 'Go Hard' With Yelawolf (and Not Juicy J)|date=October 2013|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/10/da-mafia-6ix-yelawolf-go-hard-stream-three-6-dj-paul/|publisher=] |access-date= November 13, 2013}}</ref> The mixtape also received a retail release and debuted at number 34 on the US ''Billboard'' Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-albums?page=3 |title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums |publisher=Billboard |access-date=October 9, 2015}}</ref> The group is managed by DJ Paul's management team, TBA Worldwide. | |||
On December 20, 2013, Lord Infamous died of a ] at home in Memphis.<ref name="liref">{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/12/dj-paul-confirms-lord-infamous-died-mothers-house/|title=DJ Paul Confirms Lord Infamous Died At His Mother's House|author=Diep, Eric|publisher=XXL Magazine|access-date=December 21, 2013}}</ref> | |||
Gangsta Boo would leave Da Mafia 6ix in May 2014. DJ Paul explained it saying, "It was what we thought was going to be best for everybody. It just happened. Nobody forced nobody. It was a gut feeling."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.28690/title.dj-paul-reveals-gangsta-boo-s-departure-from-da-mafia-6ix|title=DJ Paul Reveals Gangsta Boo's Departure From Da Mafia 6ix|date=May 29, 2014|work=HipHopDX|access-date=March 19, 2015}}</ref> The reunited group's debut album, '']'', featured the three remaining members of the group as well as Lord Infamous, who appeared on a handful of tracks through several verses he had recorded prior to his death. The album was released on March 17, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arena.com/article/dj-paul-announces-da-mafia-6ix-album-release-date|title=Home – Arena Music|publisher=Arena.com|access-date=March 19, 2015|archive-date=January 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108175527/https://arena.com/article/dj-paul-announces-da-mafia-6ix-album-release-date|url-status=dead}}</ref> A month later, Crunchy Black was arrested for drug possession in Las Vegas. He had an outstanding arrest warrant stemming from a domestic violence charge and was sentenced to a total of 7 months in prison.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2015/05/three-6-mafia-rapper-crunchy-black-sentenced-seven-months-prison/|title=Three 6 Mafia's Crunchy Black Sentenced to 7 Months in Prison - XXL|last=FD|first=Aicha|website=XXL Mag|date=May 2015 |language=en|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> | |||
On October 9, 2015, Koopsta Knicca died after several days in urgent care following a ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/61558-three-6-mafias-koopsta-knicca-has-died/|title=Three 6 Mafia's Koopsta Knicca Has Died | News|date=October 9, 2015|publisher=Pitchfork|access-date=October 9, 2015}}</ref> | |||
===2019–present: Reunion performances and tour=== | |||
In August 2019, group leaders DJ Paul and Juicy J announced they would soon be reviving Three 6 Mafia and reuniting for performances together for the first time in several years.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Juicy J Announces Three 6 Mafia Reunion Shows|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/08/juicy-j-announces-three-6-mafia-reunion-tour|access-date=December 1, 2020|website=Complex|language=en}}</ref> The slate of performances kicked off with a show on October 12, 2019 at the ] in the ], where the group hails from. The performance featured many of the group's biggest hits and included the other two living members of the original group, Crunchy Black and Gangsta Boo, as well as three fellow Hypnotize Camp Posse members who were so synonymous with the group that they were often incorrectly or unofficially labeled as members, Project Pat and La Chat.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jackson|first=Phillip|title=Three 6 Mafia reminds fans of what used to be during 2019 reunion tour|url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2019/10/13/three-six-mafia-gives-nostalgic-performance-during-reunion-tour/3948343002/|access-date=December 1, 2020|website=The Commercial Appeal|language=en-US}}</ref> The series of performances, mostly taking place in the ], continued into 2020, and were successful to the point where DJ Paul and Juicy announced on February 12 an organized official reunion tour at locations across the United States would begin the following month.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Mendez|first1=Marisa|date=February 12, 2020|title=Three 6 Mafia Announce Official Reunion Tour Dates|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/three-6-mafia-reunion-tour-dates/|access-date=December 1, 2020|website=XXL Mag|language=en}}</ref> In April, the ] forced the postponement of the remainder of the tour. | |||
The reunion performances and subsequent tour have further fueled speculation that Three 6 Mafia may come out with new music or ultimately a tenth studio album, but no timetable has been revealed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.935kday.com/2018/10/02/dj-paul-juicy-j-looking-to-reunite-for-more-three-6-mafia-music/|title=DJ Paul & Juicy J Looking To Reunite For More Three 6 Mafia Music|date=October 2, 2018|website=935kday.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 8, 2019|title=DJ Paul Addresses Possibility Of New Three 6 Mafia Album Amid Reunion Tour|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.52736/title.dj-paul-addresses-possibility-of-new-three-6-mafia-album-amid-reunion-tour|access-date=December 1, 2020|website=HipHopDX}}</ref> | |||
On December 2, 2021, Three 6 Mafia competed in a '']'' battle with longtime rival group ]. DJ Paul, Juicy J, Crunchy Black, and Gangsta Boo all took part as the living representatives of the Mafia, as did all five members of Bone Thugs. Juicy J and Bizzy Bone had a verbal altercation during the event which resulted in Bizzy throwing a bottle at Juicy J and being briefly escorted off stage, before returning and apologizing to continue the show without incident. The event was highly acclaimed as one of the series' best events to date, seen as more of a celebration of old-school hip hop than a fight for supremacy. | |||
Gangsta Boo was found dead at her mother's home on January 1, 2023, at the age of 43. DJ Paul confirmed her death via Instagram. Her cause of death was later revealed to be an ] with ], ] and ] found in her system.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/gangsta-boos-cause-of-death-revealed/ | title=Gangsta Boo's Cause of Death Revealed | website=] | date=June 15, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.tmz.com/2023/01/01/three-6-mafia-gangsta-boo-dead-dies/ | title=Three 6 Mafia's Gangsta Boo Dead at 43, Possible Overdose|newspaper=TMZ }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2023 |title=Memphis rapper "Gangsta Boo" found dead, Three 6 Mafia group founder confirms |url=https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/local/memphis-rapper-gangsta-boo-found-dead-three-6-mafia-group-founder-confirms/I32NPSK5DNGCTCEGL7R5HELNCA/ |access-date=January 1, 2023 |website=FOX13 News Memphis |language=en}}</ref> | |||
==Members== | |||
===Members=== | |||
*] (1991–2012, 2019–present) | |||
*] (1991–2012, 2019–present) | |||
*Crunchy Black (1991–2006, 2019–present) | |||
=== |
===Past members=== | ||
*] (1991–2005 |
*] † (1991–2005; died 2013) | ||
* |
*Koopsta Knicca † (1994–2000; died 2015) | ||
*] ( |
*] † (1994–2001, 2019–2023; died 2023) | ||
===Timeline=== | ===Timeline=== | ||
<div style="float:left;"> | |||
<timeline> | <timeline> | ||
ImageSize = width: |
ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:25 | ||
PlotArea = left: |
PlotArea = left:120 bottom:60 top:0 right:60 | ||
Alignbars = justify | Alignbars = justify | ||
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy | DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy | ||
Period = from:1991 till: |
Period = from:1991 till:11/11/2023 | ||
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy | TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy | ||
Colors = | Colors = | ||
id:vocals value: |
id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals | ||
id:prod value: |
id:prod value:purple legend:Production | ||
id:lines value:black legend:Studio_albums | |||
id:lines2 value:gray(0.75) legend:Other_releases | |||
id:bars value:gray(0.9) | id:bars value:gray(0.9) | ||
Line 112: | Line 154: | ||
BackgroundColors = bars:bars | BackgroundColors = bars:bars | ||
ScaleMajor = increment: |
ScaleMajor = increment:3 start:1991 | ||
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1991 | |||
LineData = | |||
BarData = | |||
at:05/25/1995 color:lines layer:back | |||
at:12/03/1996 color:lines layer:back | |||
at:11/04/1997 color:lines layer:back | |||
at:06/13/2000 color:lines layer:back | |||
at:08/28/2001 color:lines layer:back | |||
at:06/24/2003 color:lines layer:back | |||
at:03/29/2005 color:lines layer:back | |||
at:09/27/2005 color:lines layer:back | |||
at:06/24/2008 color:lines layer:back | |||
at:12/24/1994 color:lines2 layer:back | |||
at:11/21/1995 color:lines2 layer:back | |||
at:02/24/1998 color:lines2 layer:back | |||
at:02/02/1999 color:lines2 layer:back | |||
at:01/25/2000 color:lines2 layer:back | |||
at:02/15/2002 color:lines2 layer:back | |||
BarData = | |||
bar:Paul text:"DJ Paul" | bar:Paul text:"DJ Paul" | ||
bar: |
bar:J text:"Juicy J" | ||
bar: |
bar:Infamous text:"Lord Infamous" † | ||
bar:Koopsta |
bar:Koopsta text:"Koopsta Knicca" † | ||
bar:Crunchy |
bar:Crunchy text:"Crunchy Black" | ||
bar:Boo text:"Gangsta Boo" | bar:Boo text:"Gangsta Boo" † | ||
PlotData= | PlotData= | ||
width: |
width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4) | ||
bar:Paul from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/ |
bar:Paul from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/2012 color:vocals | ||
bar:Paul from:01/01/ |
bar:Paul from:01/01/2019 till:end color:vocals | ||
bar:Paul from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/ |
bar:Paul from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/2012 color:prod width:3 | ||
bar:Paul from:01/01/ |
bar:Paul from:01/01/2019 till:end color:prod width:3 | ||
bar:J from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/ |
bar:J from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/2012 color:vocals | ||
bar:J from:01/01/ |
bar:J from:01/01/2019 till:end color:vocals | ||
bar: |
bar:J from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/2012 color:prod width:3 | ||
bar: |
bar:J from:01/01/2019 till:end color:prod width:3 | ||
bar: |
bar:Infamous from:01/01/1991 till:06/01/2005 color:vocals | ||
bar:Koopsta from:01/01/ |
bar:Koopsta from:01/01/1994 till:09/01/2000 color:vocals | ||
bar:Crunchy from:01/01/1995 till: |
bar:Crunchy from:01/01/1995 till:06/07/2006 color:vocals | ||
bar:Crunchy from:01/01/ |
bar:Crunchy from:01/01/2019 till:end color:vocals | ||
bar: |
bar:Boo from:01/01/1994 till:10/01/2001 color:vocals | ||
bar: |
bar:Boo from:01/01/2019 till:01/01/2023 color:vocals </timeline> | ||
bar:Boo from:01/01/1995 till:01/01/2001 color:vocals | |||
bar:Boo from:01/01/2013 till:05/29/2014 color:vocals | |||
===Posse=== | |||
</timeline> | |||
{{See also|Hypnotize Camp Posse|Prophet Posse|Three 6 Mafia discography#Posse Songs}}Three 6 Mafia never expanded beyond the six original members of the group, but it had an expanded version, known initially as ''Prophet Posse'' and later as ''Hypnotize Camp Posse'' (in reference to the Three 6 Mafia-created and sponsored labels, Prophet then Hypnotize Minds).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/hypnotize-camp-posse-mn0000826022|title=Hypnotize Camp Posse {{!}} Biography, Albums, Streaming Links|website=AllMusic|language=en-us|access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref> | |||
</div> | |||
{{clear}} | |||
Prophet Posse and Hypnotize Camp Posse are known for their ], which accompanied nearly every album release by Prophet and Hypnotize Minds from 1995 through 2005. | |||
*Grandaddy Souf (2004–2006) | |||
*] (1994–2012) | |||
*] (1994–1995, 1999–2003) | |||
*M.C. Mack (1994–2000) | |||
*Scan Man (1994–2000) | |||
*] (1994–2000) | |||
*K-Rock (1994–1998; died 2018) | |||
*Lil Pat (1994–2000) | |||
*T-Rock (1997–2001) | |||
*M-Child (1996–1999) | |||
*Chrome (2005–2008) | |||
*Nigga Creep (1997–2000; died 2000) | |||
*Kingpin Skinny Pimp (1994–1996) | |||
*] (1996–1998) | |||
*Gangsta Blac (1994–1996) | |||
*] (1994–1995) | |||
*] (1999–2000) | |||
*Droopy Drew Dog (1997–1998) | |||
==Discography== | ==Discography== | ||
{{Main|Three 6 Mafia discography}} | {{Main|Three 6 Mafia discography}} | ||
'''Studio albums''' | |||
* '']'' (1995) | |||
* |
*'']'' (1995) | ||
* |
*'']'' (1996) | ||
* |
*'']'' (1997) | ||
* |
*'']'' (2000) | ||
* |
*'']'' (2001) | ||
* |
*'']'' (2003) | ||
* |
*'']'' (2005) | ||
* |
*'']'' (2005) | ||
*'']'' (2008) | |||
* '']'' (2015) | |||
'''Subgroup albums''' | |||
==Filmography== | |||
* '']'' <small>as Tear Da Club Up Thugs</small> (1999) | |||
* '']'' <small>as Da Mafia 6ix</small> (2015) | |||
'''Posse albums''' | |||
*'']'' <small>as ]</small> (1998) | |||
*'']'' <small>as ]</small> (2000) | |||
'''Collaborative albums''' | |||
*'']'' <small>with ] as Da Headbussaz</small> (2002) | |||
*'']'' <small>with Insane Clown Posse as The Killjoy Club</small> (2014) | |||
==Filmography== | |||
===Feature films=== | ===Feature films=== | ||
*'']'' (2001) | *'']'' (2001) | ||
*'']'' (2005) | |||
*'']'' (2005) "It's Hard Out Here For a Pimp" is the official song to the movie. | |||
*''Clean Up Men'' (2005) | |||
*'']'' (2006) They made an appearance within the movie, where they paid ] $200 to eat horse dung. | |||
===Film appearances=== | |||
*'']'' (2005) – "]" is the official song of the movie | |||
*'']'' (2006) – they made an appearance in the movie, where they pay ] $200 to eat horse dung | |||
*'']'' (2006) – "It's a Fight" is on the official soundtrack to the movie. | *'']'' (2006) – "It's a Fight" is on the official soundtrack to the movie. | ||
*'']'' (2007) | *'']'' (2007) | ||
*'']'' (2012) "Azz and Tittiez" | *'']'' (2012) – "Azz and Tittiez" is on the official soundtrack to the movie | ||
*'']'' (2005) | |||
===Television series=== | ===Television series=== | ||
*'' |
*'']'' (2007) | ||
*''] |
*'']'' (2011) | ||
===Television appearances=== | |||
*'']'' (2002) | |||
*'']'' (2003) | |||
*''] Deep South'' (2005) – episode 307 | |||
*'']'' (2006) | *'']'' (2006) | ||
*'']'' (2006) – episode was banned due to controversy after the first time it aired | *'']'' (2006) – episode was banned due to controversy after the first time it aired | ||
*'']'' (2006) | *'']'' (2006) | ||
*'']'' (2006) – episode: "Pilot" – musical guest on the fictional sketch comedy show within ''Studio 60'' | *'']'' (2006) – episode: "Pilot" – musical guest on the fictional sketch comedy show within ''Studio 60'' | ||
*'']'' (2006) – performed Some Bodies Gonna Get It (a song they made for WWE Wrestler ] from the album ]) live when ] wrestled ] in May 2006 |
*'']'' (2006) – performed "Some Bodies Gonna Get It" (a song they made for WWE Wrestler ] from the album ]) live when ] wrestled ] in May 2006. Henry continues to use the song as his entrance music. | ||
*'']'' (2006) – in the episode |
*'']'' (2006) – in the episode "What about Bob?" | ||
*'']'' (2006) Three 6 Mafia was the musical performance at the party | *'']'' (2006) Three 6 Mafia was the musical performance at the party | ||
*'']'' (2006) – season 12, episode 7 | |||
*'']'' (2006) | *'']'' (2006) | ||
*'']'' (2006) – episode: "Celebrity Séance" | *'']'' (2006) – episode: "Celebrity Séance" | ||
*'']'' (2007) – episode #2 | |||
*'']'' (2006) – Three 6 Mafia rapped at a party on episode 1 of season 1 | *'']'' (2006) – Three 6 Mafia rapped at a party on episode 1 of season 1 | ||
*'']'' (2006) – Juicy J sets up DJ Paul | |||
*] (2007) | |||
*'']'' (2007) – episode 2 | |||
*'']'' (2007) – Spring Break edition | *'']'' (2007) – Spring Break edition | ||
*'']'' (2007) |
*'']'' (2007) | ||
*'']'' (2007) | *'']'' (2007) – season 3, episode 2 | ||
*''Beauty and the |
*'']'' (2007) – episode 2 DJ Paul and Juicy J are judges in a rapping contest between the geeks | ||
*'']'' (2008) Juicy J and DJ Paul perform "Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body)" on the CBS drama | *'']'' (2008) – Juicy J and DJ Paul perform "Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body)" on the CBS drama | ||
*'']'' ( |
*'']'' (2008) – Juicy J and DJ Paul perform "Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body)" | ||
*], episode: "Learn From Your Mistakes" Three 6 Mafia interviewed Paris Hilton's Potential BFF's | |||
*'']'' (2008) Juicy J and DJ Paul perform "Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body)" | |||
*'']'' (2010) – Three 6 Mafia performs "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp" | |||
*''] (2007) | |||
*''Los Twiins'' (2010) – episode 4 | |||
*'']'' (2009) episode: "Learn From Your Mistakes" Three 6 Mafia interviewed Paris Hilton's Potential BFF's | |||
*] (2021) – Battled ] | |||
*'']'' (2010) Three 6 Mafia performs "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp" | |||
*''Los Twiins'' (2010) Episode 04 | |||
===DVDs=== | ===DVDs=== | ||
Line 204: | Line 303: | ||
*''Ultimate Video Collection'' (2006) | *''Ultimate Video Collection'' (2006) | ||
==Musical inclusions in video games== | |||
===Original television series=== | |||
*'']'' – "Who I Iz" | |||
*'']'' (2007) | |||
*''Three 6 Mafia's Adventures in Spring Break'' (2007) | |||
*'']'' (2011) | |||
==Video games== | |||
*'']'' – "Who I Iz" | |||
*'']'' – "Who Gives a Fuck Where You From (Radio Edit)" | *'']'' – "Who Gives a Fuck Where You From (Radio Edit)" | ||
*'']'' – "Shove It (Three 6 Mafia Remix)" (] featuring ]) | *'']'' – "Shove It (Three 6 Mafia Remix)" (] featuring ]) | ||
*''], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] |
*''], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] for ]'s theme music – "Some Bodies Gonna Get It" | ||
==Awards and nominations== | ==Awards and nominations== | ||
Line 275: | Line 369: | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist |
{{Reflist}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|Three 6 Mafia}} | |||
* | |||
{{Wikiquote}} | |||
* | |||
*{{IMDb name|1437815}} | *{{IMDb name|1437815}} | ||
{{Three 6 Mafia}} | {{Three 6 Mafia|state=collapsed}} | ||
{{DJ Paul}} | |||
{{Juicy J}} | |||
{{Lord Infamous}} | |||
{{American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Band/Duo/Group}} | |||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
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Latest revision as of 14:41, 24 December 2024
American hip-hop group
Three 6 Mafia | |
---|---|
DJ Paul, Koopsta Knicca, Crunchy Black, Lord Infamous, Juicy J, and Gangsta Boo | |
Background information | |
Also known as |
|
Origin | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
Genres | |
Discography | Three 6 Mafia discography |
Years active |
|
Labels | |
Members | DJ Paul Juicy J Crunchy Black |
Past members | Lord Infamous (deceased) Koopsta Knicca (deceased) Gangsta Boo (deceased) |
Three 6 Mafia is an American hip hop group from Memphis, Tennessee, formed in 1991. Emerging as a horror-themed underground hip hop group, they went on to enjoy mainstream success. The group's 1995 debut album Mystic Stylez became an influential cult classic. They have released music on independent labels such as Prophet Entertainment and their own Hypnotize Minds label, as well as Relativity, Loud, and Columbia Records.
Two of their albums are RIAA-certified platinum: When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1 (2000) and Most Known Unknown (2005), the latter featured their hit single "Stay Fly". In 2006 the group won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 78th Academy Awards for their song "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp" from the film Hustle & Flow. The group's latest studio album, Last 2 Walk, was released in 2008. Three 6 Mafia's worldwide album sales stand at 5.5 million as of 2016.
History
1988–1990: Origins
Three 6 Mafia's founding members became musicians at young ages. In 1988, DJ Paul, at age 13, was taking piano lessons, and his half-brother, Lord Infamous, age 15, was a singer practicing bass and electric guitar. The two would compose songs together, with Paul playing piano and drums while Infamous played bass and guitar and sang.
At the same time, in North Memphis, Tennessee, Juicy J, at age 13, was learning how to DJ as well as rap. He had initially wanted to be a singer, but in the late 1980s and early 1990s he fell in love with the gangsta rap style, and he, like his future founding group members across town, wanted to make music like popular artists at the time such as N.W.A and Geto Boys.
In 1989, DJ Paul and Lord Infamous formed the duo "Da Serial Killaz". It was at this time they distributed their own mixtapes of popular songs at school, and Lord Infamous had started rapping with his signature triple time flow. Juicy J was also creating his own mixes by this time but was not putting his raps on tapes just yet.
1991–1992: The beginning
By 1991, DJ Paul had already begun to make a name for himself in the local hip-hop scene through DJing at local clubs, such as Club 380 Beale, where he got his first opportunity to perform. His mixtapes, which were gradually evolving to include more and more original content of "Da Serial Killaz", also helped spread word of his talents. At the time, the hip hop scene in Memphis had not taken a fully fledged form yet, but early works by artists such as DJ Spanish Fly and DJ Squeeky were hinting at what was to come. Meanwhile, Lord Infamous was still rapping and evolving his lyrical style. In North Memphis, Juicy J was slowly building a name for himself as well, now that he was making his own songs and distributing them with his mixtapes, as well as DJing at local clubs with his mentor.
That same year, DJ Paul and Juicy J first crossed paths after Juicy sought out Paul in 1991 for help making beats. The two quickly grew fond of each-other's musical styles and the two subsequently teamed up with Lord Infamous to form the group "The Backyard Posse". DJ Paul and Lord Infamous still continued work as "Da Serial Killaz" by themselves, and in 1992 released the first legitimate original recording to come out of the eventual Three 6 Mafia camp, "Portrait of a Serial Killa". Featuring dark beats by Paul and horrorcore-styled lyrics from Lord Infamous and DJ Paul, this tape is recognized in its raw form as a pioneering work of horrorcore hip hop. Juicy J in the meantime released his debut hard copy mixtape, Volume 5, that same year, as well as his seminal track in its original form, "Slob on My Knob".
1993–1996: Debut, Mystic Stylez and Chapter 1: The End
The first notable release from members of the group that dropped in 1993 was DJ Paul and Lord Infamous's Come With Me to Hell, which featured original forms of future Three 6 Mafia hits such as "Tear da Club Up" and "Porno Movie". Paul's "DJ Paul Volume 12" mixtape was also released at this time. That same year, while recording music for "The Backyard Posse", Lord Infamous rapped a line referring to his crew as the "Triple Six Mafia". The group later adopted the name, seeing that the name more closely matched the bleak and dark imagery of their music.
Juicy J had yet to release a notable work of his own at this point, but in 1994 that would change with Vol. 9: It's On and Vol. 10: Chronicles of the Juice Manne. Similar to Paul and Infamous's works the previous year, these tapes featured what would turn out to be some of the framework of future hit songs.
Also in 1994, the group added its fourth official member, rapper Koopsta Knicca (Robert Cooper Phillips). Following the addition, the group released their first unified release with the mixtape Smoked Out, Loced Out, which featured fellow budding local rappers Gangsta Blac, Kingpin Skinny Pimp, Lil Fly, 211, K-9, Lil Glock and S.O.G. That same year, Koopsta Knicca recorded the original version of what would become his first solo album, Da Devil's Playground.
1994 also marked a significant milestone for the group, when Paul and Juicy, alongside local entrepreneur Nick Scarfo, formed Prophet, their first imprint. Through the label, the Prophet Posse was created, which was a looser collective that consisted of several local Memphis rappers who associated closely with Paul and Juicy J and ultimately signed onto the label, but were not members of Triple 6 Mafia. It was at this time when Juicy J's older brother, Project Pat, emerged with his debut, Solo Tape.
In 1995 the group filled out when it officially added rappers Crunchy Black and Gangsta Boo. It was later this year when the group shifted its name to Three 6 Mafia and released its debut album Mystic Stylez on Prophet. The LP earned them widespread recognition and attention locally and in the southern underground hip hop scene, and as a result, Prophet landed a distribution deal with Select-O-Hits. The group's first song on the radio was "Da Summa".
In 1996, the group released Chapter 1: The End, its first non-lo-fi music record. At the helm of Prophet, DJ Paul and Juicy J would produce and release a handful of albums of some of the label's other acts, including Gangsta Blac's Can It Be? and Kingpin Skinny Pimp's King of Da Playaz Ball in 1996. At the end of 1996, however, DJ Paul and Juicy J had a falling-out with Nick Scarfo, and a lengthy legal lawsuit ensued between the two sides over Prophet. It was at this time when Paul and Juicy laid the framework for Hypnotize Minds, their own independent label, which would become the powerhouse for Three 6 Mafia’s music. In 1997, Three 6 Mafia and Hypnotize Minds signed a distribution deal with Relativity.
1997–2000: Chapter 2: World Domination and When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6 Sixty 1
In 1997, after forming Hypnotize Minds, the group signed a deal with Sony and began working on what would become its first RIAA certified album, Chapter 2: World Domination. Polishing up their darker sound for a more palatable aesthetic while still retaining their authenticity, Chapter 2: World Domination went on to reach RIAA Gold status, selling over 800,000 copies in the United States. The LP peaked at no. 40 on the Billboard Top 200. The LP included the club anthem "Tear Da Club Up". At this point in the group's evolution, DJ Paul and Juicy J began expanding their brand and focused on developing Hypnotize Minds. Along with Three 6 Mafia, they brought along several artists from Prophet in their transition to Hypnotize Minds, creating the Hypnotize Camp Posse, the successor of the Prophet Posse. Over the next few years, the new label would put out and the Prophet Posse's Body Parts, The Kaze (trio of Project Pat, M.C. Mack and Scan Man)'s Kamakazie: Timez Up, Indo G's, Angel Dust, Gangsta Boo's Enquiring Minds, Project Pat's Ghetty Green, and Hypnotize Camp Posse's self titled album (Three 6 Mafia Presents: Hypnotize Camp Posse).
In 1999, Tear da Club up Thugz, a subgroup of Three 6 Mafia members in the founding trio of DJ Paul, Juicy J, and Lord Infamous, released CrazyNDaLazDayz, which is recognized as one of if not the first album made entirely in the "crunk" production style. The album included Juicy J's solo "Slob On My Knob" and went on to be certified Gold by the RIAA. CrazyNDaLazDayz peaked at no. 18 on the Billboard Top 200 music chart. Later that year, group member Koopsta Knicca's debut album, Da Devil's Playground: Underground Solo, was released independently, although like all the Hypnotize Minds albums, was still produced by DJ Paul and Juicy J.
In 2000, the group soared to new heights in the crunk music genre, carried by their most successful LP, When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1. The album went on to achieve RIAA Platinum status, a first for the group, and spawned the single "Sippin' on Some Syrup", which featured UGK.
2000 represented a troubling year for the group. The Prophet Posse, which to this point had still been working closely with Hypnotize Minds in an auxiliary-type relationship, disbanded, and its members who had not made the transition to Hypnotize Minds ceased making music with Three 6 Mafia and the rest of Hypnotize Minds. Moreover, group member Koopsta Knicca was forced out of Three 6 Mafia due to ongoing legal issues, which culminated with his 2000 robbery incarceration, which voided his contract with Sony and forbade him from recording with the group. Koopsta Knicca was notably absent from the album cover of When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6 Sixty 1 and music videos that accompanied tracks on the album because of his incarceration, despite still being a member of the group at the time of the album's release.
2001–2004: Choices and Da Unbreakables
Despite losing Koopsta Knicca from its ranks and cutting ties officially with Prophet, Three 6 Mafia and Hypnotize Minds were still successful. In 2001, the group released the soundtrack to the DJ Paul, Juicy J and Hypnotize Minds-produced film, Choices. The soundtrack was released as a studio album and (Choices: The Album), kept the Three 6 name and Hypnotize Minds brand growing. Moreover, Juicy and Paul successfully positioned Project Pat to become the new star of Hypnotize Minds, with his 2001 LP Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin hitting #4 on the Billboard 200 and being certified Gold by the RIAA, being thus far the only Three 6 Mafia affiliate or member to release an RIAA-certified solo album. 2001 also saw Gangsta Boo leave Three 6 Mafia following the release of Choices: The Album, citing a variety of reasons including group dynamics, religion, alleged financial mismanagement and her desire to pursue a solo career.
In 2002, Juicy J and DJ Paul re-released their remastered and dramatically updated "Vol. 10" and "Vol. 16" albums respectively as Chronicles of the Juice Man, and Underground Volume 16: For da Summa. These LPs represented their solo studio LP debuts and the last piece of some of their older sound, effectively giving way to full on Crunk.
In 2003, the latest incarnation of Three 6 Mafia, DJ Paul, Juicy J, Lord Infamous, and Crunchy Black, released their album Da Unbreakables. Spawning hit singles such as "Ridin' Spinners" and "Testin' My Gangsta", the album was a success, with the RIAA certifying it Gold by the RIAA. In 2004, Three 6 Mafia began to mobilize for what would become their domination over hip-hop. They were working on a sequel to their 2001 film, as well as another studio LP. But DJ Paul, Juicy J, and Hypnotize Minds's Frayser Boy, were about to ink a deal with the directors of Hustle & Flow to write the original track ‘It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp‘ for the film that would ultimately result in the group winning an Oscar.
2005–2006: Academy Award, Choices II: The Setup and Most Known Unknown
During 2005, many members had left including Lord Infamous, and with that even more affiliates, but other acts such as Project Pat and Frayser Boy cropped up as successes to keep the camp moving forward. This moving forward reached its zenith in 2005–06 for Three 6 Mafia, wherein they became superstars of hip-hop. Firstly, they dropped the sequel to their Choices movie, Choices II: The Setup, and a studio album to go along with it that sold 400,000 copies. Secondly, they released their most commercially successful LP, Most Known Unknown, which charted at #3 on the Top 200 and went on to sell 1,600,000 copies in the United States, becoming their second album to go Platinum in America and their best selling overall. The LP featured 3 successful singles: "Side 2 Side", "Poppin' My Collar", and "Stay Fly". "Stay Fly" is Three 6 Mafia's most commercially successful song, being certified Double Platinum in America. The song featured 8Ball & MJG and Young Buck. The song also peaked at no. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 music charts. "Poppin' My Collar", the remix which featured Project Pat, was certified Platinum by the RIAA and peaked at no. 21 on the Billboard Top 100. Also in 2005, they released an additional film, the comedy, Clean Up Men.
Three 6 Mafia's rise came to a head in 2006 when they became the first hip hop group to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song with "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp" (which they co-wrote with Frayser Boy) as one of the theme songs for Hustle & Flow. They were also the first hip hop group to perform at the ceremony, which they did with Hustle & Flow actress Taraji P. Henson reprising her chorus. Right before presenter Queen Latifah announced that they had won, she chuckled and sang the refrain from the song. The energy from DJ Paul, Juicy J, Crunchy Black, and Frayser Boy's on-stage presence and acceptance speech was infectious, causing that year's Oscar host to quip "How come they're the most excited people here tonight? Why is that? They're thrilled! They're thrilled!.... That's how you accept an Oscar!"
2007–2011: Last 2 Walk
On June 7, 2007, Sony announced the departure of Crunchy Black. He stated his primary reason for departing was to make a solo LP that DJ Paul and Juicy J had allegedly put off for years, as much of the material that he'd wanted on his solo LP was used for Most Known Unknown. Crunchy also later cited frustration over alleged financial mismanagement. Thereafter Three 6 Mafia consisted officially of DJ Paul and Juicy J.
The pair was featured along with Timbaland on fellow Memphis artist, Justin Timberlake's single, "Chop Me Up" from his 2007 album FutureSex/LoveSounds.
In 2007, DJ Paul and Juicy J landed their own reality television show, Adventures in Hollyhood, on MTV. The show focused on the pair balancing fun and studio work after their Oscar win. Project Pat along with friends Big Triece & Computer co-starred. The show premiered on April 5, 2007 on MTV & aired for 1 season.
Three 6 Mafia released their 9th studio album Last 2 Walk on June 24, 2008, after multiple delays. The album featured collaborations with Akon, Good Charlotte, Lyfe Jennings, UGK, and 8Ball & MJG among others.
After leaving Three 6 Mafia in 2005, Lord Infamous was featured on DJ Paul's second solo album Scale-A-Ton, which was released on May 5, 2009. Lord Infamous was featured on eight tracks. Juicy J's second solo album Hustle Till I Die was released on June 16, 2009. The LP featured Project Pat and other rappers such as V-Slash, Gucci Mane, Webbie and Gorilla Zoe.
In 2011, DJ Paul and Juicy J starred in VH1's cooking show Famous Food together with 7 other celebrities and eventually won 1st place. In an interview, published in July 2011 DJ Paul cleared up some controversy from the show, involving Ashley Alexandra Dupré, best known from the Eliot Spitzer prostitution scandal.
In December 2011, Juicy J confirmed that he was the newest member of Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang – as an A&R and co-owner.
2012–2018: Hiatus, Da Mafia 6ix, and independent endeavors
By the end of 2012, Juicy J had moved completely away from Three 6 Mafia work to focus on his solo career. During this time he released a number of solo mixtapes such as Rubba Band Business and Blue Dream & Lean. He also had begun frequently collaborating with Wiz Khalifa, appearing on a number of his mixtapes.
After a number of mixtapes, DJ Paul released his third solo studio album A Person of Interest on October 22, 2012. He announced that the album was a mix of gangsta rap and crunk music, with it also incorporating influences from dubstep and electronic dance music. The album featured past collaborator Gucci Mane, and also came with a bonus DVD including a self-titled short movie, music videos and behind the scenes footage.
On November 26, 2013, DJ Paul released Volume 16: The Original Masters, a remaster of his 1994 mixtape 4 Da Summer of '94, on iTunes. After releasing a series of singles, including the chart topping "Bandz a Make Her Dance" which featured 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne, Juicy J released his third solo studio album Stay Trippy under Taylor Gang Records, Kemosabe Records and Columbia Records on August 27, 2013. Juicy J has since stated that he would still "love to" participate in a Three 6 Mafia album in the future.
In 2013, it was announced that five of the six original members of Three 6 Mafia – DJ Paul, Crunchy Black, Koopsta Knicca, Lord Infamous and Gangsta Boo – were reuniting to form a new group, to be known as Da Mafia 6ix, with plans to release an album which was scheduled for a March 2014 release. At the time of the formation of Da Mafia 6ix, DJ Paul clarified that the collective was "not a Three 6 Mafia reunion" and described it as "a totally new group". The new group opted for a style reflecting their roots, focusing largely on the horrorcore foundations of their early works. Recording began in Las Vegas in late 2013. On November 12, 2013, Da Mafia 6ix released their first mixtape 6iX Commandments. The tape was almost entirely produced by DJ Paul and featured 8Ball & MJG, Krayzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, SpaceGhostPurrp and old HCP affiliates Kingpin Skinny Pimp and La Chat, among others. Juicy J and Project Pat also appeared as surprise guests on the posse song "Body Parts", being credited just as "& more" in the track listing. The mixtape was supported by the lead single "Go Hard". The mixtape also received a retail release and debuted at number 34 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The group is managed by DJ Paul's management team, TBA Worldwide.
On December 20, 2013, Lord Infamous died of a heart attack at home in Memphis.
Gangsta Boo would leave Da Mafia 6ix in May 2014. DJ Paul explained it saying, "It was what we thought was going to be best for everybody. It just happened. Nobody forced nobody. It was a gut feeling." The reunited group's debut album, Watch What U Wish..., featured the three remaining members of the group as well as Lord Infamous, who appeared on a handful of tracks through several verses he had recorded prior to his death. The album was released on March 17, 2015. A month later, Crunchy Black was arrested for drug possession in Las Vegas. He had an outstanding arrest warrant stemming from a domestic violence charge and was sentenced to a total of 7 months in prison.
On October 9, 2015, Koopsta Knicca died after several days in urgent care following a stroke and intracranial aneurysm.
2019–present: Reunion performances and tour
In August 2019, group leaders DJ Paul and Juicy J announced they would soon be reviving Three 6 Mafia and reuniting for performances together for the first time in several years. The slate of performances kicked off with a show on October 12, 2019 at the Landers Center in the Memphis metropolitan area, where the group hails from. The performance featured many of the group's biggest hits and included the other two living members of the original group, Crunchy Black and Gangsta Boo, as well as three fellow Hypnotize Camp Posse members who were so synonymous with the group that they were often incorrectly or unofficially labeled as members, Project Pat and La Chat. The series of performances, mostly taking place in the Southeastern United States, continued into 2020, and were successful to the point where DJ Paul and Juicy announced on February 12 an organized official reunion tour at locations across the United States would begin the following month. In April, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the remainder of the tour.
The reunion performances and subsequent tour have further fueled speculation that Three 6 Mafia may come out with new music or ultimately a tenth studio album, but no timetable has been revealed.
On December 2, 2021, Three 6 Mafia competed in a Verzuz battle with longtime rival group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. DJ Paul, Juicy J, Crunchy Black, and Gangsta Boo all took part as the living representatives of the Mafia, as did all five members of Bone Thugs. Juicy J and Bizzy Bone had a verbal altercation during the event which resulted in Bizzy throwing a bottle at Juicy J and being briefly escorted off stage, before returning and apologizing to continue the show without incident. The event was highly acclaimed as one of the series' best events to date, seen as more of a celebration of old-school hip hop than a fight for supremacy.
Gangsta Boo was found dead at her mother's home on January 1, 2023, at the age of 43. DJ Paul confirmed her death via Instagram. Her cause of death was later revealed to be an accidental overdose with fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol found in her system.
Members
Members
- DJ Paul (1991–2012, 2019–present)
- Juicy J (1991–2012, 2019–present)
- Crunchy Black (1991–2006, 2019–present)
Past members
- Lord Infamous † (1991–2005; died 2013)
- Koopsta Knicca † (1994–2000; died 2015)
- Gangsta Boo † (1994–2001, 2019–2023; died 2023)
Timeline
Posse
See also: Hypnotize Camp Posse, Prophet Posse, and Three 6 Mafia discography § Posse SongsThree 6 Mafia never expanded beyond the six original members of the group, but it had an expanded version, known initially as Prophet Posse and later as Hypnotize Camp Posse (in reference to the Three 6 Mafia-created and sponsored labels, Prophet then Hypnotize Minds).
Prophet Posse and Hypnotize Camp Posse are known for their posse songs, which accompanied nearly every album release by Prophet and Hypnotize Minds from 1995 through 2005.
- Grandaddy Souf (2004–2006)
- Project Pat (1994–2012)
- La Chat (1994–1995, 1999–2003)
- M.C. Mack (1994–2000)
- Scan Man (1994–2000)
- The Kaze (1994–2000)
- K-Rock (1994–1998; died 2018)
- Lil Pat (1994–2000)
- T-Rock (1997–2001)
- M-Child (1996–1999)
- Chrome (2005–2008)
- Nigga Creep (1997–2000; died 2000)
- Kingpin Skinny Pimp (1994–1996)
- Indo G (1996–1998)
- Gangsta Blac (1994–1996)
- Lil Fly (1994–1995)
- Mr. Del (1999–2000)
- Droopy Drew Dog (1997–1998)
Discography
Main article: Three 6 Mafia discographyStudio albums
- Mystic Stylez (1995)
- Chapter 1: The End (1996)
- Chapter 2: World Domination (1997)
- When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1 (2000)
- Choices (2001)
- Da Unbreakables (2003)
- Choices II: The Setup (2005)
- Most Known Unknown (2005)
- Last 2 Walk (2008)
Subgroup albums
- CrazyNDaLazDayz as Tear Da Club Up Thugs (1999)
- Watch What U Wish... as Da Mafia 6ix (2015)
Posse albums
- Body Parts as Prophet Posse (1998)
- Hypnotize Camp Posse as Hypnotize Camp Posse (2000)
Collaborative albums
- Dat's How It Happen to'M with Fiend as Da Headbussaz (2002)
- Reindeer Games with Insane Clown Posse as The Killjoy Club (2014)
Filmography
Feature films
- Choices: The Movie (2001)
- Choices II: The Setup (2005)
- Clean Up Men (2005)
Film appearances
- Hustle & Flow (2005) – "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp" is the official song of the movie
- Jackass 2 (2006) – they made an appearance in the movie, where they pay Dave England $200 to eat horse dung
- Rocky Balboa (2006) – "It's a Fight" is on the official soundtrack to the movie.
- Jackass 2.5 (2007)
- The Campaign (2012) – "Azz and Tittiez" is on the official soundtrack to the movie
Television series
- Adventures in Hollyhood (2007)
- Famous Food (2011)
Television appearances
- Jackass (2002)
- Rap City (2003)
- Wildboyz Deep South (2005) – episode 307
- Flavor of Love (2006)
- MTV's Jamie Kennedy's Blowin' Up (2006) – episode was banned due to controversy after the first time it aired
- The Simple Life (2006)
- Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006) – episode: "Pilot" – musical guest on the fictional sketch comedy show within Studio 60
- WWE Friday Night SmackDown (2006) – performed "Some Bodies Gonna Get It" (a song they made for WWE Wrestler Mark Henry from the album WWE Wreckless Intent) live when Mark Henry wrestled Chris Benoit in May 2006. Henry continues to use the song as his entrance music.
- Entourage (2006) – in the episode "What about Bob?"
- My Super Sweet 16 (2006) Three 6 Mafia was the musical performance at the party
- MTV Cribs (2006) – season 12, episode 7
- 1 vs. 100 (2006)
- Criss Angel Mindfreak (2006) – episode: "Celebrity Séance"
- Rob & Big (2006) – Three 6 Mafia rapped at a party on episode 1 of season 1
- Punk'd (2006) – Juicy J sets up DJ Paul
- MTV Spring Break (2007)
- Wrestling Society X (2007) – episode 2
- Wild 'n Out (2007) – Spring Break edition
- The Andy Milonakis Show (2007)
- Mind of Mencia (2007) – season 3, episode 2
- Beauty and the Geek (2007) – episode 2 DJ Paul and Juicy J are judges in a rapping contest between the geeks
- Numb3rs (2008) – Juicy J and DJ Paul perform "Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body)" on the CBS drama
- The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2008) – Juicy J and DJ Paul perform "Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body)"
- Paris Hilton's My New BFF (2009) – season 2, episode: "Learn From Your Mistakes" Three 6 Mafia interviewed Paris Hilton's Potential BFF's
- The Mo'Nique Show (2010) – Three 6 Mafia performs "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp"
- Los Twiins (2010) – episode 4
- Verzuz (2021) – Battled Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
DVDs
- Choices: The Movie (2001)
- Choices II: The Setup (2005)
- Clean Up Men (2005)
- Ultimate Video Collection (2006)
Musical inclusions in video games
- Saint's Row – "Who I Iz"
- NFL Street – "Who Gives a Fuck Where You From (Radio Edit)"
- Fight Night Round 4 – "Shove It (Three 6 Mafia Remix)" (Santigold featuring Project Pat)
- WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, WWE '12, WWE '13, WWE 2K14, WWE 2K15, WWE 2K16, WWE 2K17 and WWE 2K18 for Mark Henry's theme music – "Some Bodies Gonna Get It"
Awards and nominations
Year | Awards | Category | Work | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
2006 | Academy Awards | Best Original Song | "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp" | Won |
BET Awards | Best Group | Three 6 Mafia | Nominated | |
MTV Video Music Awards | Best Hip-Hop Video | "Stay Fly" | Nominated | |
MTV2 Award | Nominated | |||
2007 | BET Awards | Best Group | Three 6 Mafia | Nominated |
2008 | American Music Awards | Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Band, Duo or Group | Three 6 Mafia | Won |
2009 | BET Awards | Best Group | Three 6 Mafia | Nominated |
2010 | International Dance Music Awards | Best Hip Hop Dance Track | "Feel It" | Nominated |
2012 | Memphis Music Hall of Fame | Inductee | Three 6 Mafia | Won |
References
- Birchmeier, Jason. "Three 6 Mafia - Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
- Birchmeier, Jason. "Mystic Stylez - Three 6 Mafia". AllMusic. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
- Baker, Soren (April 4, 2016). "Reunion Of Three 6 Mafia Members Juicy J, DJ Paul & Crunchy Black Only A Possibility". Hipopdx.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
- "DJ Paul on 'Seed of 6ix' Consisting of Lord Infamous' Son and Paul's Nephew (Part 1)". YouTube. December 16, 2018. Archived from the original on November 4, 2021. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
- "DJ Paul". Swisher Sweets Artist Project. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- "DJ Paul Reflects On Lord Infamous' Career & Founding Three 6 Mafia". HipHopDX. December 22, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- Goggans, Louis. "Q & A with DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia". Memphis Flyer. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- "The Essential... Three 6 Mafia". FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music. November 27, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- "DJ Paul Reflects On Lord Infamous' Career & Founding Three 6 Mafia". HipHopDX. December 22, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- Ford, Brody (October 31, 2016). "Criminally Underrated: Juicy J & Three 6 Mafia". UIC Radio. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- "Koopsta Knicca: A Tragic Loss for Hip Hop". HipHopDX. October 14, 2015. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- Archive-Soren-Baker. "Three 6 Mafia's Gangsta Boo Finds God, Becomes Lady Boo". MTV News. Archived from the original on October 21, 2014. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- "EXCLUSIVE: Gangsta Boo Reveals Why She Left Three 6 Mafia and Hypnotize Minds". www.vladtv.com. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- "Three 6 Mafia and Hypnotize Minds Wins Oscar". xxxlmag.com. March 6, 2006.
- ""It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" Wins Best Original Song | 78th Oscars (2006)". YouTube. January 20, 2012.
- "Crunchy Black Interview And Why He Left 3-6 Mafia". boxden.com. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- "Why Crunchy Blac left 3 6 Mafia million dollar question finaly [sic] answered for fans". YouTube.com. March 19, 2011. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
- "FutureSex / LoveSounds: Justin Timberlake: Music". Amazon. Retrieved March 2, 2011.
- "Adventures in Hollyhood (TV Series)". MTV. March 21, 2007. Archived from the original on March 18, 2007. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
- "Hustle Till I Die: Juicy J: Music". Amazon. Retrieved March 2, 2011.
- "Danielle Staub and DJ Paul Named Winners of VH1′s Famous Food!". Reality Tea. September 8, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
- ^ "Three 6 Mafia VH1 Famous Foods Juicy J". TalkoftheTown411.com. Retrieved July 27, 2011.
- "Juicy J: Trippy Nonstop". SPIN. September 6, 2013. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
- "Juicy J Says He Would "Love To" Participate In A Three 6 Mafia Album In The Future". HipHopDX. August 31, 2013. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
- "DJ Paul Confirms A Reunion Of Three 6 Mafia Members, With New Group Name". HipHopDX. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
- "DJ Paul Announces Da Mafia 6ix Album Info". HipHopDX. September 28, 2013. Retrieved November 13, 2013.
- "Three 6 Mafia! Da Mafia 6ix! New Mixtape '6ix Commandments'". LiveMixtapes. Retrieved November 13, 2013.
- "Da Mafia 6ix 'Go Hard' With Yelawolf (and Not Juicy J)". Spin. October 2013. Retrieved November 13, 2013.
- "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
- Diep, Eric. "DJ Paul Confirms Lord Infamous Died At His Mother's House". XXL Magazine. Retrieved December 21, 2013.
- "DJ Paul Reveals Gangsta Boo's Departure From Da Mafia 6ix". HipHopDX. May 29, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
- "Home – Arena Music". Arena.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2015. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
- FD, Aicha (May 2015). "Three 6 Mafia's Crunchy Black Sentenced to 7 Months in Prison - XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- "Three 6 Mafia's Koopsta Knicca Has Died | News". Pitchfork. October 9, 2015. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
- "Juicy J Announces Three 6 Mafia Reunion Shows". Complex. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- Jackson, Phillip. "Three 6 Mafia reminds fans of what used to be during 2019 reunion tour". The Commercial Appeal. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- Mendez, Marisa (February 12, 2020). "Three 6 Mafia Announce Official Reunion Tour Dates". XXL Mag. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- "DJ Paul & Juicy J Looking To Reunite For More Three 6 Mafia Music". 935kday.com. October 2, 2018.
- "DJ Paul Addresses Possibility Of New Three 6 Mafia Album Amid Reunion Tour". HipHopDX. September 8, 2019. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- "Gangsta Boo's Cause of Death Revealed". Pitchfork. June 15, 2023.
- "Three 6 Mafia's Gangsta Boo Dead at 43, Possible Overdose". TMZ.
- "Memphis rapper "Gangsta Boo" found dead, Three 6 Mafia group founder confirms". FOX13 News Memphis. January 1, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
- "Hypnotize Camp Posse | Biography, Albums, Streaming Links". AllMusic. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
External links
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