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{{short description|American hip-hop group}}
{{Primarysources|date=November 2006}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist 2
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Musicians -->
|Name = Three 6 Mafia
| name = Three 6 Mafia
|Img =Mafiaog-1-.jpg|100px
| background = group_or_band
|Img_capt = 1994 Underground Tape "Smoked Out Loced Out"
| image = Three_6_Mafia_full_group.jpg
|Background = group_or_band
| image_upright = 1.2
|Birth_name = Paul Beauregard, Jordan Houston, Ricky Dunigan, and Patrick Rasheed Houston
| caption = ], Koopsta Knicca, Crunchy Black, ], ], and ]
|Alias =
| alias = {{hlist|Triple Six Mafia|Tear Da Club Up Thugs|Backyard Posse|Da Mafia 6ix}}
|Birthday =
|Origin = ], ]<br>] | origin = ], U.S.
| genre = {{hlist|]|]|]|]|]|]|]}}
|Instruments = —
| discography = ]
|Genre = ], ], ], ], ]
| years_active = {{flatlist|
|Occupation(s) = ]
* 1991–2012
|Years_active = ]—Present
* 2019–present
|Label = ]/] (2003-2006)<br>](2000-2003)<br>](1997-2000)<br>] (1995-1997)
}}
|Related_acts = Hypnotize Camp Posse, Tear the Club Up Thugs, Da Headbussaz
| label = {{hlist|]|Prophet|]|]|]|]|]}}
|URL = http://www.triplesix.com/ , http://www.daunbreakables.com/
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
}}
| current_members = ]<br />]<br /> Crunchy Black
| past_members = ] (deceased) <small></small> <br />Koopsta Knicca (deceased) <small></small> <br />] (deceased) <small></small> <br />
}} }}


'''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''' (formerly known as Triple Six Mafia), is the first ] group from ], ] to go platinum, the second hip-hop act to be nominated for and win an ]. They are the originators of certain types of ] music. The group currently has four core members &mdash; ], ], ], and ] and once included ], ], and ] all of whom have left, or have been kicked out of the group. They commonly feature members of their extended collective of rappers, referenced to as the ] (as well as other names), in their projects.

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===
Three 6 Mafia started in 1993 with two brothers, DJ Paul and Lord Infamous who chose to collaborate with ] under the name Backyard Posse, then Triple 6 Mafia. The hip hop group formed through release of many ] off of their own record company ] (later renamed ] Records). During their early career, they also were able to propel the careers of several other rappers.
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.
In 1995, the group released its first official album, ''Mystic Stylez''. It had recorded this album by using the profits from its highly successful underground tape ''Smoked Out, Loced Out''. This was followed by the ''Live by Yo Rep'' EP, which took lyrical jabs at ] and their second album, ''Chapter 1: Da End''.
In 1997, they were signed to ], where they released the first major record release, ''Chapter 2: World Domination''. During this time, they were able to develop their technical style to gain some attention from major hip hop audiences with the single "Tear Da Club Up '97".


At 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>
At this point in the group's evolution, having signed to a major label and having scored an admirable hit single, group leaders ] and ] began extending their brand. They started by releasing group member solo albums (], ]), non-group member solo albums (], The Kaze) and also compilation-styled albums (], ], ] and ]). Around this time, they also released collections of tracks from earlier years (''Underground Vol. 1: 1991-1994'', ''Underground Vol. 2: Club Memphis'', ''Underground Vol. 3: Kings of Memphis'').


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.
In 2000, the official Three 6 Mafia follow-up to the Chapter 2 album, ''When the Smoke Clears'', was released. With the success of the lead single, ''Sippin’ on Some Syrup'' in a few non-Southern markets, the album debuted at number six on ]'s album charts. It received no ] airplay and little national radio rotation. This is the year Koopsta Knicca left the group.


===1991–1992: The beginning===
They later began work on the direct-to-video film, ''Choices: The Movie'', and affiliated solo albums. ''Choices'' and its accompanying soundtrack ('']'') were released in 2001. ] left the group this same year.
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.


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".
The year of 2002 saw two solo releases from the group's two producers. One from DJ Paul called '']'' and one called ''Chronicles of the Juice Man'' by Juicy J.


===1993–1996: Debut, ''Mystic Stylez'' and ''Chapter 1: The End''===
In 2003, Three 6 Mafia released the album ''Da Unbreakables'', which features collaborations with ], ] (from ]), ], ] and ]. The album produced the hit "]," which featured Lil' Flip.
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.
In 2005, the group released their follow up direct-to-video, ''Choices II: The Set Up'', and their highly anticipated album, ''Most Known Unknown''. It was notable that ] was missing from this album. The generally accepted reason was that he had been ]; however, Three 6 Mafia claimed he was on "holiday." Recently, he has officially returned to Three 6 Mafia. The album includes the hit "Stay Fly", featuring ] and ]. They also worked on the movie '']'', which would lead them to an award and released a ] album, ''Most Known Hits''.


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''.
On June 7, 2006, Sony officially acknowledged the departure of original Three 6 Mafia member, Crunchy Black. He stated his reason for departure was to make a solo album that DJ Paul and Juicy J had put off for years.
.


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''.
== Controversy ==
Their name has been a topic of controversy because of some people's belief that their name refers to the ]. They are known to have mentioned the ] in song topics and this, with their name, has potentially affected their amount of television and radio play (until their success with "]"). They have never claimed to worship ] however, and have said they are ]. The name's meaning is attributed to "it started with three people in the group, ended up with six, Three 6 Mafia" according to an interview with Juicy J. The group is now at 3 members again with ] in jail and ] filling in.


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]]
On the 1995 single, ''Live By Yo Rep'', the group had accused a Cleveland group, ], of stealing its style (a mix of quasi-harmonic rapping and blatant references to the ]). A rebuttal from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony came on the track "All Original" on their album, ''Art of War'', that speaks critical remarks against Three 6 Mafia. ] paid insult to Three 6 Mafia on the song "Notorious Thugs" with ].


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


===1997–2000: ''Chapter 2: World Domination'' and ''When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6 Sixty 1''===
Their 2005 single, ''Stay Fly'', was also referenced in the argument of Three 6 Mafia's Satanic "shoutouts" for the high pitched, almost female voice, in the background at the beginning of the song. The voice was assumed, by at least some, to be saying "Lucifer, Is My King, 'Til I Die". However, the track was actually derived from a classic ]/] singer, ]. The actual track says "You're my pride, you're my dream, you're my Dar-ling.
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.
==Awards==
On March 5, 2006, Three 6 Mafia made history as they became the first ] hip-hop group to win an ] and also became the first hip-hop artists to ever perform at the ceremony. The group was nominated for the song "]" from the '']'' soundtrack. This marked only the second time that a hip-hop act was nominated and won, following ]. The ]-winning members of Three 6 Mafia were credited by their real names, Jordan Houston (Juicy J) and Paul Beauregard (DJ Paul), along with Cedric Duane Coleman (Frayser Boy), although host ] did refer to them as Three 6 Mafia after their victory.


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 ].
==Trivia==
* Three 6 Mafia recorded a song, "Some Bodies Gonna Get It", for the '']'' CD. Three 6 Mafia also gave ].com an interview and on May 26, 2006, they performed live on ] sponsored by wrestler ], who used the song as his entrance theme.


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.
* ] has sought out and obtained Three 6 Mafia to help her, not only produce, but write tracks for her upcoming album. Their meeting was profiled in an episode of '']''.


===2001–2004: ''Choices'' and ''Da Unbreakables''===
* Three 6 Mafia has made a cameo on ].
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.
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>


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.
* Three 6 Mafia perform on the fictional sketch comedy show featured in '']''. They act as the show's musical guest in the show's pilot episode, which was recently released on DVD to ] members.


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 ].
* Three 6 Mafia also appeared in Johnny Knoxville's '']''.


===2005–2006: Academy Award, ''Choices II: The Setup'' and ''Most Known Unknown''===
* They are working on their newest album ] which is due out in early ].
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 &#124; 78th Oscars (2006) | website=] | date=January 20, 2012 }}</ref>{{CN|date=January 2024}}
==Members ==


===2007–2011: ''Last 2 Walk''===
*] (1991-present)
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.
*] (1991-present)
*] (1991-present) (incarcerated on multiple charges)
*] (Three 6 Mafia affiliate from 1991-2005, member in 2006), Replaced ]


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>]
=== Former members ===


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>
*] (1991-2006), left to pursue a solo career
*] (1991-2001), left to pursue a solo career (also citing religious differences)
*] (1991-2000), left due to monetary dispute
All of these former members have joined the ].


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.
== Discography ==
=== Three 6 Mafia Albums ===
{| class="wikitable"
!align="left"|Cover
!align="left"|Title
!align="left"|Information
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|
*Released: ], ]
*Chart positions: #59 R&B
*Last ]: Over 200,000 units shipped independently.
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|
*Released: ], ]
*Chart positions: #126 US ], #42 R&B
*Last ]: '''N/A'''
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|
*Released: ], ]
*Chart positions: #40 US ], #18 R&B
*Last ]: '''Gold (Over 800,000 units shipped)'''
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|
*Released: ], ]
*Chart positions: #6 US ], #11 R&B
*Last ]: '''''Platinum (Over 1.2 million units shipped)'''''
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|
*Released: ] ]
*Chart positions: '''N/A'''
*Last ]: '''Gold (Over 500,000 units shipped)'''
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|
*Released: ] ]
*Chart positions: #4 US ], #2 R&B
*Last ]: '''''Gold (Over 550,000 units shipped)'''''
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|'''''] (DVD & CD)'''''
|align="left"|
*Released: ] ]
*Chart positions: '''N/A'''
*Last ]: '''Platinum for Home DVDs (Over 150,000 units shipped)'''
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|
*Released: ] ]
*Chart positions: #3 US ], #1 R&B, #1 Rap
*Last ]: '''''Platinum (Over 1 million units shipped)'''''
|-
|}


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 ].
=== Hypnotize Minds Albums ===
{| class="wikitable"
!align="left"|Album cover
!align="left"|Album information
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|''by ''''']'''''
*Released: ]
*Chart positions: '''N/A'''
*Last ]:
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|''by ''''']'''''
*Released: ]
*Chart positions: '''N/A'''
*Last ]:'''Gold'''
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|''by ''''']'''''
*Released: ]
*Chart positions: '''N/A'''
*Last ]:'''Gold'''
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|''by ''''']'''''
*Released: ]
*Chart positions: '''N/A'''
*Last ]:
|-
|}


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" />
=== Compilations & Boxed Sets ===
{| class="wikitable"
!align="left"|Album Cover
!align="left"|Album information
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|
*Released: ], ]
*Chart positions:'''N/A'''
*Last ]: '''N/A'''
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|
*Released: ], ]
*Chart positions: '''N/A'''
*Last ]: '''N/A'''
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|
*Released: ], ]
*Chart positions: '''N/A'''
*Last ]: '''N/A'''
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|
*Released: ] ]
*Chart positions: #154 US ]
*Last ]: '''N/A'''
|-
|align="left"|]
|align="left"|''''']'''''
|align="left"|
*Released: ], ]
*Chart positions: '''N/A'''
*Last ]: '''N/A'''
|-
|}


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>
=== Singles & EPs ===

{| class="wikitable"
===2012–2018: Hiatus, Da Mafia 6ix, and independent endeavors===
!align="left"|Album Cover
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.
!align="left"|Album information

|-
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.
|align="left"|]

|align="left"|''''']'''''
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>
|align="left"|

*Released: ] ]
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.
*Chart positions: '''N/A'''

*Last ]: '''N/A'''
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 &#124; 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; died 2013)
*Koopsta Knicca † (1994–2000; died 2015)
*] † (1994–2001, 2019–2023; died 2023)

===Timeline===
<timeline>
ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:25
PlotArea = left:120 bottom:60 top:0 right:60
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:1991 till:11/11/2023
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy

Colors =
id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals
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)
Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom

BackgroundColors = bars:bars
ScaleMajor = increment:3 start:1991
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1991

LineData =
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:J text:"Juicy J"
bar:Infamous text:"Lord Infamous" †
bar:Koopsta text:"Koopsta Knicca" †
bar:Crunchy text:"Crunchy Black"
bar:Boo text:"Gangsta Boo" †
PlotData=

width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)

bar:Paul from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/2012 color:vocals
bar:Paul from:01/01/2019 till:end color:vocals
bar:Paul from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/2012 color:prod width:3
bar:Paul from:01/01/2019 till:end color:prod width:3
bar:J from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/2012 color:vocals
bar:J from:01/01/2019 till:end color:vocals
bar:J from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/2012 color:prod width:3
bar:J from:01/01/2019 till:end color:prod width:3
bar:Infamous from:01/01/1991 till:06/01/2005 color:vocals
bar:Koopsta from:01/01/1994 till:09/01/2000 color:vocals
bar:Crunchy from:01/01/1995 till:06/07/2006 color:vocals
bar:Crunchy from:01/01/2019 till:end color:vocals
bar:Boo from:01/01/1994 till:10/01/2001 color:vocals
bar:Boo from:01/01/2019 till:01/01/2023 color:vocals </timeline>

===Posse===
{{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>

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==
{{Main|Three 6 Mafia discography}}
'''Studio albums'''
*'']'' (1995)
*'']'' (1996)
*'']'' (1997)
*'']'' (2000)
*'']'' (2001)
*'']'' (2003)
*'']'' (2005)
*'']'' (2005)
*'']'' (2008)

'''Subgroup albums'''
* '']'' <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===
*'']'' (2001)
*'']'' (2005)
*''Clean Up Men'' (2005)

===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.
*'']'' (2007)
*'']'' (2012) – "Azz and Tittiez" is on the official soundtrack to the movie

===Television series===
*'']'' (2007)
*'']'' (2011)

===Television appearances===
*'']'' (2002)
*'']'' (2003)
*''] Deep South'' (2005) – episode 307
*'']'' (2006)
*'']'' (2006) – episode was banned due to controversy after the first time it aired
*'']'' (2006)
*'']'' (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. Henry continues to use the song as his entrance music.
*'']'' (2006) – in the episode "What about Bob?"
*'']'' (2006) Three 6 Mafia was the musical performance at the party
*'']'' (2006) – season 12, episode 7
*'']'' (2006)
*'']'' (2006) – episode: "Celebrity Séance"
*'']'' (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)
*'']'' (2007) – season 3, episode 2
*'']'' (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)"
*], episode: "Learn From Your Mistakes" Three 6 Mafia interviewed Paris Hilton's Potential BFF's
*'']'' (2010) – Three 6 Mafia performs "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp"
*''Los Twiins'' (2010) – episode 4
*] (2021) – Battled ]

===DVDs===
*''Choices: The Movie'' (2001)
*''Choices II: The Setup'' (2005)
*''Clean Up Men'' (2005)
*''Ultimate Video Collection'' (2006)

==Musical inclusions in video games==
*'']'' – "Who I Iz"
*'']'' – "Who Gives a Fuck Where You From (Radio Edit)"
*'']'' – "Shove It (Three 6 Mafia Remix)" (] featuring ])
*''], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] for ]'s theme music – "Some Bodies Gonna Get It"


==Awards and nominations==
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|Year
!align="left" valign="top"|Song
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>]<small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>]<small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>]<small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>]<small>
!align="left" valign="top"|Album
|- |-
!Year
|align="center" valign="top"|1998
!Awards
|align="left" valign="top"|"Late Nite Tip"
!Category
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
!Work
|align="center" valign="top"|#76
!Result
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="left" valign="top"|''Chapter 2: World Domination''
|- |-
|rowspan="4"|2006
|align="center" valign="top"|1998
|]
|align="left" valign="top"|"Tear Da Club Up '97"
|]
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|"]"
|align="center" valign="top"|#70
|{{won}}
|align="center" valign="top"|#29
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="left" valign="top"|''Chapter 2: World Domination''
|- |-
|]
|align="center" valign="top"|2000
|]
|align="left" valign="top"|"Who Run It"
|Three 6 Mafia
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|{{nom}}
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="left" valign="top"|''When The Smoke Clears/Three 6 Mafia Presents... Hypnotize Camp Posse''
|- |-
|rowspan="2"|]
|align="center" valign="top"|2000
|]
|align="left" valign="top"|"Sippin On Some Syrup" <small>'''(Feat. ], & ])'''</small>
|rowspan="2"|"]"
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|{{nom}}
|align="center" valign="top"|#30
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="left" valign="top"|''When The Smoke Clears''
|- |-
|]
|align="center" valign="top"|2000
|{{nom}}
|align="left" valign="top"|"Tongue Ring"
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="left" valign="top"|''When The Smoke Clears''
|- |-
|2007
|align="center" valign="top"|2001
|]
|align="left" valign="top"|"Baby Mama" <small>'''(Feat. ])'''</small>
|Best Group
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|Three 6 Mafia
|align="center" valign="top"|#94
|{{nom}}
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="left" valign="top"|''Choices: The Album''
|- |-
|2008
|align="center" valign="top"|2001
|]
|align="left" valign="top"|"2-Way Freak" <small>'''(Feat. ])'''</small>
|]
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|Three 6 Mafia
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|{{won}}
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="left" valign="top"|''Choices: The Album''
|- |-
|2009
|align="center" valign="top"|2003
|]
|align="left" valign="top"|"Ridin' Spinners" <small>'''(Feat. ])'''</small>
|Best Group
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|Three 6 Mafia
|align="center" valign="top"|#62
|{{nom}}
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="left" valign="top"|''Da Unbreakables''
|- |-
|2010
|align="center" valign="top"|2003
|]
|align="left" valign="top"|"Who Gives A...Where You From" <small>'''(Feat. ])'''</small>
|Best Hip Hop Dance Track
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|"]"
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|{{nom}}
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="left" valign="top"|''Streetsweepers Vol. 2: The Pain From the Game''
|-
|align="center" valign="top"|2005
|align="left" valign="top"|"]" <small>'''(Feat. ] & ])'''</small>
|align="center" valign="top"|#13 ''''''
|align="center" valign="top"|#9
|align="center" valign="top"|#3
|align="center" valign="top"|#33
|align="left" valign="top"|''Most Known Unknown''
|-
|align="center" valign="top"|2006
|align="left" valign="top"|"]" (Remix) <small>'''(Feat. ])'''</small>
|align="center" valign="top"|#21 ''''''
|align="center" valign="top"|#10
|align="center" valign="top"|#6
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="left" valign="top"|''Most Known Unknown''
|-
|align="center" valign="top"|2006
|align="left" valign="top"|"]" (Remix) <small>'''(Feat. ] & ])'''</small>
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="center" valign="top"|#63
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="center" valign="top"|&mdash;
|align="left" valign="top"|''Most Known Unknown''
|- |-
|2012
|]
|Inductee
|Three 6 Mafia
|{{won}}
|} |}


==References==
== Songs Featuring Three 6 Mafia ==
{{Reflist}}
* "2 Live Party" — ]
* "24's (Remix)" — ] from "TRAP MUZIK"
* "3,2,1, Go!" — ] from "I Need Mine"
* "4 Oz." — ] from ''U.S.A. (Still United)''
* "]" - ] from "Crunk Rock"
* "Been Gettin Money" - ] from " Crook By the Book: The Feds Story"
* "Born In The Ghetto" 3re Tha Hardway
* "Break da Law 2001" — ] from '']''
* "Cadillac" - ] from ''Restless''
* "Chickenhead" — Project Pat also f/ed ] from ''Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin'''
* "Chop Me Up" — ] also f/ed ] from ''FutureSex/LoveSound''
* "Closing The Club" — ] from ''Pleasure & Pain''
* "Club Gettin' Crowded" — ] from ''Hoodstar''
* "Don't Play With Me" — ] from ''On Top of Our Game''
* "Don't Stand So Close '2001' — ] from '']''
* "Gangster Walk" — ] also f/ed Marcus, & ] from ''Certified''
* "Get 'Em Shawty" — ] from the upcoming album ]
* "Go 2 Sleep" — ] also f/ed I-20 & Lil' Wilson from ''Word of Mouf''
* "Gold Shine" — Project Pat from ''Ghetty Green''
* "Good Googly Moogly — Project Pat from ''Crook By da Book: The Fed Story''
* "Hennessey & Hydro" — I-20 from ''Self Explanatory''
* "I'm A Playa" - Paul Wall from the ''People's Champ''
* "Matrix" — Tango Redd also f/ed ] from An Unknown Album
* "Move Bitch (Remix)" — ] also f/ed ] from "Put Yo Hood Up"
* "Nan Notha'" — ] from '']''
* "Players In da Atmosphere" — ] from '']''
* "Posted In The Club" - ] from ]
* "Purple Punch" — ] also f/ed ] from ''Purple Haze''
* "Represent" — ] also f/ed David Banner from '']
* "Summer Tyme - ] '']''
* "Still Here" — ] also f/ed Project Pat from ''The Phoenix''
* "U.S. Souldier Boy" — Lil' Wyte from '']''
* "Where Itz Going Down" — ] also f/ed ] & ] from '']
* "Who's Gonna Ride" — ] from ''So Amazin''
* "Throw me that pack" - ]
* "Click Up" - ], ] and ]

== Filmography ==
* ''Choices: The Movie'' (2001)
* '']'' (2005)
* '']'' (2005)
* ''The Clean Up Man'' (2005)
* ''Ultimate Video Collection'' (2006)
* '']'' (2006)
* '']'' (2006) (TV Series)
* '']'s ]'' (2006) (TV Series; episode was banned due to controversy after the first time it aired)
* '']'' (2006) (TV series)
* '']'' (2006) (TV Series; episode: "Pilot")
* '']'' (2006) (TV Series; episode: "Celebrity Séance")

==See also==
*]
*]
*]
*]


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category|Three 6 Mafia}}
*
{{Wikiquote}}
*
*
*
*{{IMDb name|1437815}}
*
* {{imdb name|1437815}}


{{Three 6 Mafia|state=collapsed}}
]
{{DJ Paul}}
]
{{Juicy J}}
]
{{Lord Infamous}}
]
{{American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Band/Duo/Group}}
]
{{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 BooDJ Paul, Koopsta Knicca, Crunchy Black, Lord Infamous, Juicy J, and Gangsta Boo
Background information
Also known as
  • Triple Six Mafia
  • Tear Da Club Up Thugs
  • Backyard Posse
  • Da Mafia 6ix
OriginMemphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Genres
DiscographyThree 6 Mafia discography
Years active
  • 1991–2012
  • 2019–present
Labels
MembersDJ Paul
Juicy J
Crunchy Black
Past membersLord 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".

Three 6 Mafia's logo, seen on every album since Chapter 1: The End

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.

Juicy J (front) and DJ Paul (back) performing in late 2007

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 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).

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 discography

Studio albums

Subgroup albums

Posse albums

Collaborative albums

Filmography

Feature films

Film appearances

Television series

Television appearances

DVDs

  • Choices: The Movie (2001)
  • Choices II: The Setup (2005)
  • Clean Up Men (2005)
  • Ultimate Video Collection (2006)

Musical inclusions in video games

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

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External links

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