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Three 6 Mafia
Juicy J (front) DJ Paul (back) live 2004.
Background information
Also known as	Triple Six Mafia, Da Mafia 6ix
Origin	Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Genres	Southern hip hop, horrorcore, crunk, gangsta rap
Years active	1991–present
Labels	Sony Music, Hypnotize Minds, Columbia
Members	DJ Paul Juicy J Koopsta Knicca Crunchy Black Gangsta Boo

Three 6 Mafia are a rap group originally from Memphis, Tennessee, signed to Sony Music Entertainment under the Columbia Records imprint. Formed in 1991 as Backyard Posse then later Triple 6 Mafia, by DJ Paul, Lord Infamous, Juicy J and Koopsta Knicca, the group later included two more members including; Crunchy Black and Gangsta Boo (who were both added shortly before the release of their debut album Mystic Stylez). The group has also collaborated with many rappers on their own label; Hypnotize Minds, where they have kick started the careers for many Memphis rappers, such as; Frayser Boy, Gangsta Blac, Lil Wyte and Indo G. The group frequently collaborates with Project Pat (Juicy J's older brother). Their 2005 song "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" from the film Hustle and Flow won Best Original Song at the 78th Academy Awards.

The group released their debut underground album Mystic Stylez in 1995 through Prophet Entertainment, a record label they created but have since relinquished control of. Their musical style—which initially featured dark, menacing beats with equally gritty lyrics—has since moved to a more mainstream sound. The group has also had numerous lineup changes, and now consists of original members Juicy J and DJ Paul. Nonetheless, they have cultivated a sizable and diverse cult following that has only increased since their Oscar win. They have released two RIAA rated platinum albums; When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1 and Most Known Unknown, the latter featured their well known single "Stay Fly", which is said to be the kick start of their rise to fame and the mainstream. The group's worldwide album sales stand at 5.5 million. In 2013, five of the original members reunited, performing under the name Da Mafia 6ix, and are planning to release a new album in March 2014.

History

The group started in 1991 in Memphis with DJ Paul (Paul Beauregard), Juicy J (Jordan Houston) and Lord Infamous (Ricky Dunigan). 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, Prophet Entertainment, which were sold around Memphis and the Mid-West. Later DJ Paul and Juicy J formed their own label, Hypnotize Minds Records. During their early career, they also propelled the careers of several other rappers. Eventually added before the release of Mystic Stylez were rappers Koopsta Knicca (Robert Cooper), Gangsta Boo (Lola Mitchell), and Crunchy Black (Darnell Carlton). They left the label due to money disputes.

The group expanded and help start the careers of notable Mafia affiliates such as Project Pat, Al Kapone, La Chat, Lil Wyte, T-Rock, Killa Klan Kaze, Playa Fly and Indo G. 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.

At this point in the group's evolution, having signed to a major label and having scored an admirable hit single, group leaders DJ Paul and Juicy J began extending their brand. They started by releasing solo albums by Gangsta Boo and Koopsta Knicca, solo albums by their affiliates such as, Can It Be? by Gangsta Black, Ghetty Green, Murderers & Robbers, Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin' and Layin' da Smack Down by Project Pat, Doubt Me Now, Phinally Phamous, The One and Only and The Bad Influence by Lil Wyte, Angel Dust by Indo G, Gone On That Bay by Frayser Boy, and compilation-styled albums such as collections of tracks from earlier years (Underground Vol. 1: (1991-1994), Underground Vol. 2: Club Memphis, Underground Vol. 3: Kings of Memphis). Three Six Mafia also originally coined the term "Crunk" as a description of their Southern type sound.

Events after Academy Award win

On June 7, 2006, Sony officially acknowledged the departure of original Triple Six Mafia member Crunchy Black. He stated his reason for departure was to make a solo album that DJ Paul and Juicy J had allegedly put off for years, with most of the material being used for Most Known Unknown. Thereafter Three Six Mafia consisted just of remaining members DJ Paul and Juicy J.

The two producers of the group had their own reality show, Adventures in Hollyhood, on MTV. The show focused on what it's like to be a member of Three Six Mafia, balancing the increased fame after their Oscar win while attempting to stay true to their fans. The show premiered on April 5, 2007 on MTV. Three 6 Mafia also featured on Justin Timberlake's "Chop Me Up" from his 2006 album FutureSex/LoveSounds.

After leaving Three 6 Mafia a number of years prior, 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 8 tracks. Juicy J's second solo album Hustle Till I Die was released on June 16, 2009. The album featured his brother and frequent collaborator Project Pat and other rappers such as V-Slash, Gucci Mane, Webbie and Gorilla Zoe.

Three 6 Mafia released their eighth studio album Last 2 Walk on June 24, 2008 after multiple delays. The album featured collaborations with Project Pat, Lil Wyte, Akon, Good Charlotte, Lyfe Jennings and UGK.

The group were working on their tenth studio album titled Laws of Power in 2009, it has spawned four singles so far, "Shake My" featuring R&B signer Kalenna and rapper Pitbull was released September 8, 2009. "Lil' Freak (Ugh Ugh Ugh)", which features Louisiana rapper Webbie was released on September 25, 2009. The third single, "Feel It", featuring Tiësto, Sean Kingston and Flo Rida was released in November, the single was later nominated for 'Best Hip Hop Dance Track' at the 2010 International Dance Music Awards. The last single to be released from the album was "Shots After Shots", which featured Tech N9ne and production by Dr. Luke. The album has since been put on hold by Columbia Records, with DJ Paul and Juicy J pursuing other ventures and solo careers.

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 is a mix of gangsta rap and crunk music, with it also incorporating influences from dubstep and electronic dance music. The album featured past collaboraters Lil Wyte and 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.

From 2009 through 2012, Juicy J also moved 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 Wiz Khalifa, appearing on a number of his mixtapes. In December 2011, Juicy J confirmed that he was the newest member of Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang imprint - as an A&R and one-third owner of the imprint. After releasing a series of singles, including the chart topping "Bandz a Make Her Dance" which features 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.

Da Mafia 6ix

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 as "Da Mafia 6ix" with plans to release an album, which is currently scheduled for a March 2014 release. Recording began in Las Vegas in late 2013. Due to the established contracts with Sony, who own the rights to Three 6 Mafia, Juicy J could not perform with DJ Paul in a different group not under the label. DJ Paul explained the name change of the group was because of Juicy J's absence, and that he would "look at it as a new project". On November 12, 2013, Da Mafia 6ix released their first mixtape 6ix Commandments. The tape was almost entirely produced by DJ Paul and featured Yelawolf, 8Ball & MJG, Krayzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, SpaceGhostPurrp and HCP affiliates Lil Wyte, 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" featuring Yelawolf. The mixtape also received a retail release and debuted at number 34 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

On December 20, 2013, founding group member Lord Infamous died of a heart attack in his sleep at his mother's home in Memphis, Tennessee.

Discography

• Mystic Stylez (1995)
• Chapter 1: The End (1996)
• Chapter 2: World Domination (1997)
• When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1 (2000)
• Choices: The Album (2001)
• Da Unbreakables (2003)
• Choices II: The Setup (2005)
• Most Known Unknown (2005)
• Most Known Hits (2005)
• Last 2 Walk (2008)

Filmography

Feature films

• Choices (2001)
• Choices II: The Setup (2005)
• The Clean Up Men (2005)
• Hustle & Flow (2005) "It's Hard Out Here For a Pimp" is the official song to the movie.
• Jackass 2 (2006) "Goin Crazy" is the official song to the movie. Also made an appearance within the movie, where they paid 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) A** and T******

Television series

• Jackass (2002)
• Wildboyz Deep South (Ep. 307) (2005)
• 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 entitled "What about Bob?"
• My Super Sweet 16 (2006) Three 6 Mafia was the musical performance at the party
• 1 vs. 100 (2006)
• Criss Angel Mindfreak (2006) – episode: "Celebrity Séance"
• Wrestling Society X (2007) – episode #2
• Rob & Big (2006) – Three 6 Mafia rapped at a party on episode 1 of season 1
• Wild 'n Out (2007) – Spring Break edition
• Mind of Mencia (2007) – Season 3, Episode 2
• Adventures in Hollyhood (2007)
• Beauty and the east side west (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
• Punk'd (2006) Juicy J sets up DJ Paul
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2008) Juicy J and DJ Paul perform "Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body)"
• The Andy Milonakis Show (2007)
• Paris Hilton's My New BFF (season 2) (2009) 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 04

DVDs

• Choices: The Movie (2001)
• Choices II (2005)
• Clean Up Men (2005)
• Ultimate Video Collection (2006)
• Adventures in Hollyhood (2007)

Original television series

• Adventures in Hollyhood (2007)
• Three 6 Mafia's Adventures in Spring Break (2007)
• Famous Food (2011)

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)" (Santogold featuring Project Pat)
• WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, WWE '12, WWE '13 and WWE 2K14 for Mark Henry's theme music – "Some Bodies Gonna Get It"

Awards and nominations

References

1. New York Times
2. ^ "DJ Paul Announces Da Mafia 6ix Album Info". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
3. Official MTV site for Adventures in Hollyhood
4. "FutureSex / LoveSounds: Justin Timberlake: Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
5. "Hustle Till I Die: Juicy J: Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
6. ^ "30 Inches (Feat. Gucci Mane & Project Pat) [Explicit]: Juicy J: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
7. "Hustle Till I Die (Feat. V Slash) [Explicit]: Juicy J: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
8. ^ "Ugh Ugh Ugh (Feat. Weebie & Project Pat) [Explicit]: Juicy J: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
9. http://www.spin.com/articles/juicy-j-stay-trippy-three-6-mafia-comeback/
   
10. 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
    
11. "Da Mafia 6ix "6ix Commandments" Cover Art, Tracklisting, Download & Mixtape Stream". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
12. "Three 6 Mafia! Da Mafia 6ix! New Mixtape "6ix Commandments"". LiveMixtapes. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
13. "Da Mafia 6ix 'Go Hard' With Yelawolf (and Not Juicy J)". Spin. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
14. http://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-albums?page=3
15. Diep, Eric. "DJ Paul Confirms Lord Infamous Died At His Mother's House". XXL Magazine. Retrieved 21 December 2013.

External links

• Official website
• Three 6 Mafia at IMDb

• African-American crunk groups
• African-American musical groups
• Best Song Academy Award winning songwriters
• Columbia Records artists
• Horrorcore groups
• Musical groups established in 1991
• Musical groups from Memphis, Tennessee
• Rappers from Memphis, Tennessee
• Southern hip hop groups
• Southern hip hop musicians
• American musical duos