Three 6 Mafia, a pivotal group in the sphere of Southern hip-hop, originated from Memphis, Tennessee, and was initially formed in 1991. The group's founding members included the influential producers and rappers DJ Paul (Paul Beauregard), Juicy J (Jordan Houston), and Lord Infamous (Ricky Dunigan), although the lineup would fluctuate over the years, incorporating members such as Crunchy Black, Gangsta Boo, and Koopsta Knicca. They were known for their dark, gritty production and content that frequently revolved around themes of horror and hardcore rap, helping to pioneer the subgenre that would come to be known as crunk.

Originally called "Backyard Posse," the group proceeded to forge a distinct sound that combined intense beats with eerie, often occult-inspired lyrics. They rebranded themselves as Three 6 Mafia and gained national recognition with the release of their debut album "Mystic Stylez" in 1995. The group’s stardom skyrocketed further with the success of hits like "Stay Fly," "Sippin' on Some Syrup," and the Oscar-winning track "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp" from the film "Hustle & Flow", making them the first hip-hop group to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2006. Their influence has extended well beyond their own era, resonating in the work of many contemporary hip-hop artists.

Genres

Crunk

Dirty South Rap

Gangster Rap

Memphis Hip Hop

Southern Hip Hop

Tennessee Hip Hop

Trap

Related Artists

Project Pat

Lil Jon

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

8Ball & MJG

Lil Wayne

Juicy J

Gangsta Boo

UGK

Lil Wyte

Future

Eminem

$uicideboy$

Latest Release

Drugs & Liquor (Special Edition)

Lil Wyte•

Three 6 Mafia

Album - 26 Tracks - Released November 18, 2022