Three 6 Mafia is one of the most popular bands in Memphis, Tennessee. The band members have become true legends of southern rap. Years of activity came in the 90s.
Three 6 Mafia members are the "fathers" of trap. Fans of "street music" can find some of the works under other creative pseudonyms: Backyard Posse, Da Mafia 6ix, Triple Six Mafia, 3-6 Niggaz.
Reference: Trap is a subgenre of hip-hop that has its roots in the late 1990s in the south of the United States of America.
History of creation and composition of the team
The group was formed at the beginning of the 91st year of the last century. The original members of the group were:
- DJ Paul
- Juicy J
- Lord Infamous
Somewhat later, the team was replenished with Koopsta Knicca, Gangsta Boo and Crunchy Black. The first performances of the team were held under the guise of Triple Six Mafia.
The guys achieved the greatest fame on the local stage and in the mainstream. By the way, this is the first team that held an Oscar for a piece of music in their hands. The rappers received such high recognition by recording the track It's Hard Out Here For a Pimp for the film Hustle & Flow.
The creative path of the group
A few years after the founding of the band, the rappers became signatories of the Black Market Records label. In the mid-90s of the last century, the premiere of the debut LP took place. We are talking about the collection Mystic Stylez. The disc remained virtually unnoticed by either music lovers or music experts. The next collection Chapter 1: The End also did not change the position of the artists drastically.
During this period of time, the frontmen of the group "put together" their own label. Before the release of the record Chapter 1: The End, the team changes the sign to the already familiar name. Under the new creative pseudonym, the premiere of the LP took place.
Rappers have already gained some weight in the music market. They helped in the formation of many novice performers. Their authority grew significantly, and their wallets were replenished with green bills.
In the "zero" one of the most famous albums of the rap group was released. Of course, we are talking about the LP When The Smoke Clears... The record hit the Billboard 200, taking a "comfortable" 6th place.
A year later, the first serious changes were outlined in the composition. The team left Koopsta Knicca and Gangsta Boo. As it turned out, the guys quarreled with money issues.
Release of a new LP and receiving an Oscar
The fact that the rappers took out "garbage from the hut" benefited the rest of the group. They were at the hearing of journalists. In the wake of popularity, the premiere of the disc Most Known Uknown took place. From a commercial point of view, the record was successful. At the same time, the rappers were holding the famous Oscar statuette in their hands for creating the track for the film Vanity and Movement.
In 2006 Crunchy Black officially left the band. The rapper stated that he was not satisfied with the fact that the other members did not listen to his requests. The singer wanted to record a solo album, but the other participants put their desires higher. After that, only Dj Paul and Juicy J were listed in the group.
The rappers said that they are working closely on the collection Laws of Power. They constantly changed release dates, and eventually canceled the release of the LP. The release of several singles helped to maintain the spirit of the fans.
In 2011, the rappers became guest participants in the rating show. That same year, Juicy J left his brainchild for a while to join the Taylor Gang.
Around the same period of time, rumors appeared that the artists were preparing a new studio album for release, but they would release it under the new creative pseudonym Da Mafia 6ix. The fact is that Sony owned the rights to the name Three 6 Mafia, so this did not suit all the participants. In 2014, the premiere of a new studio album took place. It was named 6IX Commandments. The premiere of the disc really took place under a new name, but this situation did not bother the fans.
In the same year, the group's discography was replenished with another collection. The band recorded the album Reindeer Games in collaboration with ICP. Around the same period of time, unpleasant news awaited fans.
Lord Infamos died of cardiac arrest. He left painlessly. His heart stopped in his parents' house, in a dream. A year later, another member of the group, Koopsta Knicca, died. It was a big loss not only for the fans, but for the whole team.
The collapse of the Three 6 Mafia team
The last longplay under the creative pseudonym Three 6 Mafia was released in 2008. From that moment on, the mood in the team really became critical. Few people knew what was really going on inside the team. The band officially disbanded in 2010. But, the guys continued to tour under the banner of Da Mafia 6ix.
Juicy J in his latest interview (dated December 1, 2021) dropped a clear phrase that perfectly characterizes the mood of the team that reigned from the moment of formation to the peak of popularity, and collapse:
“When the band members were in a sober mind, everything is super, everyone is on the same wavelength. Once cocaine is involved, everything changes.”
The rap artist became a guest on a podcast hosted by Lil Nas X, and presenter Miss Info. It comes out on Spotify. The artist nevertheless confirmed the information that the team was ruined by drugs.
Nas decided to clarify what types of drugs the rap artist is talking about. The artist answered the following: "The wildest."
“There were days when we broke into Lord Infamous's room. I always thought he was about to die. There was a moment when I couldn't open the door. I was very worried. I ran for a spare room key. On the way, I cried. Bursting into the room, I beat Lord Infamous with a pillow until he woke up. He overdosed."
Three 6 Mafia: present day
In 2019, Juicy J and DJ Paul announced reunion concerts for the American band. Juicy J and DJ Paul have hinted at the possibility of a reunion before, but had to wait for the right moment.
“This year has been special for us. I know that many fans asked us for new tracks. As LL said, don't call it a return, as we have always been here. We have something to please you,” commented DJ Paul.
It seems that the rappers' plans have been slightly disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. But, one way or another, fans are looking forward to the return of the legends of southern rap.
