The rivalry between Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia is one of the most well-known feuds in hip-hop history, especially in the Southern rap scene. Born out of tensions during a 1995 Memphis show, this beef would not only shape the careers of both groups but also define an era of competition between Cleveland and Memphis rap. To understand how it all started, you need to look back to when Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s debut album, Creepin’ on Ah Come Up, hit the streets and made waves in the hip-hop world.
The Rise of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
In 1994, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony dropped their debut EP, Creepin’ on Ah Come Up, a project that would skyrocket them to national recognition. Their fast-paced rapping, smooth harmonies, and dark, eerie tones were a unique departure from what was popular in the mainstream at the time. The group’s style was innovative—blending rapid-fire delivery with emotional, sometimes melancholic, themes about street life, struggle, and spirituality. With hits like “Thuggish Ruggish Bone” and “Creepin’ on Ah Come Up,” Bone Thugs carved out their own lane in hip-hop, setting them apart from many of their contemporaries.
Their sound quickly caught on, and they went on tour to promote the album. It was during this time, specifically in Memphis, that the infamous conflict between Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Memphis’ Three 6 Mafia began to brew.
The Tension in Memphis: Three 6 Mafia’s Early Pushback
It is widely believed that while touring in Memphis, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony faced an unexpected confrontation with members of Three 6 Mafia. The story goes that during one of their performances, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony was approached by DJ Paul, Lord Infamous, and Koopsta Knicca—three of the founding members of Three 6 Mafia. According to various accounts, the trio rushed Bone Thugs-N-
Harmony on stage, with one of them even holding a tape in hand, seemingly ready to confront the group.
However, the confrontation was quickly halted by security, preventing any physical altercation. But the underlying anger from Three 6 Mafia was clear. The reason for their hostility seemed to stem from the belief that Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s sound—fast-paced, melodic, and
at times dark—was too similar to their own. It’s not hard to imagine how Three 6 Mafia, already entrenched in Memphis’ underground scene, could feel slighted by the emergence of an “out-of-town” group with a comparable style, but with an East Coast influence.
For DJ Paul, Lord Infamous, and Koopsta Knicca, it was a matter of pride. They had been grinding for years to carve out a distinct sound that represented Memphis, and the sudden rise of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, who were from Cleveland, felt like an infringement on their territory. While the incident may have been brief, it marked the beginning of an ongoing rivalry that would escalate in the years to come.
Bizzy Bone’s Fury and the Vibe Interview That Sparked It All
Following the confrontation, tensions only increased. The Memphis scene had a reputation for being protective of its homegrown talent, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony members—especially Bizzy Bone—were not happy about the hostility they had encountered. Bizzy was reportedly furious about what had transpired, and he wanted to send a message back to the Memphis rappers who had challenged them.
The real spark for the ongoing beef, however, came in an interview with Vibe Magazine in February 1995. When asked about Memphis, Layzie Bone casually referred to the city as a “bunk ass town.” That seemingly small comment ignited a firestorm of diss tracks, responses, and escalating tensions between Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and multiple Memphis rap groups—most notably Three 6 Mafia.
This one line would echo through the streets of Memphis and set off a series of retaliatory measures. The comment painted Bone Thugs-N-Harmony as outsiders, and it didn’t sit well with the locals, who took pride in their gritty, raw, underground hip-hop culture. For the members of Three 6 Mafia, this was more than just an insult—it was a direct challenge to their credibility as the real representatives of Memphis rap.
The Diss Tracks: The Battle Heats Up
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, ever the sharp lyricists, fired back with some of their own disses aimed at Three 6 Mafia and Memphis in general. However, it was Three 6 Mafia who truly leaned into the battle, using their dark, horror-influenced sound to craft some of the most memorable diss tracks in the rivalry.
Three 6 Mafia’s track “Live By Yo Rep” from their 1995 album “Mystic Stylez” was a clear response to Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, dissing the group’s hometown of Cleveland while claiming Memphis’ dominance in the rap scene. The track’s dark, eerie production, which had become a hallmark of Three 6 Mafia, laid the foundation for the feud to intensify, further cementing their underground status.
Around the same time, Tommy Wright III, another Memphis legend, dropped his own diss track aimed at Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, titled “Thuggish Ruggish Bustaz.” Released in 1996, the track called out Bone Thugs for their style and their perceived lack of authenticity to the Memphis rap scene. Tommy Wright’s hard-hitting lyrics and street credibility made this another memorable moment in the ongoing war of words between Memphis and Cleveland.
The Confrontation at the Rap Battle: A New Chapter in the Rivalry
Fast forward to recent years, and the tension between Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia took on a new form during their rap battle on stage. In 2021, the two legendary groups faced off in a highly anticipated Verzuz battle, which brought the long-standing rivalry full circle. The battle was filled with nostalgia, classic tracks, and a celebration of each group’s contribution to hip-hop. However, it wasn’t without its drama.
During the event, tensions between Bizzy Bone and Three 6 Mafia’s DJ Paul and Juicy J boiled over. Bizzy Bone, upset by the energy from the crowd and certain remarks, threw a bottle at the stage, leading to a brief altercation. Security quickly intervened, and the situation was calmed down, but the incident highlighted the lingering bad blood between the two camps.
Despite the brief confrontation, the rap battle itself was a success, with both Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia delivering powerful performances of their iconic hits. After the event, members from both groups publicly acknowledged the history of their rivalry and seemed to express a mutual respect for each other’s legacy. Still, the brief on-stage confrontation reminded everyone that some rivalries run deep in hip-hop.
The Lasting Legacy of the Bone Thugs-N-Harmony & Three 6 Mafia Beef
Although the beef between Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia may have been full of diss tracks and drama, it ultimately played a pivotal role in the evolution of Southern hip-hop. The rivalry helped to solidify both groups as iconic forces in the genre, each with their distinct styles—Bone Thugs-N-Harmony with their harmony-driven, fast-paced flow, and Three 6 Mafia with their gritty, dark, and menacing production.
Today, the two groups are widely respected for their contributions to hip-hop. Three 6 Mafia won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2006, while Bone Thugs-N-Harmony continues to be one of the most influential groups in hip-hop history. Despite their past conflicts, both camps have managed to carve out their own legacies, leaving an indelible mark on the rap world.
The Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia beef may have been fueled by egos, competition, and pride, but it also showcased the raw competitive nature of hip-hop, where artists constantly push each other to new heights. Whether through their diss tracks, live confrontations, or mutual respect, the rivalry between these two legendary groups will forever be a defining chapter in the history of Southern rap.
