The Story of Three 6 Mafia: Memphis’ Pioneering Hip-Hop Legends

When you think of Memphis rap, one name that undeniably comes up is Three 6 Mafia. Known for their dark, eerie beats, and raw, gritty lyrics, Three 6 Mafia didn’t just shape Memphis’ music scene—they helped redefine Southern hip-hop as a whole. From their early underground mixtapes to winning an Academy Award, their journey is nothing short of legendary.

Origins: The Birth of Three 6 Mafia

Three 6 Mafia began in the early 1990s, when a group of ambitious young rappers from Memphis set out to carve their place in hip-hop. The group was founded by DJ Paul and Juicy J, who both grew up in Memphis’ tough neighborhoods. The two, driven by their passion for music and a desire to represent their city, formed a sound that was distinct, dark, and different from anything mainstream listeners were accustomed to.

Initially known as “The Backyard Posse,” they would later rebrand themselves as Three 6 Mafia in the mid-90s. The name “Three 6 Mafia” was chosen to reflect the group’s fascination with the number 666, often associated with darkness and the occult. This would lay the foundation for their chilling, horrorcore-style beats and often violent, eerie lyrics. The sound they created would define Memphis’ rap scene for years to come.

 

Underground Success: 1995 – 2000

In the early days, Three 6 Mafia made their name in the Memphis underground rap scene by releasing a series of mixtapes and albums that gained them a cult following. Their debut album, “Mystic Stylez” (1995), marked the start of their signature sound—haunting, ominous beats combined with gritty, hardcore lyrics. Tracks like “Tear da Club Up” and “Sippin’ on Some Syrup” became staples in the Southern underground and earned them a dedicated fanbase that extended beyond Memphis.

As the group’s influence grew, they started collaborating with other rising Memphis rappers, like Project Pat, La Chat, and MC Mack, all of whom became integral to the Three 6 Mafia family. These collaborations helped build the foundation of what would soon be known as the “Memphis sound,” with its distinctive blend of dark, menacing production and street-level, unapologetic lyricism.

Beyond their own tapes, Three 6 Mafia contributed to the rise of several other Memphis artists, such as Lil Wyte, K-Rock, T-Rock, and Indo G. These collaborations were mutually beneficial, as Three 6 Mafia’s beats helped establish many of these artists as staples in the Memphis rap scene.

 

The Infamous Beef with DJ Squeeky & DJ Zirk

As Three 6 Mafia began to make their mark, they didn’t go unnoticed by other producers and rappers in Memphis. One of the early conflicts in the Memphis rap scene came with producers DJ Squeeky and DJ Zirk, who were prominent figures in the local underground scene. The beef between Three 6 Mafia and these producers was a battle for dominance in Memphis’ booming rap culture, and it would lay the groundwork for the group’s future confrontations with other Memphis figures.

The tensions with DJ Squeeky and DJ Zirk were fueled by competition over production styles, influence in the local scene, and conflicting business interests. This early friction showcased the aggressive, competitive nature of Memphis rap—a theme that would persist throughout Three 6 Mafia’s career.

 

Collaborations and Legacy: Expanding the Mafia

Throughout their career, Three 6 Mafia worked with countless artists, further expanding their reach and influence in hip-hop. Artists like Frayser Boy, Gangsta Blac, Skinny Pimp, and Scanman became closely associated with Three 6 Mafia, collaborating on various albums and mixtapes. Their roster of affiliates extended far beyond Memphis, solidifying Three 6 Mafia as an undeniable force in Southern hip-hop.

Their collaborations with La Chat and Lil Wyte gave rise to standout solo careers for these artists. Additionally, they worked with Chrome, M-Child, and Indo G, helping to shape the careers of Memphis’ next generation of rappers. By the mid-2000s, Three 6 Mafia was not just a group but an entire collective, representing the Memphis sound on a national scale.

 

Mainstream Success: 2000 – 2006

In the early 2000s, Three 6 Mafia’s sound began to gain traction beyond Memphis. With the release of “When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1” (2000), they solidified their spot in mainstream rap. The album, featuring hits like “Stay Fly” (featuring 8Ball & MJG) and “Poppin’ My Collar,” went platinum and introduced the world to Three 6 Mafia’s infectious hooks and hard-hitting verses.

But it was in 2005, with the release of “Most Known Unknown”, that Three 6 Mafia truly hit the mainstream. The album, which included tracks like “Stay Fly”, “Side 2 Side”, and “I’ll Go Crazy”, elevated the group to a new level of fame, garnering national attention and collaborations with hip-hop heavyweights.

The group’s crowning achievement came in 2006, when they won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp”, a track from the movie Hustle & Flow. This win made Three 6 Mafia the first hip-hop group to ever receive an Oscar, a moment that solidified their place in hip-hop history and proved that Southern rap could break through to the mainstream.

 

Da Mafia 6ix: The Rebirth in 2013

In 2013, despite the internal struggles and the tragic losses of key members, Three 6 Mafia found a way to reunite under the name Da Mafia 6ix. The new group, consisting of DJ Paul, Juicy J, Gangsta Boo, Crunchy Black, and Lord Infamous, marked a return to the roots of their sound while continuing to honor the legacy of their fallen members.

Da Mafia 6ix dropped “6ix Commandments” in 2014, a mixtape that harkened back to the group’s gritty, horrorcore style. The project saw them collaborating with other underground legends, including Frayser Boy, and showcased their willingness to experiment while remaining true to their core style. The return of Da Mafia 6ix gave fans hope that the legendary group’s influence would continue to be felt in Memphis and beyond.

Though the reunion didn’t last long in terms of a full-fledged career, the brief return of Da Mafia 6ix proved that Three 6 Mafia’s legacy would not be forgotten. Their influence on the rap game—and specifically on Southern hip-hop—remains unmatched.

 

Tragic Losses: Koopsta Knicca, Gangsta Boo & Lord Infamous

In 2013, the loss of Lord Infamous (real name: Ricky T. Dunigan) hit the group hard. Lord Infamous was known for his dark, sinister flow and was a founding member of Three 6 Mafia. His impact on the group’s sound was monumental, and his death left a lasting legacy in Memphis rap. Ricky was found slumped over in a chair at his Mother’s house. Dead from a heart attack caused by either Cocaine or years of general abuse.

As Three 6 Mafia’s journey continued, the group faced unimaginable losses. The passing of Koopsta Knicca in 2015, a founding member of Three 6 Mafia, was a heartbreaking moment for the hip-hop community. Known for his signature style and chilling voice, Koopsta Knicca’s death left a massive hole in the group’s lineup. He was a key figure in shaping the group’s early sound, and his death left fans and members alike devastated.

Gangsta Boo (real name: Lola Mitchell), one of the few prominent female voices in the group, passed away in 2023, adding to the sorrow that had already struck the Three 6 Mafia family. Her contribution to the group’s sound and the hip-hop world at large is immeasurable. As one of the first women to make a significant mark in Southern rap, Gangsta Boo was not just a member of Three 6 Mafia but an icon in her own right.

 

The Legacy of Three 6 Mafia: An Influence That Lives On

Despite the tragic losses of Koopsta Knicca, Gangsta Boo, and Lord Infamous, Three 6 Mafia’s legacy remains untouched. Their dark, eerie beats and hard-hitting lyricism helped define an entire era of Southern rap. Their influence can be heard in the music of Migos, Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, Future, and countless other artists who have cited Three 6 Mafia as a major influence.

Both DJ Paul and Juicy J have continued their solo careers, with Juicy J reaching new heights with hits like “Bandz a Make Her Dance” and collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Migos, and Travis Scott. Despite the group’s evolution and the passage of time, Three 6 Mafia’s impact on hip-hop culture remains undeniable.

The story of Three 6 Mafia is one of ambition, triumph, tragedy, and legacy. From their humble beginnings in the Memphis underground to their Oscar win and beyond, their journey is a testament to the power of Southern rap and its ability to reshape the cultural landscape of hip-hop. The influence of Three 6 Mafia will continue to be felt for generations to come, forever etched in the annals of rap history.