In 1995, the Memphis underground rap group, then named "Triple 6 Mafia", released its first official album, Mystic Stylez. It had recorded this album by using the profits from its highly successful underground tape Smoked Out, Loced Out. The members then changed the group's name to "Three 6 Mafia" (or sometimes "3-6 Mafia") and now use the Triple-6 name on the compilations of reissued tracks from their underground tapes. They did this because radio stations supposedly refused to play the songs of a group whose name included a reference to the number 666. There are also rumors that the name was changed because of copyright reasons due to a falling out with others in the Memphis rap scene. The group has had a number of disputes with former allies, namely Playa Fly, Gangsta Blac, and Skinny Pimp. In fact, some say that the group was originally named "Three Six Mafia" (all words spelled out), then switched to "Triple Six" for similar reasons.
On the 1995 single "Live By Yo Rep", the group had accused Cleveland group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony of stealing its style (a mix of quasi-harmonic rapping and blatant references to the occult). The track "All Original" on Bone's Art of War album is thought to be a dis of Three Six (this issue has apparently been settled, however). The problems between the two groups were eventually settled in family court in June 1996.
Eventually, Three 6 Mafia moved towards the "crunk" style of rap - repetitive chanting aimed at hyping a crowd (e.g.โ "tear the club up, nigga, tear the club up!"). This direction (exemplified by songs like "Sippin' on Syrup" with Houston rappers UGK) helped them reach number 6 on the Billboard album chart in 2000 with their CD 6661: When the Smoke Clears.
Three 6 has expanded its operations considerably. Its stable of affiliated rappers is called "Hypnotize Minds" or the "Hypnotize Camp Posse" (HCP). Aside from many of the individual members releasing solo albums, they have also released material from "Tear Da Club Up Thugs" (a side project) and "Three Six Mafia Presents: Hypnotize Camp Posse" (a Memphis rap compilation). Unfortunately, Three 6 Mafia has also lost many members. Koopsta Knicca left due to a monetary dispute, while La Chat is currently pursuing a solo career. Gangsta Boo is rumored to have converted to Christianity and is interested in gospel music (which she denies, saying that it's a rumor started by her former label mates). Lord Infamous is likely in prison and very possibly under 24-hour lockdown, although Juicy J has said he's on "vacation." T-Rock has parted ways with Three 6 Mafia, and has publicly dissed the entire clique and accused them of shady business dealings in interviews and on his track "Mr. Big Man." Project Pat recently served time in prison for a parole violation, but was released in July 2005.
In 2003, Three 6 Mafia released the album Da Unbreakables, which features collaborations with Lil' Flip, Pimp C, (from UGK), Lil' Wyte, Frayser Boy, Hank Williams, Jr., and Project Pat. The album produced the hit "Ridin' Spinnerz," which featured Lil' Flip.
In 2005, Three 6 Mafia released their highly anticipated new album โMost Known Unknown.โ It was notable that Lord Infamous was missing from this album. The generally accepted reason was that he had been incarcerated; however, Three 6 Mafia claim he is on "holiday.โ He has since officially returned to Three 6 Mafia recently. The group is said to be associated with the crip gang. They diss the bloods in many of their lyrics.
Three 6 Mafia has always been known for their controversial and sometimes misunderstood lyrics. For example, in the song "Knock the Black Off Yo Ass", they reference the DC Area Sniper Shootings in multiple lines in the song. "I think they better call Bush, 'cause it's a national disaster, when I unleash my pistol-grip Bushmaster." "You can't hide, you can't run. I'm a sniper, ridin' in a blue Chevy, a trunk full of guns, man you hoes ain't ready."
โStay Flyโ was the first single off of The Most Unknown album. The next single released off of the album was "Poppinโ My Collar," which premiered around mid January 2006.
Their song "Late Nite Tip" is favoured by car audio enthusiasts for its deep, rolling bassline and is a stalwart of testing ones sound system also it is known that they sampled many Willie Hutch songs on their album Most Known Unknown
In January of 2006, Three 6 Mafia made history as they became the first African-American hip-hop act to be nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Achievement In Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song). The group was nominated for the song Itโs Hard Out Here For A Pimp off of the Hustle & Flow soundtrack. The first hip-hop act to actually be nominated for an Academy Award in this category was Eminem in 2002 for the song Lose Yourself off the 8 Mile soundtrack and he also won the award. Three 6 Mafia was credited by their real names in the nomination and not by their group name. Jordan Houston (Juicy J), Cedric Coleman (Crunchy Black), and Paul Beauregard (DJ Paul) were named in the nomination. Terrance Howard, who performed the song in the movie, refuses to perform it at the Academy Awards possibly because it reinforces stereotypes that all black males are pimps.
On March 5, 2006, Three 6 Mafia won the Academy Award they were nominated for, becoming the first African American Hip-Hop group to win an Oscar.
During May Crunchy Black left Three 6 Mafia to go on his own. He is releasing 4 mixtapes and 4 dvds in the near future.
Origin: Memphis, Tennessee
Year Formed: 1991
Intro
Three 6 Mafia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The robbery capital of the u.s.
The three 6
Because of they (mystic stylez)
They (lived by they rep) 'til the end
Causing (world domination)
And (when the smoke cleared), they still was (unbreakable)
But after winning the oscar only some would last due to pressure
And be the last man standing
Dj paul and juicy j, the (last 2 walk)
Smoke it up, what you do, what you do
Drank it up, what you do, what you do
Snort it up, what you do, what you do
Pop it up, what you do, what you do
I can hear the cries
Wishin they could turn back the hands of ti-I-I-I-I-I-me
Ba-a-a-a-a-a-ack
"Hahahaha! Aww man, get the fuck outta here
Your cd ain't messed up man
I had to fuck wit'cha a little bit
Cause I'm gone and I'm lit
But we fin' to give you some bump!"
Drop that shit!
The opening lines of the song 'Intro' by Three 6 Mafia serve as a declaration of pride and dedication for the group's hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. They proclaim themselves as 'The three 6' and mention how the city is known for being the 'robbery capital of the US.' The next few lines reference some of the group's past albums and accomplishments, noting how they lived by their reputation and achieved world domination. Despite facing pressure and scrutiny after winning an Oscar, they have remained unbreakable and are still known as the most known unknowns. The song then transitions to a more playful and hedonistic tone, encouraging listeners to smoke, drink, snort and pop whatever substances they enjoy. A brief interlude of someone jokingly pretending to mess up a CD is followed by the command to 'drop that shit,' which could refer to either the beat of the song or a physical substance.
Overall, the lyrics of 'Intro' present a mix of pride in past accomplishments, defiance in the face of adversity, and a celebration of hedonistic pleasure. While it doesn't delve too deeply into any one topic, it gives listeners a taste of what Three 6 Mafia are all about: creating catchy, hard-hitting music while still having fun.
Line by Line Meaning
Straight out the streets of Memphis, Tennessee
Three 6 Mafia originates from the dangerous and infamous streets of Memphis, the city known for its high rate of robberies
The robbery capital of the u.s.
Memphis has the highest record of robberies in the United States
The three 6
The band's name is Three 6 Mafia
Because of they (mystic stylez)
They became successful due to their unique music style
They (lived by they rep) 'til the end
The group followed their reputation until the end, remaining true to their authentic roots and not compromising themselves or their music
Causing (world domination)
With their contributions to the music industry, they became known worldwide and gained immense popularity
And (when the smoke cleared), they still was (unbreakable)
Despite facing adversity and obstacles, they remained unbreakable and unstoppable
Being the (most known unknowns)
Although they are widely known, they maintain a sense of mystery and obscurity
But after winning the oscar only some would last due to pressure
Despite some members achieving high levels of success such as winning an Oscar, some members were unable to handle the pressure
And be the last man standing
Only DJ Paul and Juicy J remained as active members of the group
Dj paul and juicy j, the (last 2 walk)
DJ Paul and Juicy J are the last remaining members of Three 6 Mafia, signifying how they have outlasted all others
Smoke it up, what you do, what you do
Inviting the listener to partake in smoking marijuana
Drank it up, what you do, what you do
Inviting the listener to partake in drinking alcohol
Snort it up, what you do, what you do
Inviting the listener to partake in snorting cocaine
Pop it up, what you do, what you do
Inviting the listener to pop pills (likely referring to ecstasy)
I can hear the cries
Imagery that the singer can hear the sorrow and cries of people who wish to turn back time and change their past actions, likely related to addiction and crime
Wishin they could turn back the hands of ti-I-I-I-I-I-me
Reiterating the idea that people regret their past choices and decisions
Ba-a-a-a-a-a-ack
The singer emphasizes the word 'back' to highlight the importance of changing one's past
"Hahahaha! Aww man, get the fuck outta here
The beginning of a playful interruption by a band member, dismissing the idea that the listener's CD is messed up
Your cd ain't messed up man
A direct reassurance by a band member that the listener's CD is not damaged
I had to fuck wit'cha a little bit
The previous interruption was made in jest or for entertainment value
Cause I'm gone and I'm lit
The band member is likely under the influence of drugs or alcohol, causing them to act a certain way
But we fin' to give you some bump!"
The band member promises that they will give the listener some of their music to enjoy
Drop that shit!
The start of the music, signaling for it to be played
Lyrics ยฉ DistroKid, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: CY COLEMAN, ALAN BERGMAN, MARILYN BERGMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Goonies Never Say Die!
When you rap along with every song in the intro as a song from memory, you know you are a true 36 fan.
Gemini Queen
Hell yeah and i know all these songs by heart
Empowered CRB
That's me. I listen to this like it's a song over and over
Adrian Renaldo
On god๐ฏ
Angela Natasha
He'll yeah!! ๐ฏ
RICK da RULA
"3 6 mafia is known, but at the same time we unknown "
Spoken like a true poet
bobobeatz1344
Dopest intro in the history of everdom
Generic name
Facts
Nicholas Oswald
I used to listen to this on repeat.
Willie Wade
Facts all day