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.— "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 “Most Known Unknown.” 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.” 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."
“Stay Fly” was the first single off of The Most Unknown album. The next single released off of the album was "Poppin’ 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 It’s 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
My Own Way
Three 6 Mafia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Three 6 Mafia! Good Charlotte
Hypnotize Minds, that executive
Some real shit man, let's drop it
Let's go!
[Chorus: Good Charlotte]
You know I can't live my life, workin' no 9 to 5
Cause time ain't on my side, and they don't understand
Forget what people say, I'm doin' it my own way
[Verse One]
So many shysters in my ears fool, tryin' to pop it
On my new fame, they will put new hands in my pocket
Standin' in the rain buck in hand man, about to cock it
I take another one they wanna be up out the rocket
I can't understand why they even wanna see me broke
Wanna see me choke off my own blood from cuttin' my throat
I always wanted the money fame wasn't worth my while
That's why I wore a mask on the front of "Mystic Stylez"
But one night in March 'round the sixth, my life changed in a sec
Whether for better or for worse I can't answer that yet
But I'll go to the pen before I lose my ends
Murder one, one of you hoes tryin' to get me for my Benjamin's
[Chorus]
[Verse Two]
In the field, it's real, slip up, get killed
Get robbed, get stuck, get messed off in a deal
These kids, are gone, on meth, and pills
That's why, I pack, I carry, the steel
I'm posted, in the hood, got green, I'm good
Trap house, no doubt, is where, I stood
Got gwap, got hot, till shop, got popped
These snitches, time cuts, it won't, ever stop
The times ain't gon' change change long as cocaine 'caine
Goes up the nose nose fries a nigga brain brain
See 'em in the mornin' time tryin' to catch a train train
Back out on the block (block) doin' the same thing thing
[Chorus]
The song "My Own Way" by Three 6 Mafia featuring Good Charlotte is an anthem of self-reliance and perseverance in the face of adversity. The lyrics in the chorus assert that the artist will not conform to societal norms or adhere to a regular nine to five work schedule, as they strive to pursue their own goals of success. They are aware of the limited time they have to achieve their desired outcomes as time is not on their side. Moreover, the second verse brings forth the harsh realities of living in the hood where drugs and violence are rampant, and how one has to take extreme measures to protect themselves from those who want to harm them.
The artist also touches on their past experiences of struggling for fame and the challenges they faced. They faced many people who wanted to take their money and fame away from them, prompting the artist to wear a mask to protect their identity. The lyrics suggest that the artist is more interested in financial stability than fame and will go to great lengths to protect their wealth, even if it means breaking the law.
Line by Line Meaning
You know I can't live my life, workin' no 9 to 5
I cannot lead my life working a standard job from nine to five
No matter what they say, I'm doin' it my own way
Despite the opinions of others, I will continue to do things in my personal manner
Cause time ain't on my side, and they don't understand
As time is limited, others are unable to comprehend my point of view
Forget what people say, I'm doin' it my own way
I will ignore others' opinions and continue to do things in my own unique manner
So many shysters in my ears fool, tryin' to pop it
There are numerous people attempting to deceive me by whispering in my ears
On my new fame, they will put new hands in my pocket
People try to exploit my newfound popularity for their own gain
Standin' in the rain buck in hand man, about to cock it
I am standing in the rain, ready to pull the trigger
I take another one they wanna be up out the rocket
I eliminate any competitors who try to take my place
I can't understand why they even wanna see me broke
I fail to comprehend why others would want me to be impoverished
Wanna see me choke off my own blood from cuttin' my throat
They desire me to fail and ruin myself by being self-destructive
I always wanted the money fame wasn't worth my while
My primary goal has always been to earn money, not fame
That's why I wore a mask on the front of "Mystic Stylez"
I wanted to conceal my identity for my own protection
But one night in March 'round the sixth, my life changed in a sec
My life changed dramatically on a specific night in March
Whether for better or for worse I can't answer that yet
I am unsure if the change was positive or negative
But I'll go to the pen before I lose my ends
I would rather go to jail than lose my money
Murder one, one of you hoes tryin' to get me for my Benjamin's
I would commit murder if someone attempted to steal my money
In the field, it's real, slip up, get killed
In dangerous situations, making mistakes can result in death
Get robbed, get stuck, get messed off in a deal
Dealing with criminals can result in robbery, violence, and drug addiction
These kids, are gone, on meth, and pills
The young generation is addicted to methamphetamine and prescription drugs
That's why, I pack, I carry, the steel
I carry a gun to defend myself from violent criminals
I'm posted, in the hood, got green, I'm good
I am doing well financially and am located in a poor neighborhood
Trap house, no doubt, is where, I stood
I previously operated out of a trap house without a doubt
Got gwap, got hot, till shop, got popped
I earned a lot of money quickly, but my operation was eventually shut down by the police
These snitches, time cuts, it won't, ever stop
Informants result in jail time, and their actions will never cease
The times ain't gon' change change long as cocaine 'caine
As long as cocaine is being sold, the situation will remain the same
Goes up the nose nose fries a nigga brain brain
Snorting cocaine causes severe brain damage
See 'em in the mornin' time tryin' to catch a train train
People are seen attempting to board a train early in the morning
Back out on the block (block) doin' the same thing thing
People return to their previous activities on the block
Chorus
Repeating the chorus
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BENJI MADDEN, JASON EPPERSON, JOEL MADDEN, JORDAN HOUSTON, PAUL BEAUREGARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
isaiah turner
on Smokin On Da Dro
this son dope as heck very good