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
What's Going On
Three 6 Mafia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
when the mic pop up im standing on up
my rhymeing skills kill im about to erupt
but when time proceeds i gotta do my deeds
that is spit the truth and it aint gone to be smooth
im a explode of the roof throw ya around in a loop
then im a ball you up and shoot you through a hoop
thats how i get down im a rap circles around these clowns
give these fake rappers a pound then im a head down town and im a steal the kings crown im always home bound im like
a picther on a mound im fixen to thorw some boes and stomp on yo toes
the mack is back and im rad im a push on you just a tad
hit u down with a bat shoot you up with a gat u's a snitch
and a rat plus a bitch oh hell no here we go again
im already at cha home mutha f**ka its on me n bow
gone bring the crome to ya dome hold on up this rap isnt
done or up im down for da A.L. and thats whats up im a bump my own musik ya still pushin a buick plus all yall rhymes reak smell like the shit from last week but when im in a whip i stain the leak ya know how we get down this yo boy doe holla at me fam.
(Juicy J - Verse 2)
The Three 6 is back
so bump this shit and put it back on the rack
we be ridin in the better caddilacs wit da candy
on them and the candy rims that a make ya limp this
yo boy juicy juciy J and i aint playin with no bitch
we gone flip her in a ditch and call it a night tip
hoe sucked on my dick and i aint payin for no rent
(Crunchy Black - Verse 3)
I was clean now im a beam
im a jump off like ima flea
im back boy holla at ya
(Dj Paul - Chorus)
whats going on hoe x3
The lyrics to Three 6 Mafia's song "What's Going On" are centered around the theme of rapper's abilities and dominance in the industry. D.O.E.'s verse talks about his confident rap skills, how he can shut down arenas with his performances, and his ability to call out other rappers for their weak rhyming abilities. Juicy J's verse is more focused on his flashy lifestyle, rapping about his luxury cars and the women he obtains. Finally, Crunchy Black's verse is braggadocious and centers around his own return to the rap industry. The chorus repeated throughout the song, "What's Going On Hoe," seems to embody the overall idea of the song-that the Three 6 Mafia is back and better than ever.
One interpretation of the song's lyrics is that Three 6 Mafia is asserting their dominance in the rap industry, showing off their skills and lifestyle, and calling out other rappers for being weak. The use of vulgar language and sexually explicit content is not uncommon in rap music, and this song is no exception. The lyrics are confrontational and somewhat aggressive, reflecting the tough and competitive nature of the rap industry.
Line by Line Meaning
when the mic pop up im standing on up
As soon as the microphone appears, I immediately rise up in anticipation of performing
my rhymeing skills kill im about to erupt
My rap skills are deadly and I am about to unleash them
but when time proceeds i gotta do my deeds
As time passes, I must fulfill my obligations which include speaking the truth through my music
that is spit the truth and it aint gone to be smooth
My intention is to convey the truth which may sometimes be harsh and not easy to accept
im a explode of the roof throw ya around in a loop
I will create an explosive performance that will leave the audience in awe and possibly dizzy with my lyrical prowess
then im a ball you up and shoot you through a hoop
I will metaphorically wrap you up in my words and shoot you through a hoop, leaving a lasting impression
thats how i get down im a rap circles around these clowns
My style is unique and distinctive, and I have the ability to rap rings around those who try to imitate or compete with me
when i hit the towns the areans be shut down im a
Whenever I perform in different locations, the venues are packed to capacity and people are left in awe
give these fake rappers a pound then im a head down town and im a steal the kings crown
I will acknowledge other rappers' efforts that are genuine, but then I will show them who the king of the genre truly is
im always home bound im like a picther on a mound
I am always true to my roots and never forget where I come from, much like a baseball pitcher who remains close to home
im fixen to thorw some boes and stomp on yo toes
I am ready to fight and assert my dominance, even if it means crushing others underfoot
the mack is back and im rad im a push on you just a tad
I am confident in my skills and abilities, and will assert myself only as much as needed to maintain my position at the top
hit u down with a bat shoot you up with a gat u's a snitch and a rat plus a bitch
I am not afraid to use violence to enforce my will and will not tolerate those who betray me or act cowardly
oh hell no here we go again im already at cha home mutha f**ka its on me n bow
I am not afraid to confront my enemies and make my presence known, even if it means going to their home
gone bring the crome to ya dome hold on up this rap isnt done or up
I am ready to engage in a potentially violent confrontation and will not back down until I come out on top
im down for da A.L. and thats whats up im a bump my own musik ya still pushin a buick
I am loyal to my crew, and will represent my own music with pride while others are stuck driving lesser cars
plus all yall rhymes reak smell like the shit from last week but when im in a whip i stain the leak ya know how we get down this yo boy doe holla at me fam.
Other rappers' lyrics are stale and lack originality, but when I am in my car, my music is so good that it overpowers any other noise. This is how things are done and I am always open to collaboration.
The Three 6 is back
The trio is back and ready to take the music world by storm
so bump this shit and put it back on the rack
Listen to and enjoy this music, and then put it back on the shelf for others to discover
we be ridin in the better caddilacs wit da candy on them and the candy rims that a make ya limp
We ride in luxurious Cadillacs with custom candy-colored paint and rims that draw attention and evoke envy in others
this yo boy juicy juciy J and i aint playin with no bitch
I am Juicy J, and I do not tolerate those who try to take advantage of or disrespect me
we gone flip her in a ditch and call it a night
We will retaliate if necessary and will not hesitate to get rid of someone if they cross us
hoe sucked on my dick and i aint payin for no rent
A woman performed a sexual act on me and I will not give her any more money, implying that I do not believe in paying for sex
I was clean now im a beam
I used to be a respectable person, but now I am dangerous and powerful
im a jump off like ima flea
I am ready to take on any challenge or opponent with speed and agility, much like a flea
im back boy holla at ya
I am back and ready to do business or collaborate with like-minded individuals
whats going on hoe x3
What is happening or what is the situation, directed towards someone who is not on the same level of respect as the singer
Contributed by Mia A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Malik Musa 2.0
Dj Paul Is My Uncle & I’m Proud Of Him And 36 💯🏆💪🏾🙌🏾✊🏾
Malik Musa 2.0
@Justin Nielsen Damn Right
Justin Nielsen
MaybeMusa Paul is a damn Legend!
Guzinthings
I loved his verse on sipping on syrup
U-AIN'TSMOKKKINRECORDZ
You know seed of six they go crazy big ups to the Dunigan's
M Lort
@Malik Musa 2.0 we know all his nephews dummy and you’re not one !
Jordan Steele
I still bump them everyday on the way to work 💯💯
Brazy D
Three 6 Mafia &
Bone Thugs - N - Harmony
The best and most influential groups of the entire Rap/Hip-hop genre.
GREG THE GAMER
@Andre Williams they would’ve would’ve went to enjoy mainestream success but also stayed underground at the same time hoorocore and crunk was and is a southern thing
steadycreeping
@Tyler Lankford Chris brown but I’d say he mostly got his notoriety from the dancing + Rihanna beef