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
Whatcha Know
Three 6 Mafia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Three 6 Mafia (Here it is)
Know what I'm sayin'
Goodie Mob (Triple Six Mafia)
ATL (Big Gipp)
M-town connection (Man)
What you know about that?
What you know? What you know?
(I'ma hit ya back)
What you know?
(Chorus) x2
DJ Paul & Big Gipp-
What you know? What you know?
'Bout the be 's, bout that O
'Bout these streets, 'bout this 9
'Bout these niggaz doin' time
What you know? What you know?
Bout the kickin' in the do'
Layin' cuckers on the flo'
Gettin' low down with the dope
Lord Infamous-
In Memphis, I'm a felonist, don't fuck with ghetto presidents
Run up in your residence, gather all the evidence
Murder list is specialist, clickin' on this medicine
Unloadin' a Tec in this, hang you by your neck-a-lace
All in for the blessedness, Lord Infamous reck-a-less
Mobbin', I'm the messiest, best, there is no testin' this
Hellraiser, I'm hookin' 'em, four star chef, I'm cookin' 'em
Like that, now I'm bookin' 'em, slash they eyes out look at 'em
Crunchy Black-
What you know about killaz, what you know about dealers
What you know about niggaz that live fake, know I'm for real-a
What you know about bitches, what you know about clickin'
One in the chamber so nigga now you know I'm out to get ya
What you know about reobbin', what you know about mobbin'
Mobbin' all through the hood nigga doin' my job 'n
I ain't tryin' to be starvin', I'm just leg over barbin'
Poppin' shots at your head, nigga doin' my job 'n
(Chorus) x2
[Juicy J-]
Juciy always be gamin', keep that roast to the flame 'n
Slangin' dope in the Grove, all the way to Black Haven
Call your boy on the cell, if you want somethin', hail
We got prostitutes and whitey-white just tryin' to make mail
Have you been to the North, Memphis where I be stayin'
Where them golds, they be shinin', nothin' but smiles on they faces
Always stumblin', rumblin', keep the freaky hoes comin'
If they want to suck the dick, we put that nut in they stomach
[DJ Paul-]
Ain't no problem that's to big, nigga fucked up 'bout no task
Two of them coloreds with them masks, sawed-off pumps for mega-blast
Forty-thousand, one in the chamber, buck artila for gettin' his own man
Nigga I'm my own man, never catch me runnin' from no man
It's so strange, the look on you face that does not bring
Or brings it to doors lane, put blood on your close lane
Your eyes be like closin', hoes from head to toes 'n
Fuck 'round with the chosen, got you stiff like posin'
(Chorus) x2
[Big Gipp (Juicy J)-]
Don't give a fuck, I'm stayin' slizzard
Tough like chicken gizzards, strickly 'Cardi, wizard
Pill popper, afro, straight blowed
Corner coves, what I'm talkin', what you know
'Bout that girl, 'bout that boy, keep that nose itchin'
Skin scrachin', junkies steady bitchin'
I can't feel it, nigga please, stop that actin', cough it up
4 for the 5, is what I'm sellin', sawed-off 12 'n started bailin'
Kickin' do's, snatchin' clothes, catchin' hoes, gettin' cases
Sittin' in the country thinkin' about my money on vacation
This for the ones that love the club pop, sip-sip
Gipp dip, In a ho, in the jail, rollin' crip
Keep it crackin', keep it throwed, who shot first, nobody knows
How it goes, what you know, 'bout these streets I'm down fo'
(ATL...)
The song "Whatcha Know" by Three 6 Mafia featuring Big Gipp and Goodie Mob is a classic gangsta rap anthem that glorifies the gritty streets of Memphis and Atlanta. It speaks about the nitty-gritty of street warfare, the drug trade, and the life of ghetto residents. The song starts with a shout-out to the Memphis-Atlanta connection, with Juicy J, DJ Paul, and Big Gipp trading verses about their turf, their hustle, and their weapons. The chorus repeatedly asks the listener, "What you know?" posing questions about street life and gangsta culture.
Lord Infamous takes the next verse, bragging about his felon status and his willingness to use violence to maintain his reputation. He spits an eerie flow, punctuating it with wordplay and dark imagery. Crunchy Black takes up the third verse, rapping about his skills as a killer, dealer, and mob boss. He boasts about his power and his willingness to go out and get whatever he wants. He drops a few gems on street smarts, incorporating an element of hustle into the mix. The song ends with Big Gipp, who reminds listeners of his affiliation with Goodie Mob and his grip on life in Atlanta.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Expressing agreement, excitement or cheering
Know what I'm sayin'
Asking if the listener understands or is familiar with the topic being discussed
What you know about that?
Asking if the listener has knowledge of or experience with the topic being discussed
You can't ask fo' no mo'
Asserting that the topic has been adequately explained or discussed
I'ma hit ya back
Promising to respond or provide more information later
'Bout the be's, bout that O
Referring to Benz automobiles and O's (cigarettes laced with PCP) that are commonly associated with the drug trade
'Bout these streets, 'bout this 9
Talking about the dangers of street life and the use of guns in that lifestyle
'Bout these niggaz doin' time
Acknowledging the reality that many people involved in street life end up in prison
Bout the kickin' in the do'
Describing the act of breaking into someone's home
Layin' cuckers on the flo'
Bringing people to the ground, either through violent acts or drug use
Gettin' low down with the dope
Engaging in illegal drug use or sales
In Memphis, I'm a felonist, don't fuck with ghetto presidents
Boasting about being well-connected and respected in the criminal underworld of Memphis, Tennessee
Run up in your residence, gather all the evidence
Describing a home invasion designed to gather evidence from a criminal rival or victim
Murder list is specialist, clickin' on this medicine
Suggesting that the artist is highly skilled and successful at committing murder and using drugs to get away with their crimes
Unloadin' a Tec in this, hang you by your neck-a-lace
Threatening to use a Tec-9 (a type of firearm) on someone and possibly hang them with a piece of jewelry
All in for the blessedness, Lord Infamous reck-a-less
Indicating a desire for wealth and success in criminal activities, even if it is reckless or dangerous
Mobbin', I'm the messiest, best, there is no testin' this
Bringing chaos and destruction to the streets and feeling confident in one's criminal abilities
Hellraiser, I'm hookin' 'em, four star chef, I'm cookin' 'em
Using violent and aggressive tactics to intimidate those in the criminal underworld, as well as figuratively 'cooking' or beating them
What you know about killaz, what you know about dealers
Challenging the listener's knowledge of dangerous individuals, such as murderers and drug dealers
What you know about niggaz that live fake, know I'm for real-a
Pointing out that some people may pretend to be tough or dangerous, but the artist is genuinely living a criminal lifestyle
What you know about bitches, what you know about clickin'
Asking if the listener is familiar with the kind of women or groups that are involved in the criminal underworld
One in the chamber so nigga now you know I'm out to get ya
Implying that the artist has a firearm with a bullet already loaded, indicating a desire to harm someone
What you know about reobbin', what you know about mobbin'
Asking if the listener is familiar with robbing or organizing a violent group of people to intimidate or take advantage of others
Mobbin' all through the hood nigga doin' my job 'n
Boasting about the ability to move around a neighborhood and engage in criminal activities as if it is a job
I ain't tryin' to be starvin', I'm just leg over barbin'
Asserting that the artist does not want to live in poverty, but is also willing to engage in risky behaviors to make money
Poppin' shots at your head, nigga doin' my job 'n
Claiming that violent acts such as shooting someone in the head are just a part of the artist's everyday 'job'
Juciy always be gamin', keep that roast to the flame 'n
Describing the act of cooking drugs (often crack cocaine) on a stove and indicating that the artist is a skilled dealer
Slangin' dope in the Grove, all the way to Black Haven
Suggesting that the artist is selling drugs all over a particular area of Memphis, Tennessee
Call your boy on the cell, if you want somethin', hail
Encouraging people to contact the artist on their cell phone if they are interested in buying drugs or engaging in other criminal activities
We got prostitutes and whitey-white just tryin' to make mail
Claiming that the artist has access to both drugs and sex workers, as well as customers who are willing to pay for these services
Have you been to the North, Memphis where I be stayin'
Asking if the listener has been to a specific area of Memphis, Tennessee where the artist is known to reside
Where them golds, they be shinin', nothin' but smiles on they faces
Describing a particular area of Memphis where people are proud of their gold jewelry and enjoy showing it off
Ain't no problem that's too big, nigga fucked up 'bout no task
Asserting that the artist is confident in their ability to solve any problem or complete any task
Two of them coloreds with them masks, sawed-off pumps for mega-blast
Describing two black men wearing masks and carrying powerful shotguns (sawed-off pumps) that can cause extensive damage
Forty-thousand, one in the chamber, buck artila for gettin' his own man
Implying that the artist has a large amount of money and is willing to use a weapon to protect themselves or harm someone they feel has wronged them
Nigga I'm my own man, never catch me runnin' from no man
Boasting about self-sufficiency and bravery in the face of danger
It's so strange, the look on you face that does not bring
Noticing a strange or unpleasant expression on someone's face
Or brings it to doors lane, put blood on your close lane
Threatening to hurt someone badly or kill them
Your eyes be like closin', hoes from head to toes 'n
Describing the appearance of someone who is high on drugs, as well as women who are available for sex
Fuck 'round with the chosen, got you stiff like posin'
Claiming that challenging or disrespecting the artist's crew will result in physical punishment
Don't give a fuck, I'm stayin' slizzard
Asserting a carefree attitude towards drinking alcohol and possibly using drugs
Tough like chicken gizzards, strickly 'Cardi, wizard
Comparing oneself to tough, inedible chicken parts and implying a skill in cooking or selling drugs
Pill popper, afro, straight blowed
Describing someone who takes prescription drugs, has an afro hairstyle, and is under the influence of some other substance
Corner coves, what I'm talkin', what you know
Referring to street corners where drug deals often take place and asking if the listener is familiar with this aspect of street life
'Bout that girl, 'bout that boy, keep that nose itchin'
Talking about people who are involved in the drug game and warning them to be careful and stay alert
Skin scrachin', junkies steady bitchin'
Describing the unpleasant physical and emotional effects of drug addiction
I can't feel it, nigga please, stop that actin', cough it up
Mocking someone who is pretending to be tough or high on drugs
4 for the 5, is what I'm sellin', sawed-off 12 'n started bailin'
Advertising a particular type of drug and indicating a willingness to use violence if necessary to protect oneself
Kickin' do's, snatchin' clothes, catchin' hoes, gettin' cases
Describing various criminal activities, including breaking into homes (kickin' do's), robbing people (snatchin' clothes), having sex with women (catchin' hoes), and getting arrested (gettin' cases)
Sittin' in the country thinkin' about my money on vacation
Imagining oneself in a peaceful rural setting while thinking about the money they have made from crime
This for the ones that love the club pop, sip-sip
Addressing people who enjoy partying and using drugs, often in a club setting
Gipp dip, In a ho, in the jail, rollin' crip
Describing various scenarios in which the artist may find themselves, including dipping (having fun), being with a prostitute, being in jail, and rolling with the Crips gang
Keep it crackin', keep it throwed, who shot first, nobody knows
Encouraging people to keep partying and engaging in criminal activities, while also referring to the violent nature of street life
ATL...
Referencing the city of Atlanta, Georgia, where one of the featured artists (Big Gipp) is from
Lyrics © SILENT GIANT PUBLISHING CO.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
isaiah turner
on Smokin On Da Dro
this son dope as heck very good