Much like my earlier post on Dipset, Three-6-Mafia was a group I had to learn to fully grasp before i could truly embrace its music. I remember seeing Hypnotize Minds Records’ ads in The Source magazine and being dumbfounded at what the music could sound like. The Memphis (TN) rap scene was one of the earliest and most fiercely independent movements to emerge from the southern takeover and Juicy J,Project Pat, DJ Paul and Gangsta Boo had a swagger all their own. But what’s lost at first glance in the glare of Crunchy Black’s grill and the sound of Juicy J’s adlibs is the craftmanship and precision that was put in the Hypnotized Minds team’s production. I chose three original songs and two remixes to highlight the crew’s versatility from sizzurpy soul samples to whip bangers you can count on Three-6 mafia to get a block party popping or two wind down a clouded after-party.
Poppin My Collar and Stay Fly are Triple Six Mafia anthems. Poppin my Collar instrumental would be my boxing entrance music and the kicks/snares and vocal stabs are the blueprint for a memphis track. The original Stay Fly used highly dramatic strings sample to punctuate the song’s cadence and I love the way Controller 7 flipped the song structure. Indeed, he truly transformed a hype track into an airy song that’s as smooth as Tenessee whisky and more akin to the song’s subject matter. The contrast between the beat and Young Buck’s delivery is amazing and Memphis is not better represented than with veterans 8Ball and MJG’s verses.
Poppin My Collar - Remix ft. Project Pat Stay Fly Stay Fly (Controllet 7 Laidback Mix
Doe Boy Fresh was released after the infamous Academy Award win (and subsequqent crew restructuring) and if the OG beat had me dozing off, the Bcause remix woke me up with a bang! BCause is an amazing DJ/remixer who deserves his own post but this track really stands out and literrally blows speakers out of their sockets. If Stay Fly was punctuated, the piano sample and earth shattering drums should be considered syncopated C4 detonations and a warning from the surgeon general should be issued. As hyperbolic as it may seem i dare you to pop this in your ipod or car stereo and not feel the rumbling. Finally, one of my favorite Three-6 tracks. Project Pat’s (Juicy J’s big borther and former leader of the click) That’s What Money Do represents the essence of the group’s work. Flipping southern soul samples (Wilie Hutch as always) and seemlessly integrating synth work with a catchy hook and ignorant lyrics at its finest (the song calls upon ballers to throw stacks of money in other less fortunate members of society’s faces). I think it’s the best use of the classic song (sorry 7 samurai) and quite a complex beat that works on all levels, sad to say it’s only a mixtape cut and no wax is to be had.
Now that the Triple Six Mafia is left with only two members more focused on reality shows than music (their recent foray into euro techno and celebrity restaurants was an embarassement for all involved) its good to listen to these tracks and just focus on the past. Hopefully, the nostalgic fans will discover amazing remixes and the uninitiated will be converted.
Project Pat - What We Do Doe Boy Fresh (B. Cause Came Down Re-Twerk)
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