Memphis style is hitting strong.
Patrick L. Randall | Silver Spring, MD | 02/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hip-hop fans who didn't know of Memphis pioneers, 3 6 Mafia, before "Stay Fly" most definitely know them now. The group has been around for more than a decade and has been fronted primarily by producer/rappers Juicy J and DJ Paul (teamed with Crunchy Black), though the roster has seen more than a dozen members over its time. 3 6 Mafia is one of the true pioneering groups of the Memphis rap underground and has its hooks in the creation of the now famous `crunk' sound.
"Stay Fly", the first single off the aptly-title "Most Known Unknown" album, reintroduces fans to 3 6 for the first time. Employing the new `screwed and chopped' hook, members of 3 6 extol the virtues of doing what must be done to stay on top of their game in the clubs. Juicy J, DJ Paul, and Crunchy Black each have a verse to provide a sample of their vocal styles, as do guests Young Buck (of 50 Cent's G Unit) and Memphis rap duo Eightball and MJG. The 6 verses each have their own distinct flavor that builds on the others.
As a club favorite that is starting to make serious inroads in the mainstream music scene, "Stay Fly" should be the first step in turning the 3 6 Mafia from Unknown to Most Known.
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