Posted on 09/27/2005

 

Memphis, Tennessee's Three 6 Mafia has been a staple of southern hip hop since the group's breakout "Tear Da Club Up" in 1997. Known for their sinister production and horror-core style, Three 6 differed from artists like Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and the Gravediggaz by injecting a distinct southern influence by chanting and call-and-response choruses that preceded most of the current crunk rappers. Coming a long way since their inception, the one time sextet is down to the trio of DJ Paul, Juicy J, and Crunchy Black for their latest release Most Known Unknown, the second album on Sony/Columbia Records following the folding of Loud Records.

Most Known Unknown is sandwiched between the bookend song "Stay Fly", available in two flavors. The opening version features Tennessee comrades Eightball & MJG, and Young Buck of G-Unit, while the album-closer version features Hypnotized Minds cohort Project Pat, Miami's favorite thug Trick Daddy, and Houstonite Slim Thug. Both versions offer a gritty and sinister beat laced with sparse vocal samples and an extremely catchy chorus that works to create a very club friendly single.

With the recent success of Houston-based rap, Three 6 Mafia continues its trend of working with various artists from the spot-lit city. Lil' Flip contributes to "Don't Cha Get Mad", a summertime anthem dedicated to cruising. "When I Pull Up At The Club" finds the trio and Paul Wall flossing and bragging over synthesized horns and rapid-fire drums. Paul Wall and Mike Jones are credited with appearances on "Swervin", but are limited to screwed chorus vocals.

Despite the many guest appearances and party-ready songs, Three 6 Mafia is at home on "Body Parts 3", featuring the entire Hypnotized Minds camp thugging over a haunting production. This haunting sound continues on "Hard Hittaz", the creepy "Half On A Sack", and "… Got Ya Hooked" which features Remy Ma delivering a decent verse that almost makes one miss the female perspective Gangsta Boo once brought to the group.

Most Unknown Known barely misfires from a production standpoint. The eerie uptempo beats will surely please fans of DJ Paul and Juicy J's work. The downfall of the album comes from often annoying and repetitive choruses, most evident in "Don't Violate" and "Knock The Black Off Yo Ass". For longtime Three 6 Mafia fans, Most Unknown Known will surely please. For newcomers to the group, approach with some hesitation and an open mind.