
The lineup here was easily the most talented that Three 6 Mafia ever had. While the production was a major reason for the praise Mystic Stylez received, it was the performances of the MCs involved that took the album to another level. 3,” which reused the now familiar “Triple 6, Triple 6, Triple 6, smoked out, now I’m high, really high, mane I’m about the south” hook that was part of past versions released by DJ Paul and Koopsta Knicca. Still, this album wasn’t made to be dissected on your finest speakers as it maintains that made in the basement feel.ĭJ Paul and Juicy J also had a penchant for the self-referential, tweaking past records and employing hooks utilizing vocals from their old songs. The two mastered the foreboding sound in their beats, but also showed their versatility with creations like the solemn “Da Summa” or the funky vibes on “All or Nothin.” The lo-fi sound the two cultivated got a bit of a facelift as the quality was much better for their proper debut. DJ Paul and Juicy J produced the album in its entirety and created a haunting soundscape in doing so. Mystic Stylez brought together horrorcore raps and occult themes with production that would sound right at home in a John Carpenter film. Ultimately, these would be the core artists involved in crafting Mystic Stylez. But, consider that a discussion in line with whether or not Cappadonna is an official Wu-Tang Clan member. Fly would leave soon after the album’s release while Skinny Pimp remained an affiliate for a few more years.

There’s some debate as to whether Playa Fly and Kingpin Skinny Pimp are considered members or affiliates as they were both major contributors to Mystic Stylez. The lo-fi records helped establish a foundation for what would become Mystic Stylez.īy the time 1995 arrived, the group developed into its most familiar lineup: DJ Paul, Juicy J, Lord Infamous, Koopsta Knicca, Gangsta Boo, and Crunchy Black. The tapes also included original versions of what would later be some of the Mafia’s most well-known songs.

These projects would feature a large lineup of rappers, which included future members of Three 6 Mafia. Along with Paul’s brother Lord Infamous, they would release a variety of underground mixtapes that helped build their reputation throughout the city. The foundation for Three 6 Mafia and Mystic Stylez was built in Memphis during the early ’90s as two DJs, Paul and Juicy J, decide to create their own music.

Mystic Stylez was an independent album released through Prophet Entertainment, which DJ Paul and Juicy J co-owned at the time with Nick Scarfo. The album wasn’t a major release with a powerful label backing it. The fact that Mystic Stylez has developed such a lofty reputation is a testament to the creativity and innovation involved. The album, which celebrates its 20th anniversary today, led the way for an entire subset of Memphis rap and would influence artists for decades to come. Three 6 Mafia released several albums that helped shape their legacy, but nothing quite matches up to their classic debut, Mystic Stylez.
