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Three 6 Mafia, 'Last 2 Walk'

Oscar winners unveil long-delayed, lowbrow songs

By Tamara Palmer

Special to Metromix
June 23, 2008

Critic's Rating:

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Backstory: Memphis’ Three 6 Mafia (DJ Paul and Juicy J) was catapulted from the Dirty South underground to household name status when the group snagged an improbable Oscar in 2006 for writing “It’s Hard Out Here For a Pimp” for the film “Hustle & Flow.” It would have been a great time to capitalize on their notoriety by releasing their next album the following year, but instead Paul and Juicy opted to star in their own MTV reality show, “Adventures in Hollyhood.” That next album, “Last 2 Walk,” has been changed and delayed many times, but it’s finally seeing the light of day.

Why you should care: Because it’s still hard out here for a pimp, and Three 6 Mafia probably won’t be winning any more Oscars any time soon—the Mafia needs you!

Verdict: Their tried-and-true formula of chanted choruses (about recklessness, violence, girls) hasn’t gone anywhere, but it’s hard to deny that Three 6 Mafia does have a knack for turning the simple and stupid into something funny and memorable, as on “Playstation”: “Play with your Playstation/don’t play with me, boy!” In general, the guys aren’t any better with their rap delivery, with the exception of the amazing “First 48,” the album’s standout track, which also features Tennessee rap legends 8Ball and MJG, Al Kapone, DJ Spanish Fly and Project Pat. Pat, appearing on several tracks, consistently steals the spotlight from DJ Paul and Juicy J, bringing his hood entertainment to the forefront most memorably on “Dirty Bitch.” The good news is that mainstream fame hasn’t deterred the Mafia from juvenile and boastful songs like “Weed, Blow, Pills,” and the joke is still kinda funny.

X-Factor: Three 6 Mafia made a video remix of their fellatio anthem “I’d Rather” and dedicated it to New York’s disgraced ex-governor, Eliot Spitzer.

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