In many ways, Three 6 Mafia paved the way for the Southern trap sound of today -- uptempo percussion and dark, ominous soundscapes were the bread and butter of Juicy J and DJ Paul. Today marks the 25th anniversary of the group's classic debut album Mystic Stylez, a project that introduced the legendary crew to the game and helped shape the horrorcore hip-hop movement as we have come to know it. While the entirety of Mystic is lined with spooky bangers, one of the album's highlights arrives during one of the more laid-back moments -- track three, "Da Summa."
Of course, it wouldn't be vintage Three 6 without the slightest eerie quality, and "Da Summa's" groove does feature a slightly melancholic chord progression -- the perfect droplet of foreboding. Off the bat, DJ Paul holds it down with a standout verse. "We in the lot bumpin' our underground rap tapes, 'Paul and Juicy part 2' and for another one, they just couldn't wait," he raps, heavy on the nostalgia. "We back at the crib sweatin' in a little room, W-30's, SP-12's and MPCs we use." A moment of humility amidst the violence and sexuality, Three 6 Mafia's "Da Summa" remains a timeless record to this day. Show some love to one of the most influential groups of all time.
QUOTABLE LYRICS
We in the lot bumpin' our underground rap tapes
'Paul and Juicy part two' and for another one, they just couldn't wait
We back at the crib sweatin' in a lil' room
W-30's, SP-12's and MPCs we use
