Three6 Mafia leads Hip-Hop Invasion

Posted November 11, 2008 10:00 pm

By Dan Hyman Daily Herald Correspondent

Jordan "Juicy J" Houston, one half of rap-duo Three6 Mafia, sits in a Memphis, Tenn., recording studio. Juicy J is in his hometown, hanging out at his home-away-from-home, doing what he has built his career upon: recording and producing music.

Eighteen years after forming the gritty hip-hop group that already has an Academy Award, its own reality show, and countless radio hits, Juicy J remains humbled by Three6's success.

"If I hear (our music) today or tomorrow, I'll still be like 'Wow,' " Juicy J says during a telephone interview. "We've been in the game for so long and for people to still know who we are and to be buying our records, it's truly a blessing."

Juicy J and partner Paul Beauregard, more commonly known as DJ Paul, bring their distinctive flow and driving beats to Chicago's Congress Theatre on Friday, Nov. 14 for Chitown Entertainment's Hip-Hop Invasion 08. The show features opening performances by Kardinal Offishall, Ray J and Baby Bash, and is MC'ed by B96's Stylz and Roman.

Ray J and Baby Bash, both riding the success of their respective hit singles "Sexy- Can I" and "Cyclone," bring an R & B vibe reminiscent of a young R. Kelly to the opening act, while Canadian "hip-hop ambassador" Kardinal Offishall garnered recent attention for his single "Dangerous," thanks in large part to a classic hook courtesy of Akon.

For Three6 Mafia, headlining "Hip-Hop Invasion" at the Congress brings the duo back to a frequent destination. Paul, in fact, has family in the Chicago area.

Three6 may certainly be family men, but Juicy J's not afraid to candidly admit why he really digs the Windy City.

"We visit a couple girls, you know," Juicy J says while laughing. "Just hangin' and kickin' it. I love Chicago."

Three6 Mafia's ninth studio album, "Last 2 Walk," which debuted in June 2008, has spawned several hit singles, most noticeably the club-friendly "Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body)" featuring Paul's older brother and frequent collaborator Project Pat.

Three6's decision to include an array of collaborators on "Last 2 Walk," ranging from Akon to alternative rockers Good Charlotte, demonstrates their willingness to mix up their sound and consistently reinvent their style.

"We love to collaborate with whomever," Juicy J says. "It's all good."

While hip-hop loyalists might call Three6's newer material mainstream, Juicy J is in touch with the Memphis roots that have defined Three6's flavor from the beginning.

"We listened to stuff like Isaac Hayes, Al Green (growing up in Memphis), a lot of that old Stax stuff," Juicy J says. A "lot of our music is dark like the rock 'n' roll days. It's dark, like the rockers."

With nearly two decades on the scene, the duo has survived several lineup changes after original members Lord Infamous and Crunchy Black departed in recent years.

Juicy J and DJ Paul, after shedding their partners, only gained further popularity by keeping their music fresh; constantly writing, producing, and performing for their ever-growing fan base.

Three6 has little left to prove to critics or fans alike, yet the Memphis boys are staying fierce in the rap game.

"It's just the love of the music (that keeps us motivated)," Juicy J says. " We're just trying to keep this hip-hop movement rolling and keep it alive.

Hip Hop Invasion

Featuring: Three6 Mafia, Kardinal Offishall, Ray J and Baby Bash

Location: Congress Theatre, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago

Date: Friday, Nov. 14

Tickets: $34, congresschicago.com

Other upcoming shows Sonny Landreth Eric Clapton has called blues guitarist Sonny Landreth "probably the most underestimated musician on the planet." The master of slide technique's latest album, "From the Reach," features a guest spot by Clapton along with other admirers such as Mark Knopfler, Dr. John and Jimmy Buffett. Eclectic Milwaukee favorite Paul Cebar opens this suburban show. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the Clearwater Theater, 96 W. Main St., West Dundee. $22. (847) 836-8820 or <a href="http://www.clearwatertheater.com" target="new">clearwatertheater.com</a>. Davy Jones The onetime Monkee (the "cute" one) certainly does the group's hits, especially ones he was lead vocalist on like "Daydream Believer" and "I Wanna Be Free." But Davy's also had a career on his own. For instance, his "new" CD, "Incredible Revisited," is actually a reissue of his 1986 album, "Incredible," with a bonus track tacked on. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $49-$75. (630) 587-8400 or <a href="http://www.onestientertainment.com" target="new">onestientertainment.com</a>. Horna Finland's Horna is one of black metal's most respected cult acts, with a ridiculous amount of releases under their spiked belts. This is their first U.S. tour in 15 years of existence, in support of their new double album, "Sanojesi Äärelle," hitting American stores on the day of this show. Blood Stained Dusk, Velnias, Locrian and Entrancemperium open. 8 p.m. Tue., Nov. 18, at Metal Shaker, 3394 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Price TBA. (773) 286-4482 or <a href="http://www.myspace.com/metalshaker" target="new">myspace.com/metalshaker</a>. - Jeff Pizek

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