Three 6 Mafia - Most Known Unknown
Reviewed By: THEULTIMATECDLINK
Album Rate: 4.25 out of 5 Stars
To Southern rap fans, Three 6 Mafia is anything but 'unknown'. The original "Kings of Crunk" have lost more than a handful of members over the years (with the latest being the absence of Lord Infamous) but the core members, super producers DJ Paul & Juicy J, along with Crunchy Blac remain. The new album features guest spots from Project Pat, Lil Wyte, Frayser Boy, Chrome, Boogie Mane, Slim Thug, Trick Daddy, Grandaddy Souf, Remy Ma, Paul Wall, Lil Flip, The Last Mr. Bigg, & the single "Stay Fly" w/ 8Ball, MJG, & Young Buck.
The album starts off with "Most Known Hits"DJ Paul explaining why the album is titled "Most Known Unknown" since most people don't give them the credit for being pioneers in not only Southern hip-hop, but hip-hop in general followed by a medley blend of their biggest songs including "Where Is The Bud", "Tear Da Club Up", "Ridin Spinners", etc.
"Stay Fly" is the single that has been blowing up the airwaves all summer that features the historic collabo between Memphis legends Three 6 Mafia and 8Ball & MJG, and fellow Tennessee Titan, Young Buck. By now, you've heard the song and seen the video and you know the hypnotic hook "I gotta stay higggghhh til I dieeee". The "Stay Fly" remix is also on the album and features Southern heavyweights Slim Thug and Trick Daddy along with Project Pat.
Project Pat makes his return from a long prison stint on the song "Roll With It" which was originally featured on his "Layin Da Smack Down" promotional CD only DJ Paul & Juicy J switch the beat up nicely.
On "Swervin", DJ Paul and Juicy J use one of their favorite production trademarks of samplin their own work, this time being Mike Jones' and Paul Wall's verses from Frayser Boy's single "Got Dat Drank". It's a nice song to ride out and sip that lean to and continues the trend of Three 6 Mafia's tributes to the late DJ Screw (R.I.P.) on wax with at least one screwed track on each album.
Of course, there's the tracks that will have the clubs fightin, such as the stomp a mudhole in his ass track "Don't Violate" featuring Frayser Boy, and the track "Knock Tha Black Off Yo Ass" with Project Pat who warns those on the block not to fuck with him or they'll have a leg full of lead.
Alabama's The Last Mr. Bigg pops up on the song "Poppin My Collar" which is way too short but a banger nonetheless. The newest member of Hypnotize Camp Posse, Boogie Mane, raps along Crunchy Blac, DJ Paul, and Juicy J on "Hard Hittaz" which was originally featured on Crunchy Blac's upcoming album "From Me To U".
Three 6 Mafia raps about the niggas that don't dance (nor lean back) in the clubs--they the ones who posted up, fitted pulled down, and arms folded--on the song "Side 2 Side".
"Half On A Sack" gives us hopes that the old demonic, weed smokin Triple Six Mafia style is back. It's not quite there but a tight track nonetheless. Juicy J rips the track with his flow, and DJ Paul and Crunchy more than hold their own ensuring that you'll be listening to this song more than once.
Guest appearances are abundant on this album including Lil Flip & The Last Mr. Bigg on "Don't Cha Get Mad" and Remy Martin on the track "Pussy Got Ya Hooked". The anticipated posse cut "Body Parts 3" didn't exactly live up to standards of previous posse cuts and that's mainly because the beat isn't as hard as some that DJ Paul & Juicy J have put on previous HCP albums.
The album ends with 4 bonus tracks designed to build the hype for the next HCP release, the album from Chrome called "Straight To The Pros". "Let's Plan A Robbery" is a gutta grimey street track with the piano laced beat with the hi-hats and basslines DJ Paul & Juicy J are most known for. "Dancin On A Pole" will be a strip club favorite and could easily pass for "Shake Dat Jelly Part 2".
Overall, the production by DJ Paul and Juicy J is on point as usual. "Most Known Unknown" is definitely a step up from the Choices II soundtrack and will go a long way in quieting their fans who say that they give their best beats to artists like Frayser Boy, Lil Wyte, Young Buck, or Ludacris. There's a lot of guest appearances on the album but enough to notice the absence of one Lord Infamous. While he's locked up for multiple charges, it was a surprise that not even a recycled Scarecrow verse made it onto the album. But then again, it wouldn't be the first time (remember the Headbussaz album?). Long story short, get this album if you're a Three 6 Mafia fan. You won't be dissappointed. Make sure you get the Dual Disc so you can check out the DVD where you can see Three 6 Mafia up close and personal.
Three 6 Mafia - Most Known Unknown