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I give Three 6 Mafia's (relatively) new album "Last 2 Walk" two thumbs up AND five stars. It deserves a Grammy. The skits and tracks on the group's continuum of albums tell an ongoing story that dates back to 1993 when they were underground mix-tape rappers in Memphis. One must remember that this was when Hillary Clinton, Tipper Gore, and Joe Lieberman were waging their war against "gangsta-rap". Three 6's response was to become even more hardcore. Now they even have an Oscar under their belts.
Slowly the group built a huge underground following that grew by leaps and bounds with the advent of the internet and MP3s. By the beginning of the 21st century, the group had cemented its reputation as having some of the best beats, hardest bass, and some of the most clever rhymes that hip-hop had ever seen.
Three 6's lyrics are comprised primarily of graphic violence, extremely graphic sexuality, greed, ghetto-life, and no-apologies promotion of the drug culture (both using and selling). However, careful attention to their lyrical evolution over the years reveals some guilt, and many subtle hints regarding the pitfalls of what they "promote". In interviews they have explained that many of their "songs" are more like movies or even cartoons because they are so over the top.
The title of this particular album ("Last 2 Walk") refers to the fact that DJ Paul and Juicy Jay are the only group members left. There are still many guest appearances on the album, but financial arguments and their associated lawsuits have left Paul and Juicy on their own.
Tracks with guest appearances by Project Pat, Crunchy Black, UGK (with raps recorded before Pimp C's death), Lil' Wyte, Akon, and even Good Charlotte appear on the new album. (On a side note: Lil' Wyte is the Caucasian rapper in Three 6's "posse" that DJ Paul and Juicy Jay "discovered". He is a lot more honest and hardcore than Eminem will ever be.) Some of the best "songs" on "Last 2 Walk" are: "Corner Man", "My Own Way", "Weed, Blow, Pills", "Trap Boom", and "Click Bang". "Lolli Lolli" even references support for Barack Obama (before he was elected). If you're looking for hardcore "gangsta-rap" with a brain, street-cred, and NO APOLOGIES: BUY THIS ALBUM!!!