by Three 6 Mafia
Released May 30, 1995 via Prophet Entertainment
Reviewed June 17, 2020
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Break Da Law ‘95 (32%), Da Summa (15%), Tear Da Club Up (15%)
The winds of autumn arrive, whether invited or not. In a few short weeks, their presence is felt in the crunch under your footsteps and the chill running down your spine. Like those autumn winds, Mystic Stylez doesn’t waste any time in hastily bringing an end to life itself. Whether vocally or aesthetically carried out, the Three Six Mafia acts as agents of death. Their lyrics are harrowingly direct, whether whispered in your ear or spit in your face. Delivering deep cuts and quick slices to their instrumentals, Three Six does more than put a shiver down your spine: They rip it out, then write about it. Although fall brings about the demise of one life, another must take its place. These angels of death deliver fruit not yet ripe enough to be enjoyed, but fruit that’s worth waiting for. – Ben (Synth) (10/10)
Horrorcore, trap, and Memphis hip-hop owe so much to Three 6 Mafia. A defining record that influenced all three, Mystic Stylez excelled in every aspect. The graphic and violent themes throughout were controversial at the time but have now become commonplace in modern day hip-hop, while triplet flows and prominent 808s can be seen on here more than a decade before they became a standard. All six members brought their A-game on the mic, displaying flawless chemistry, while DJ Paul and Juicy J’s dark production style shaped the vision for a classic record. – Dominick (10/10)
Mystic Stylez represents a sea of change for hip-hop. It is a prime example of focusing on musical aesthetic as opposed to lyrical content in rap, which has become a standard in the modern era. The dark atmosphere that hangs over stories of drugs, guns, and murder is one that many have since taken inspiration from. It’s been 25 years since Three 6 Mafia’s debut, and it has only become more relevant with each passing day. – Jared (10/10)
Mystic Stylez is a diamond amongst ‘90s music. The DJ Paul and Juicy J production duo is genius, setting an eerie mood that’s beautifully complemented by the vast array of Three 6 members spitting devilish, evil lyrics (most notably Juicy J and Gangsta Boo, the MVP’s of this album). With its unique drums, creative lyrics, lo-fi mixing, and sample-laden production, you can hear Three 6 Mafia’s fingerprints all over modern hip-hop – influencing the subgenres of crunk, trap, horrorcore, cloud rap, and more. Mystic Stylez and its influence becomes even more impressive when you remember almost everyone involved in its making hadn’t even turned 22 yet – Gangsta Boo was 15. At such a young age, it’s marvelous that they were able to create such a groundbreaking and quality project. – Alan (9.1/10)
Ben (Synth): 10/10 | Dominick: 10/10 | Jared: 10/10 | Cam: 9.5/10
Hadley: 9.5/10 | Alan: 9.1/10 | DeVán: 9/10 | Enth: 9/10 | Peter: 8/10
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