Jordan Houston aka “Juicy J” is a producer, songwriter and rapper who was part of the mercurial rap group Three 6 Mafia. The group gained recognition in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, scoring a 2006 Oscar win for best original song.
“The first time I had ever seen someone die was when I saw a guy get shot seven times in the chest,” mentions Juicy J in his new memoir “Chronicles of the Juice Man” which he authored with the guidance of journalist Soren Baker.
In the book, Juicy J details his composing process and how he got his start in the business from his local library. His mother brought home an assortment of loaned literature that covered everything from management to royalties.
The autobiography explains how he started off with salvaged musical equipment, a portion of turntables which he slowly upgraded over time.
“My inspiration came from pimps, drug dealers, and robbers,” Juicy explains. Three 6 Mafia was known for embracing the occult in their early songs, sometimes through the use of satanic imagery and lyrics.
“Real violence was all around me, that is why I am drawn to horror movies.”
Along with Juicy, Paul Beauregard aka DJ Paul was the other founding group member. The two young rappers both embraced horror film culture.
First called Triple 6 mafia, the group changed the name to Three 6 Mafia for marketing purposes.
The musical group believed the new name looked better but also downplayed satanic imagery that may turn away potential fans. Three 6 earned enormous success and nationwide appeal.
Three 6 Mafia was the first rap group to win an Oscar at the 2006 Academy Awards. The group was nominated for the 2005 film “Hustle and Flow” for their best original song “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.”
“It just got a little easier out here for a pimp,” quipped Oscar host John Stewart.
“How come they are the most excited people here tonight?” continued the comedian, remarking about their jubilant acceptance speech. The celebration was short-lived due to the frosty reception from Black Hollywood.
“I guess it is a sad day,” Gayle King droned before starting an interview with the group.
In the midst of criticism, some celebrities expressed support and happiness for the win.
Oscar runner up Dolly Parton sent the group a letter of congratulations, and Marvel creator Stan Lee considered a collaborative cartoon with the Academy Award winners. Sylvester Stallone tasked them with making a song for his upcoming movie “Rocky Balboa.”
“Overnight, Three 6 Mafia had gone from underground shows to partying with Quentin Tarantino and George Clooney,” Juicy mentions in the book. However, the fast L.A. lifestyle eventually took its toll on the artist.
“Cocaine is one of the main reasons why Three 6 Mafia isn’t still together today,” Juicy mentions the dissolution of the successful group.
“I was rapping about drugs, but I wasn’t rapping about being a drug dealer. I was the one doing the drugs. Right there, I knew I was lost.”
Juicy eventually moved back to Memphis to re-connect with his southern roots. Much like the Oscar winner, the music and culture were changing.
“They were using different sounds, synthy sounds, that’s when the trap movement came in like a tidal wave. Gucci Mane, T.I. and Jeezy were killing it,” explains Juicy, he wanted to reconnect with the culture to continue producing relevant music.
“I got in touch with Gucci Mane, and he told me to fly to Atlanta.” Juicy mentions that the Atlanta trap star helped him put his “ear” back in the streets.
“I needed to go to Atlanta and hit the studio with Gucci Mane. Smoke and hangout in the clubs with him. That tuned me back in,” Juicy reflected.
In 2013, Juicy J had a musical renaissance with his solo album “Stay Trippy” with the strip club anthem “Bandz A Make Her Dance.” The song charted and was averaging 400 plays a week on the radio.
“I did it all independently with no major label help.”
Juicy mentions he was able to use the song as leverage to get a sizably improved deal from his label Colombia.
Today, Juicy J spends most of his time with his family, his wife Regina and their two children. He still tours and makes music although his life has slowed down considerably.
“I am thankful for everything I have. I don’t ever want to stop making music or give up on my family. I want to keep going.”
The “Chronicles of the Juice Man” is now available in stores and online for purchase.
