| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that Three 6 Mafia is the group which won the Academy Award in 2006 for their song "It's Hard Out Here for Pimp" in the movie Hustle & Flow. They're known for their sometimes "horrorcore" rap, have a cult-like following, and are questioned by some to imply satanic or anti-Christian principles with their name (the group claims that the name is only reference to the number of members). There's lots of strong language ("f--k," the "N" word, "s--t"), sexual content, and talk about doing drugs and selling drugs ("Weed, Blow, Pills") on this album. The song "Click Bang Bang" talks about suicide in a disturbing way declaring, "suicide is good." There's an edited version of the album available.
LAST 2 WALK is the first new full-length album from Three 6 Mafia since 2006, when the record-breaking, history-making Memphis hip-hop ensemble became the first African-American rap group ever to win the Oscar for Best Original Song. On this album, the group's founding members -- and the only remaining members -- DJ Paul and Juicy J, collaborated with T-Pain and hardcore rapper Project Pat ("Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body)"), Akon, and Good Charlotte to bring us sex, drugs, and other adult content.
They may be Oscar winners, and they may have a huge following, but there's not much that's positive about Three 6 Mafia's Last 2 Walk. Although their music is much more mainstream than it used to be, there's still a "horrorcore" edge, with glamorizing drug talk, violence, and, the most shocking, a song called "Click Bang Bang" which practically encourages -- almost attempts to hypnotize -- one into committing suicide. They tirelessly talk about drugs, dealing, and all things you don't want your kids to hear about. And, while they're probably only promoting their "Hypnotize Minds" hip-hop collective by constantly repeating the phrase, it's a bit alarming considering the album's content. The only thing positive about the music is that they do have some imaginative arrangements in the beginnings of songs with piano, strings, and synthesizers, but then the brief relief is over when they open their mouths.
Families can talk about how hip-hop is often linked with questionable content and how it perpetuates the negative perception of rappers. Do you think hip-hop artists should change what they often sing about, or is it OK because it's relevant to some and it's free speech? Where should we draw the line, or should we? Do you think the artists or the record companies are at fault for sustaining this negative image?
| Artist: | Three 6 Mafia |
| Release date: | June 24, 2008 |
| Label: | Columbia |
| Genre: | Rap |
| Parental advisory: | Yes |
| Edited version available: | Yes |