Three 6 Mafia Chooses Willie Hutch to Stay Fly
The unexpected musical alliance between Willie Hutch and Three 6 Mafia is a fascinating study in the art of hip-hop sampling. This blog post delves into the intriguing connection between these two seemingly disparate entities, revealing how the soulful melodies of Motown artist Willie Hutch stamp the gritty sound of Memphis-based hip-hop group, Three 6 Mafia. Learn more about their influence on modern hip-hop in our article.
Despite their roots in Memphis, a city renowned for the soulful sounds of Stax Records, Three 6 Mafia has often leaned towards the Motown sound from Detroit, Michigan. This post provides a comprehensive guide to the Willie Hutch samples found in Three 6 Mafia’s songs, demonstrating the significant influence of Hutch’s music on the group’s style. From “I Choose You” to “Brothers Gonna Work It Out,” “Theme of the Mack,” and “Color Her Sunshine,” we explore every Willie Hutch and Three 6 Mafia sampling his songs.
Willie Hutch and Three 6 Mafia
This article answers the question, “Who sampled Willie Hutch?” We will explore all of the Willie Hutch samples in Three 6 Mafia songs and its members who used Willie Hutch samples in their music.
Join us as we unravel this unusual musical connection, and discover how the soulful sounds of Detroit found their way into the heart of Memphis hip-hop.
*Explore hip-hop’s and Willie Hutch’s connections further: Willie Hutch Samples in Hip-Hop
An Exhaustive List of Willie Hutch and Three 6 Mafia Songs
“Poppin’ My Collar” – Willie Hutch’s “Theme of the Mack“
Three 6 Mafia’s “Poppin’ My Collar” track from their album Most Known Unknown cleverly incorporates a sample from Willie Hutch’s “Theme of the Mack.” This classic soul track from the 1973 film “The Mack” is woven into the song’s fabric, creating an infectious beat that underscores the group’s gritty, streetwise lyrics.
Learn more about Three 6 Mafia’s classic album: Three 6 Mafia | ‘Most Known Unknown’ | Vinyl
“Stay Fly” Samples Willie Hutch’s “Tell Me Why Has Our Love Turned Cold“
Another standout track from Most Known Unknown is “Stay Fly,” which samples Willie Hutch’s “Tell Me Why Has Our Love Turned Cold.” This soulful track lends a hint of melancholy to the group’s hard-hitting lyrics. The sample is particularly prominent in the song’s hook, contributing to the unforgettable chorus that has made “Stay Fly” one of Three 6 Mafia’s most popular songs.
“Don’t Cha Get Mad” – Samples – “The Sunshine Lady“
“Don’t Cha Get Mad,” a collaboration between Three 6 Mafia, Lil’ Flip, and Mr. Bigg, draws from Willie Hutch’s “Sunshine Lady.” This soulful and upbeat track infuses a touch of brightness into the group’s typically dark and gritty sound. The sample is a recurring motif throughout the song, providing a catchy and memorable hook that perfectly complements the group’s aggressive lyrics.
“Testin’ My Gangsta” – Samples – “Theme of the Mack“
“Testin’ My Gangsta” is another Three 6 Mafia track borrowed from Willie Hutch’s “Theme of the Mack.” The sample is used to craft a menacing and gritty beat that perfectly matches the group’s hard-hitting and streetwise lyrics. The use of the sample introduces a touch of classic soul to the group’s typically dark and aggressive sound.
“Hood Star” – Samples – “Sunshine Lady”
Who sampled Willie Hutch’s “Color Her Sunshine?” “Hood Star,” a track by Three 6 Mafia, samples Willie Hutch’s “Color Her Sunshine.” The sample creates a catchy and upbeat beat that perfectly complements the group’s lyrics about their rise to fame and success in the music industry. The use of the sample adds a touch of brightness and positivity to the group’s typically dark and gritty sound.
“Pimpin Azz Niggaz“ – “The Mother’s Theme (Mama) “
“Pimpin Azz Niggaz” is a track by DJ Paul featuring Lord Infamous, both members of Three 6 Mafia. The song is from DJ Paul’s album Vol.15 “For Them Niggaz W/ Anna” and samples Willie Hutch’s “Mother’s Theme (Mama).” This soulful track adds a layer of depth to the song, providing a catchy and memorable hook that perfectly complements the lyrics about their experiences and struggles in the music industry.
“I’m There” – A Tribute to “Theme of the Mack“
The sample is hidden behind skittering drums and an 808., making Willie Hutch’s sample more background than the main element.
Even More Willie Hutch and Three 6 Mafia Links
“Bitches Ain’t Shit” – “The Mack Man” Sample
“Bitches Ain’t Shit” is a track by Lord Infamous, a member of Three 6 Mafia, from his solo album Solo Tape. The song samples Willie Hutch’s “Mack Man,” a soulful and upbeat track that adds a touch of brightness to Lord Infamous’s typically dark and gritty sound. The sample is used throughout the song, providing a catchy and memorable hook that perfectly complements Lord Infamous’s lyrics about his experiences and struggles in the music industry.
California Highway (Prop 19) – “California My Way” Sample
“California Highway (Prop 19)” is a track by Juicy J featuring Mac Miller, Billy Wes, and YG. The song is from Juicy J’s 2011 album and samples Willie Hutch’s “California My Way.” This soulful track infuses a touch of classic soul into the song, providing a catchy and memorable hook that perfectly complements the lyrics about their experiences and perspectives on California. The use of the sample adds a touch of brightness and positivity to the song, enhancing its overall appeal.
Willie Hutch and Three 6 Mafia’s Best Integration: “I Choose You” in “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” – “I Choose You” Sample
“Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” is a song by UGK featuring OutKast, released in 2007. The song was produced by DJ Paul and Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia. The song’s beat was originally produced for Project Pat, who used it on the track “Choose U” from his 2002 album Layin’ Da Smack Down. The instrumental contains a sample of “I Choose You” by Willie Hutch. The song hit number 70 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it their first and only song to reach the chart. The song’s official remix, featuring verses from Three 6 Mafia, is a bonus track on the album.
Learn more about the history of sampling: The Anatomy of Hip-Hop Sampling
Willie Hutch and Three 6 Mafia Samples Conclusion
Three 6 Mafia and its members have a rich history of sampling various artists in their music, and Willie Hutch is no exception. His soulful and memorable tracks have been used to create some of the group’s most popular and memorable songs, adding a touch of classic soul to their typically dark and gritty sound.
Whether it’s the catchy hook of “Poppin’ My Collar” or the melancholic beat of “International Player’s Club Anthem,” Willie Hutch’s influence on Three 6 Mafia’s music is undeniable.
Like Willie Hutch, Curtis Mayfield’s samples are also an important part of hip-hop. Read More: From Soul to Hip-Hop: The Enduring Legacy of Curtis Mayfield Samples
Willie Hutch and Three 6 Mafia FAQs
1. Who Three 6 Mafia?
Three 6 Mafia is an American hip-hop group from Memphis, Tennessee. The group was formed in 1991 and is known for its dark, hardcore beats and lyrics. Learn more about the group and its members in our exploration of Three 6 Mafia members.
2. Who is Willie Hutch?
Willie Hutch was a renowned singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his work on the soundtracks for the films “The Mack” and “Foxy Brown.” Learn more about The Mack, a legendary soundtrack.
3. What is sampling in music?
Sampling in music involves taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a sound recording in a different song or piece.
4. How has Three 6 Mafia used samples in their music?
Three 6 Mafia has used samples in their music to create unique and memorable beats. They have sampled various artists, including Willie Hutch, to add a touch of classic soul to their typically dark and gritty sound.
5. What songs by Three 6 Mafia sampled Willie Hutch?
Some songs by Three 6 Mafia that have sampled Willie Hutch include “Poppin’ My Collar,” “Stay Fly,” “Don’t Cha Get Mad,” “Testin’ My Gangsta,” and “Hood Star.”
6. What is the impact of sampling on music?
Sampling has a significant impact on music. It allows artists to create unique and memorable beats, and it also allows them to pay homage to the artists who have influenced them.
