Hypnotize Minds was the core collective and record label behind Three 6 Mafia, serving as the creative hub for Memphis rap’s most influential artists. Founded by DJ Paul and Juicy J, Hypnotize Minds became the breeding ground for a sound that reshaped Southern hip hop, trap music, and underground rap culture.
Below is an SEO-optimized breakdown of the key Hypnotize Minds members, including brief descriptions and standout songs or verses that define their legacy.
DJ Paul (Paul Duane Beauregard)
Role: Founder, producer, rapper
Contribution: Sonic architect of Memphis rap
DJ Paul is the backbone of Hypnotize Minds. As the main producer and a founding member of Three 6 Mafia, he crafted the dark, bass-heavy sound that became synonymous with Memphis hip hop.
Notable Songs / Verses:
- “Break Da Law ’95”
- “Tear Da Club Up”
- “Who Run It”
- “Sippin’ on Some Syrup” (production)
DJ Paul’s production style directly influenced trap music, phonk, and modern Southern rap.
Juicy J (Jordan Houston III)
Role: Founder, rapper, producer
Contribution: Hooks, structure, longevity, business vision
Juicy J helped balance Three 6 Mafia’s darkness with catchy hooks and mainstream appeal. He later became one of the most successful solo artists to come out of the Memphis scene.
Notable Songs / Verses:
- “Slob on My Knob”
- “Stay Fly”
- “Bandz a Make Her Dance”
- “Who Run It”
Juicy J is proof that underground roots and mainstream success can coexist.
Lord Infamous (Ricky T. Dunigan)
Role: Rapper
Alias: The Scarecrow
Lord Infamous was the dark soul of Hypnotize Minds. Known for his rapid-fire delivery and horror-themed lyrics, he helped define the eerie atmosphere of early Three 6 Mafia.
Notable Songs / Verses:
- “Mystic Stylez”
- “Anyone Out There”
- “Where Is Da Bud”
- “Body Parts”
His flow influenced generations of fast-rapping Southern artists.
Koopsta Knicca (Robert Cooper Jr.)
Role: Rapper
Contribution: Cold delivery, menacing presence
Koopsta Knicca brought a slow, intimidating style that contrasted perfectly with Lord Infamous’s speed. His deep voice and calm menace made his verses unforgettable.
Notable Songs / Verses:
- “Da Summa”
- “Sweet Robbery”
- “Tear Da Club Up ’97”
- “Mask and Da Glock”
Koopsta’s delivery is still copied in underground rap today.
Gangsta Boo (Lola Chantrelle Mitchell)
Role: Rapper
Contribution: Female perspective with raw aggression
Gangsta Boo was one of the first women in Southern hip hop to match male rappers in intensity, lyricism, and presence. She added balance and edge to Hypnotize Minds.
Notable Songs / Verses:
- “Where Dem Dollas At”
- “Throw Yo Sets in Da Air”
- “Mask and Da Glock”
- “Who Run It”
Her influence paved the way for modern female rappers in the South.
Crunchy Black (Darnell Carlton)
Role: Rapper, hype presence
Contribution: Energy, chants, street realism
Crunchy Black brought raw energy and street authenticity to Hypnotize Minds. While not the most technical rapper, his presence was essential to the group’s identity.
Notable Songs / Verses:
- “Push ’Em Off”
- “Tear Da Club Up”
- “Get Buck, Get Crunk”
- “Stay Fly”
Crunchy Black embodied the chaos and aggression of Memphis club culture.
Project Pat (Patrick Houston Jr.)
Role: Affiliate artist, solo rapper
Contribution: Storytelling, street realism
Though not an official Three 6 Mafia member, Project Pat was a core Hypnotize Minds affiliate and Juicy J’s older brother. His solo work is considered some of the best to come out of the Memphis scene.
Notable Songs / Verses:
- “Chickenhead”
- “If You Ain’t from My Hood”
- “Choose U”
- “Gorilla Pimp”
Project Pat’s influence on trap storytelling is massive.
Hypnotize Minds’ Impact on Hip Hop
Together, the Hypnotize Minds members created a blueprint that shaped:
- Memphis rap
- Trap music
- Phonk and underground revival scenes
- Southern hip hop aesthetics
Their sound has been sampled, referenced, and reworked by countless artists across generations.
Hypnotize Minds Legacy
Hypnotize Minds wasn’t just a label or a crew. It was a movement that turned Memphis rap from an underground secret into a global influence. Every member played a specific role, and without any one of them, the legacy wouldn’t hit the same.
This collective changed hip hop permanently, whether people realize it or not.
