After a whirlwind year that saw Three 6 Mafia win an Oscar and lose a member, the Memphis music makers are ready to prove that they’re still fly. With a new reality series and album in tow, it’s time to show and prove.

For some, fame is indeed an overnight occurrence. In the course of a year (2005-2006), Memphis, Tennessee rappers/producers, Jordan “Juicy J” Houston and Paul “DJ Paul” Beauregard, went from regional rap act with a cult following to pop culture phenoms. Collectively known as Three 6 Mafia, they, along with former member Crunchy Black, released the most prominent CD of their 12-year career, guest appeared on nearly a half dozen television shows and penned the Academy Award-winning theme song to the critically acclaimed film, Hustle & Flow. A feat for any artist—let alone a rough edged hip-hop group.

“Nobody thought that we could win an Oscar. Maybe a Grammy, but nobody in hip-hop thought we could win an Oscar.” —DJ PAUL

Against all odds, Three 6 established themselves as more than just down bottom, crunkdafied rhyme slingers. But along with the newfound fame came negative criticism and internal group issues, all of which they have had to fight with a twisted grace. Still, the pair is secure in the knowledge that hard work does pay off. “We been making music for years, and if you look closely you’ll see gray hairs,” Juicy jokes, pointing to his low-cut, jet-black hair. “We’ve been needing this [recognition] for a long time.”