Poppin’ My Collar, Flippin’ My Samples: Three 6 Mafia & Willie Hutch
From Motown to Memphis: The Unexpected Mafia/Hutch Bond
The link between Willie Hutch and Three 6 Mafia might not seem obvious at first, but their connection runs deep through the art of sampling. The Memphis rap legends have long drawn inspiration from the smooth, cinematic soul of Hutch, a Motown veteran known for his work on The Mack soundtrack.
Despite Memphis’ deep-rooted ties to Stax Records, Three 6 Mafia frequently reached for Detroit’s Motown sound to craft their hard-hitting beats. This guide breaks down the Willie Hutch samples found in Three 6 Mafia’s music, showcasing how classic soul continues to shape modern hip-hop.
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Diggin’ in the Crates: Willie Hutch’s Influence
“Poppin’ My Collar” – Sample: “Theme of the Mack”
Three 6 Mafia flipped Willie Hutch’s “Theme of the Mack” to create the unforgettable beat for “Poppin’ My Collar,” a standout from Most Known Unknown. The 1973 soul classic provides a smooth, cinematic backdrop, elevating the song’s message of perseverance and success.
_________________________________________________
Willie Hutch – The Mack Vinyl by Talmage Garn
_________________________________________________
“Stay Fly” – Sample: “Tell Me Why Has Our Love Turned Cold”
One of Three 6 Mafia’s biggest hits, “Stay Fly,” borrows from Hutch’s “Tell Me Why Has Our Love Turned Cold.” The haunting, melancholic loop forms the backbone of the track, making its chorus instantly recognizable.
_________________________________________________
“Don’t Cha Get Mad” – Sample: “Sunshine Lady”
Featuring Lil’ Flip and Mr. Bigg, “Don’t Cha Get Mad” draws from Hutch’s “Sunshine Lady.” The bright, soulful sample adds contrast to the group’s signature raw energy, proving that even gritty Memphis rap has room for a little sunshine.
_________________________________________________
“Testin’ My Gangsta” – Sample: “Theme of the Mack”
Three 6 Mafia return to “Theme of the Mack” for “Testin’ My Gangsta,” using the sample to craft a brooding, menacing beat that underscores their streetwise lyrics.
_________________________________________________
“Hood Star” – Sample: “Color Her Sunshine”
“Hood Star” takes inspiration from “Color Her Sunshine,” giving the track an uplifting bounce. The sample reinforces the song’s themes of success and ambition, adding a layer of vintage soul to the mix.
_________________________________________________
“Pimpin Azz Niggaz” – Sample: “Mother’s Theme (Mama)”
DJ Paul and Lord Infamous sample “Mother’s Theme (Mama)” for “Pimpin Azz Niggaz,” adding a reflective touch to their street-hardened storytelling.
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
The Willie Hutch Sample Hall of Fame: Solo Edition
“Bitches Ain’t Shit” – Sample: “Mack Man”
Lord Infamous flips “Mack Man” for his solo track “Bitches Ain’t Shit”, keeping the Willie Hutch influence alive in his music.
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
“California Highway (Prop 19)” – Sample: “California My Way”
Juicy J’s California Highway (Prop 19) features Mac Miller, Billy Wes, and YG, using California My Way to blend classic soul with a modern West Coast vibe.
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
The Ultimate Hutch Sample: “I Choose You” in “Int’l Players Anthem”
One of the most iconic hip-hop tracks built on a Willie Hutch sample is Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You) by UGK featuring OutKast. Produced by Three 6 Mafia’s DJ Paul and Juicy J, the track reworks I Choose You into an anthem about commitment and relationships. Originally crafted for Project Pat’s Choose U, the beat found new life with UGK, becoming a hip-hop classic. Watch the official music video below:
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Willie Hutch’s Lasting Influence on Three 6 Mafia & Hip-Hop
Three 6 Mafia’s use of Willie Hutch samples proves that soul music’s influence on hip-hop runs deep. Whether it’s the eerie echoes of “Tell Me Why Has Our Love Turned Cold” or the triumphant horns of “I Choose You,” Hutch’s music continues to shape rap’s sound. His work bridges the gap between Motown’s golden era and hip-hop’s southern dominance, ensuring his legacy lives on through new generations of artists.
Continue exploring thhe sound of Memphis:
The Story of Memphis Rap: Lo-Fi, Gritty, Legendary
How Three 6 Mafia Shaped Crunk, Trap & Rap
