When The Smoke Clears (Sixty 6, Sixty 1)

“When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1” is the fourth studio album by Three 6 Mafia, released on June 13, 2000, through Hypnotize Minds and Loud Records, with distribution by RED.

The story

The title plays on the year 1999, which reads as 6661 when turned upside down. Three singles came out around the release: “Who Run It,” “Sippin’ on Some Syrup” and “Tongue Ring.” The guest list stretched well beyond Memphis, with UGK, Project Pat, La Chat, Big Gipp, Fiend, Insane Clown Posse and Twiztid all appearing. Koopsta Knicca left the group after the album came out.

Sound and production

DJ Paul and Juicy J handled production and executive production across the 22-track, roughly 74-minute album. AllMusic noted a more polished sound than the group’s earlier records, while finding the long running time uneven. “Sippin’ on Some Syrup,” written with Pimp C and Bun B of UGK, became the album’s signature track; its video aired on MTV and BET.

Legacy

The album peaked at number 6 on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and the RIAA certified it platinum in December 2000. “Sippin’ on Some Syrup” reached number 30 on the R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart and remains one of the group’s best-known songs. The record marked Three 6 Mafia’s jump from regional power to a national mainstream act.

Released June 13, 2000. More from hip hop in 2000.