DJ Paul
DJ Paul | |
|---|---|
| Born | Paul Duane Beauregard January 12, 1977 United States |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, music producer, businessman |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Known for | Founding member of Three 6 Mafia, Academy Award winner for Best Original Song |
Paul Duane Beauregard (born January 12, 1977), widely recognized by his stage name DJ Paul, is a prominent American rapper and music producer. He is one of the founding figures of the hip hop ensemble Three 6 Mafia and is the sibling of fellow rapper Lord Infamous. Additionally, DJ Paul is the half-brother of convicted drug trafficker Craig Petties and holds a partial ownership stake in FaZe Clan.
Launching his career in the late 1980s, DJ Paul initially worked as a DJ, distributing solo mixtapes and collaborating with Lord Infamous under the alias The Serial Killaz. Together with Juicy J, he established Three 6 Mafia, a group that gained widespread recognition during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their 2000 release, When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1, entered the Billboard 200 chart at number six and achieved platinum certification. In 2006, DJ Paul, Juicy J, Crunchy Black, and Frayser Boy earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp", featured in the movie Hustle & Flow. His solo discography includes three albums, alongside soundtrack production for two films. Notably, in 2018, he co-produced "Talk Up" on Drake's album Scorpion.
Beyond his musical pursuits, DJ Paul has expanded into various business sectors such as film production and real estate investments. He is the founder of Scale-A-Ton Entertainment record label, co-owns the fashion brand Dangerus / Skandulus, markets a line of BBQ seasonings, and acts as the spokesperson for a legal variant of the beverage Sizzurp.
1988–1992: Early career beginnings
At just 11 years old in 1988, DJ Paul embarked on his career as a DJ at Memphis’s "380 Beale" nightclub, focusing primarily on DJing rather than rapping. The following year, he teamed up with his half-brother Lord Infamous to form the duo known as The Serial Killaz; Paul handled production duties while Infamous took on rapping. Due to limited resources, they financed studio sessions locally through their father’s support and distributed self-produced tapes within their community. Their initial tape, Portrait of a Serial Killa, came out in 1992 and was succeeded by The Serial Killaz along with two installments of Come with Me 2 Hell.
Subsequently, DJ Paul acquired essential studio gear such as a keyboard, turntable, and four-track recorder which enabled him to craft mixtapes blending popular tracks with original compositions by himself and affiliated artists to boost their exposure. He asserts that Memphis DJs including DJ Spanish Fly, DJ Squeeky, Juicy J, and himself were pioneers in creating modern mixtapes that featured original content rather than merely compiling others’ songs.
He released a series of solo tapes numbered Volume 1 through Volume 16 and became well-known as both a producer and DJ within Memphis’s southern neighborhoods. Meeting Juicy J from the northern side led to forming the Backyard Posse alongside Lord Infamous. Together, DJ Paul and Juicy J crafted "dark and eerie" music characterized by heavy basslines and haunting soundscapes. Eventually, they adopted the name Triple Six Mafia inspired by a phrase frequently used by Lord Infamous in their lyrics.
1993–2005: Three 6 Mafia formation and solo debut
By 1994, Triple Six Mafia expanded their lineup with Koopsta Knicca and released their underground project Smoked Out Loced Out. The group further grew by adding Gangsta Boo and Crunchy Black before rebranding themselves as Three 6 Mafia. Their debut studio album in 1995, titled Mystic Stylez, paved the way for a major label contract with Relativity Records. They established their own imprint called Hypnotize Minds, signing local talents such as Project Pat, MC Mack, La Chat, Frayser Boy, and Lil Wyte. All productions for Three 6 Mafia as well as their signed artists were exclusively handled by DJ Paul and Juicy J. The group's 2000 release When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1 debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 chart and earned platinum status from the RIAA.
In 2002, DJ Paul unveiled his first solo album Underground Volume 16: For da Summa, which included remastered material from his earlier 1994 mixtape along with contributions from emerging Hypnotize Minds artists. This album reached number 127 on the Billboard 200.
Following this period, Three 6 Mafia delivered two commercially acclaimed albums: Da Unbreakables (2003) and Most Known Unknown (2005), both securing top-five positions on the Billboard 200 chart. They also created soundtracks for films such as Choices and its sequel Choices II: The Setup. By 2006, only DJ Paul and Juicy J remained active members of the group.
2006–2012: Academy Award Triumph, Scale-A-Ton Launch, and A Person of Interest
In 2006, DJ Paul, Juicy J, and Crunchy Black earned the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp" featured in Hustle & Flow. This track, co-written alongside Hypnotize Minds artist Frayser Boy, secured the 80th spot on VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop".
Following the 2008 release of their album Last 2 Walk, Three 6 Mafia encountered creative disagreements with Sony regarding their musical direction. This led DJ Paul and Juicy J to pursue individual solo endeavors.
In 2009, DJ Paul introduced his mixtape The Weigh In, which was succeeded by his second solo studio album Scale-A-Ton, released through his own label Scale-A-Ton Entertainment. The album was met with favorable critical acclaim, including recognition as an AllMusic "Album pick". The following year, he dropped the mixtape Too Kill Again, highlighting up-and-coming Memphis talent; although an album sharing this title was planned, it ultimately did not materialize. Instead, in 2011, DJ Paul collaborated with rapper Ya Boy and producer Lil Lody on the mixtape Pray For Forgiveness, later issuing a retail No-DJ edition available on iTunes.
By 2012, DJ Paul revealed plans for an experimental dub-hop EP named A Person of Interest, which expanded into a complete album released on October 22. This project included a bonus DVD containing a short film, music videos, and behind-the-scenes footage. The release was supported by singles such as "What I Look Like (W.I.L.L.)", "Wit Tha Shit", "Trap Back Jumpin", "E&J", and a remix of "I'm Dat Raw" featuring Snow Tha Product. Paul cited this as his preferred solo work due to its high production standards and authentic sound.
2013–present: S.I.M., Da Mafia 6ix, The Killjoy Club, Master of Evil, and More
In early 2013, DJ Paul established the DJ duo S.I.M. (Sex is Mandatory), focusing on live performances and remixing tracks including Just Blaze & Baauer's "Higher."
Later that year, Paul teamed up with Lord Infamous to craft a follow-up to their 1993 release Come with Me 2 Hell and to reunite former Three 6 Mafia members. Infamous brought together Crunchy Black, Koopsta Knicca, Gangsta Boo, and Paul under the name "Da Mafia 6ix," with plans for an album debut in 2014. On November 12, 2013, they unveiled the mixtape 6ix Commandments, predominantly produced by DJ Paul and featuring contributions from artists such as Yelawolf, 8Ball & MJG, Krayzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, along with HCP affiliates Lil Wyte, Skinny Pimp, and La Chat. Unexpected guest appearances by Juicy J and Project Pat were featured on the track "Body Parts."
DJ Paul also partnered with Memphis producer Drumma Boy on the mixtape Clash of da Titans released October 23, 2013, and dropped the free EP Black Fall alongside Yelawolf on October 31 that year. On November 26, 2013, he remastered his original 1994 mixtape as Volume 16: The Original Masters. Announcements were made regarding his forthcoming solo album titled Master of Evil, slated for release through Psychopathic Records in 2015.
On March 21, 2015, Paul performed at South by Southwest in Austin. He later signed with Yelawolf's Slumerican Records on August 19, 2016, releasing a two-part album series called YOTS: Year of the Six.
In 2017, he issued Underground, Volume 17: For da Summa via his Scale-A-Ton label. By September 2018, work commenced on Drackula: Vol. 18, intended to be recorded at Castle Dracula in Transylvania; however, its release was postponed from the original target of 2018 to sometime in 2019.
Personal life
DJ Paul and Juicy J were featured in MTV's 2007 reality series Adventures in Hollyhood, which chronicled Three 6 Mafia's transition to Hollywood following their Academy Award success. The eight-episode program also highlighted their personal assistants alongside Hypnotize Minds artists Project Pat and Lil Wyte.
In 2011, DJ Paul emerged victorious on VH1's culinary contest Famous Food and later addressed controversies linked to Ashley Dupre during an interview.
By 2013, DJ Paul described managing a rigorous routine that involved juggling various business enterprises and music production, often limiting his sleep to just three hours nightly. On December 20, 2013, his half-brother, Lord Infamous, passed away due to a heart attack.
Previously, DJ Paul was engaged to Majda Baltic; the couple appeared on an episode of Celebrity Wife Swap alongside Plaxico Burress and his spouse.
Business ventures
In 2001, Three 6 Mafia produced the direct-to-video film Choices, followed by its sequel in 2005. In 2007, DJ Paul and Juicy J introduced the official Three 6 Mafia clothing line "Dangerus / Skandulus," offering T-shirts, hats, and various accessories. DJ Paul established Scale-A-Ton Entertainment in 2009, through which he released his last two albums.
In 2012, he launched "DJ Paul BBQ," a brand of barbecue seasonings including a rub and smoked sauce. The following year, he became the official spokesperson for a legal version of the alcoholic beverage Sizzurp. Additionally, by 2013, he owned a real estate business.
Legal issues
DJ Paul has encountered several legal difficulties affecting both his public reputation and career. His first incarceration occurred at age 17, with multiple arrests thereafter.
In 2006, Ramone Williams filed a lawsuit against DJ Paul and Three 6 Mafia after an assault at a concert allegedly provoked by their track "Let's Start a Riot." The dispute was resolved outside court with Williams receiving monetary compensation.
In June 2012, DJ Paul and Juicy J faced litigation for failing to perform at a scheduled April 2011 concert in Orlando, Florida, as well as not refunding a $9,000 advance payment. The court ordered them to pay $50,000 for economic damages and lost profits.
Shortly before releasing his third album in October 2012, DJ Paul was arrested in New York during a routine search for possessing a Taser stun gun. Charged with a misdemeanor, he was released soon after and sentenced to complete 21 hours of community service. He explained that he was unaware the Taser was illegal and believed it to be similar to pepper spray.
Discography
Studio albums
- Underground Volume 16: For da Summa (2002)
- Scale-A-Ton (2009)
- A Person of Interest (2012)
- Volume 16: The Original Masters (2013)
- Master of Evil (2015)
- YOTS: Year of the Six Pt. 1 (2016)
- YOTS: Year of the Six Pt. 2 (2016)
- Underground Volume 17: For da Summa (2017)
- Power, Pleasure & Painful Things (2019)
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Choices: The Movie | D.J. | Guest Appearances Soundtrack |
| 2004 | Choices 2 | D.J. | Guest Appearances Soundtrack |
| 2005 | Hustle & Flow | R.L | Guest Appearance, Soundtrack |
| 2006 | Jackass Number Two | Himself | Guest appearance, Writer, Soundtrack |
| 2007 | Jackass 2.5 | Himself | Guest appearance, Writer, Soundtrack |
| 2022 | Jackass Forever | Himself | Cameo, Soundtrack with Yelawolf |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Wildboyz | Himself | Season 3, Episode 7 |
| 2006 | MTV Cribs | Himself | Featured in one episode |
| 2006 | Punk'd | Himself | Season 7, Episode 3 appearance |
| 2006–2007 | WWE Monday Night Raw | Himself | Participated in two episodes |
| 2011 | The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | Himself | Guest on a single episode |
| 2014 | Loiter Squad | Himself | Appeared in one episode |
| 2014 | Celebrity Wife Swap | Himself | Season 3, Episode 13 feature |
| 2016 | The Night Time Show | Himself | Season 1, Episode 4 appearance |
| 2017 | Ridiculousness | Himself | Season 9, Episode 19 guest spot |
| 2020 | Yelawolf: A Slumerican Life | Himself | Documentary television series |