Jordan Michael Houston III, known professionally as Juicy J, is an influential American rapper and record producer celebrated for his significant contributions to the hip-hop genre. Born on April 5, 1975, in North Memphis, Tennessee, he emerged as a prominent figure in the music industry as a co-founder and member of the iconic Southern hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia. Established in 1991, Three 6 Mafia began as an underground act, gradually gaining mainstream success and earning a reputation for their distinct sound that blended horrorcore and Southern hip-hop elements.
Juicy J's career took off in the early 2000s when Three 6 Mafia signed with Loud Records, an imprint of Columbia Records, in 2000. The group released several albums, with their 2005 single, "Stay Fly," marking a significant milestone as it peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their song "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp," featured in the film Hustle & Flow, won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, solidifying their place in music history.
In addition to his work with Three 6 Mafia, Juicy J pursued solo endeavors, releasing his debut album, Chronicles of the Juice Man, in 2002, followed by Hustle Till I Die in 2009. During a hiatus from the group in 2011, he signed with Dr. Luke's Kemosabe Records and Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang Entertainment, where he continued to develop his solo career. His 2012 single, "Bandz a Make Her Dance," featuring Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz, became a club anthem, reaching the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and leading to his major label debut, Stay Trippy, in 2013. The album peaked at number four on the Billboard 200, showcasing Juicy J’s versatility as an artist.
Over the next few years, Juicy J collaborated with numerous high-profile artists, contributing to hit singles such as "23" by Mike Will Made It, "I Don't Mind" by Usher, "She Knows" by Ne-Yo, and the Grammy Award-nominated "Dark Horse" by Katy Perry, which topped the Billboard Hot 100. His fourth album, Rubba Band Business, released in 2017, faced commercial challenges, prompting Juicy J to return to an independent career with his fifth album, The Hustle Continues, in 2020.
In addition to his own music, Juicy J has made a name for himself as a producer, contributing to various projects for artists like Nicky Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, T.I., Ludacris, Sexyy Red, GloRilla, and Chief Keef. His production work has largely shaped the sound of Three 6 Mafia, particularly in collaboration with fellow member DJ Paul. Juicy J's influence on the hip-hop scene remains significant, and he continues to engage with fans through music and collaborations, all while maintaining his legacy as a pioneer of Southern hip-hop. He is also known for being the younger brother of fellow Memphis rapper Project Pat, with whom he has frequently collaborated throughout his career.