Robert Cooper Phillips (April 27, 1975 – October 9, 2015), better known by his stage name Koopsta Knicca, was an American rapper and a member of the Memphis, Tennessee-based hip hop group Three 6 Mafia.

Career

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Koopsta Knicca joined Three 6 Mafia in the early 1990s. The group, founded by DJ Paul, Juicy J, and Lord Infamous, became known for their dark and horror-themed lyrics and beats. Koopsta Knicca’s distinct style and voice contributed to the group’s unique sound.

He made his debut with the group on their 1994 album “Smoked Out, Loced Out”, and continued to be a significant presence on subsequent albums, including the critically acclaimed “Mystic Stylez” (1995), “Chapter 1: The End” (1996), and “Chapter 2: World Domination” (1997).

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Koopsta Knicca’s career with Three 6 Mafia was marred by legal troubles. In 2000, he left the group due to these issues, which limited his ability to participate in group activities and tours. Despite his departure, he continued to release solo projects and collaborate with other artists.

Later Career and Rejoining Three 6 Mafia

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In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Koopsta Knicca continued to release music independently and collaborated with former group members. In 2013, he reunited with DJ Paul, Crunchy Black, and Gangsta Boo to form Da Mafia 6ix, a reincarnation of the original Three 6 Mafia group. They released the album “6ix Commandments” in 2013, which received positive reviews from fans and critics alike.

Death

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On October 6, 2015, Koopsta Knicca suffered a stroke and was admitted to a hospital in Memphis. He passed away on October 9, 2015, at the age of 40. His death was a significant loss to the Memphis rap community and the broader hip-hop world.

Legacy

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Koopsta Knicca is remembered for his unique contributions to Three 6 Mafia and his influence on the horrorcore subgenre of hip-hop. His distinct style and dark lyrical themes left a lasting impact on the music scene in Memphis and beyond.

References

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