Which song by Three 6 Mafia became the first hip-hop song to win an Academy Award?
Answer
It's Hard out Here for a Pimp
Three 6 Mafia’s “It’s Hard out Here for a Pimp” became the first hip-hop song to win an Academy Award.
The song was written and performed by the Memphis group Three 6 Mafia, with additional vocals by Taraji P. Henson. It appeared in the 2005 film Hustle & Flow, directed by Craig Brewer and starring Terrence Howard as an aspiring Memphis rapper.
At the 78th Academy Awards in 2006, the song won Best Original Song. Three 6 Mafia members Juicy J and DJ Paul accepted the award, making them the first hip-hop artists to win in that category.
The victory was significant because the Academy Awards had recognized songs from many popular genres, but hip-hop had not previously won Best Original Song. The film’s Memphis setting and the song’s direct connection to its plot made it central to the movie’s musical identity.