Three 6 Mafia turns $4,500 into $45 million with 'Mystic Stylez'

3 members of the Memphis hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia. D.J. Paul (from left), Juicy J and Crunchy Black at MTV's Total Request Live on March 22, 2006, in New York City. (Peter Kramer/Getty Images Entertainment)

When hip-hop started 50 years ago, it was just a curiosity for the record labels. But by the mid-1990's, it was big business.

For artists working outside the major-label system, though, there wasn't much hope of nationwide success.

Then came a group out of Memphis: Three 6 Mafia.