Excerpt:"Field Mob: Coming Correct

By Kathy Iandoli

The gods over at Google must invest in irony, because upon searching for the Georgian group Field Mob, the description lists them as artists from New York. Surely anyone with even an earlobe to the street knows of the current situation regarding the Albany, Georgia natives and their take on the New York Hip-Hop scene. Field Mob was reportedly misrepresented mimicking New York rappers in both gesture and slang on tape. In the midst of misquoting, edited video clips, and proverbial middle fingers to the media, Field Mob has without a doubt expressed an undeniable truth that the South is a major player in Hip-Hop today.

Formerly known as Kalage and Boondox Blax, the duo resurrected as Shawn Jay and Smoke, inking a deal with Ludacris’ DTP by-way-of Geffen. Hailed as artists on the rise with two albums under their belt, Field Mob’s goal this time around with Light Poles and Pine Trees is to inform the world that the South is on fire; and they’re holding the matches. The group surfaced last fall to dismiss any assumptions that their place in the music is strictly for comedy. Although their sound has clearly evolved, the group has definitely maintained their sense of humor mixed with catchy wordplay. While their single “So What” featuring Ciara currently spins on both radio and video, Field Mob is gearing for their third release.

Speaking with Shawn Jay and Smoke, the duo lightheartedly explains their take on regional Hip-Hop, their issues with AllHipHop.com [yes, us], and their unfortunate negative portrayal as media minstrels.