Field Mob

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Field Mob is an American Hip-Hop group from Albany, Georgia composed of artists Shawn Timothy Johnson and Darion Crawford better known by their stage names Shawn Jay and Smoke respectively. Field Mob is signed to T-Pain's label Nappy Boy Entertainment.

Biography

Formation

Darion and Shawn grew up on the outskirts of Albany, Georgia a few blocks from each other in a relatively poor neighborhood locally known as "The Field" because of its semi-rural location as compared to the city's public housing. As teenagers attending Monroe Comprehensive High School, Darion observed Shawn and a group of friends holding rap freestyle battles in the schools courtyard, with Shawn being the "reigning champion." Darion decided to challenge Shawn on the idea that "he was just as good" and won. For four weeks afterward, the informal competition continued daily, with the victor alternating between himself and Shawn, and attracting the attention of many other students who came to spectate. Eventually, Shawn offered to form a rap group with Darion, and Field Mob was born.

According to Smoke and Shawn Jay, the origins of the duo's name are twofold. Field is a reference not only to the neighborhood where they grew up, but also an allusion to a slang term for the southern United States. Mob signifies the strength the duo represents- "We’re two people but together we make an army. We’re making a strong statement with two people. We’re a two man army.”

the attention of MCA Records Benny Pugh and within days Field Mob inked a deal, making them the first southern hip hop act to be signed to a New York based label.

613: Ashy to Classy

Disturbing tha Peace

As Field Mob's career seemed to be accelerating, Universal Music Group, MCA Records parent, began to phase out the label in the spring of 2003, with the former company's rock, pop, and urban catalogs absorbed into Geffen Records. This action left the future of the duo's contract and any subsequent album releases in doubt. It appeared that Field Mob and their deep south influence may fade from the hip hop scene at large.

However, the situation came to the attention of Disturbing tha Peace CEO Ludacris, who saw untapped potential in the young rappers. After negotiations, which involved relieving them of their old MCA contract, the group was signed to Disturbing tha Peace in August 2005, shortly thereafter appearing on Ludacris Presents: Disturbing tha Peace, a collaboration album showcasing the labels new artists. The duo's track Georgia featuring Ludacris and Jamie Foxx became an instant underground hit and the albums top selling single, eventually reaching #39 on the US Billboard 200 and setting the tone for their third album.

Light Poles and Pine Trees

After a postponed 2005 release date, Light Poles and Pine Trees dropped in June 2006 to high acclaim and much fanfare, owing at least partly from an extensive promotional campaign by Disturbing tha Peace and multiple radio promo tracks. This album garnered the pair their biggest hit[5] with its first official single, So What, featuring Ciara and coincidentally also produced by Jazze Pha. This release reached #7 on the US Billboard 200 and #2 on Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums.[4][6]

[edit]Success

The groups increased success since signing with Disturbing tha Peace has largely been attributed to better promotion by their new label and, most importantly, the artistic freedom that the group has been allowed in their new home. Darian related this sentiment in an interview for SOHH.com:

"I went free with my creativity [at DTP, unlike when] I was over at MCA, aka rape you records. Ludacris let me say what I wanna say. If I wanna say f**k..., he's cool with it cause he trusts my creativity. I never knew our CEO at MCA Records. I never got to talk to him.... [Ludacris and I] are friends more than business partners, I'd like to say."

Controversy

In April 2006 a controversial video leaked on the internet appeared to feature Smoke and Shawn Jay disrespecting New York hip hop artists and challenging the likes of Jay-Z and Nas to rap battles. This video turned out to have been filmed and produced by a Disturbing tha Peace cameraman who had subsequently been terminated by the label. In attempt to slander Field Mob, he had edited various pieces of footage together, bringing them totally out of context. The most inflammatory footage, of the pair poking fun at New York slang, was confirmed by Smoke to be a friendly joke toward Disturbing tha Peace co-CEO's, executives, and Harlem natives Chaka Zulu and his brother Jeff Dixon. Furthermore, though the footage was edited to cast a negative light, Smoke points out that "[New York artists] do [southern artists] like that all the time, but nobody says nothing about it..."

Solo projects

As of spring 2008 Smoke has signed a record deal with the Phoenix Arizona based indie label Mpire Records. Under the Chevy P moniker. The music video for the album's pre-release single, "So Lonely" produced by Scott Storch, has been in rotation on BET as well as being featured on several video sharing and hip hop websites.

Shawn Jay has entered into a solo contract with parent company Universal Music Group.

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