Field Mob

American hip hop duo

Field Mob is an American hip hop duo from Albany, Georgia, composed of artists Shawn Timothy "Shawn Jay" Johnson and Darion "Smoke" Crawford.

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." Following their debut success, the duo's collaboration was sought after by several well known regional artists, including Trick Daddy and Outkast member Big Boi, lending further public exposure and notoriety. 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 label's new artists. The duo's track Georgia with Ludacris 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.

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

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

Year Song Peak chart positions AlbumU. S. U. S. R&BU. S. RapU. S. PopAUS2000 "Project Dreams" — 91 — — — 613: Ashy to Classy2002 "Sick of Being Lonely" 18 10 5 — — From tha Roota to tha Toota2003 "All I Know" — 77 — — —2005 "My Wheels" — — — — —Light Poles and Pine Trees "Friday Night" — — — — — "Georgia" 39 31 21 36 —2006 "So What" 10 4 3 13 40