“From the rooter to the tooter” – an old Southern saying outlining which parts of a pig are fit for consumption. From the snout to the rump, nothing was to be wasted.

For Georgia rap group Field Mob, the aphorism is as much a claim to southern roots as it is their mission statement – nothing is to be wasted, not their abundant talent, nor the opportunity for a respectable musical career. Perhaps that’s why it only makes sense that the duo of Boondox Blax (Darion Crawford) and Kalage (Shawn Johnson) would choose the phrase as the title of their sophomore album, From Tha Roota to Tha Toota. In an industry where the vast majority of careers end promptly after the second LP, there’s no time left for wasting anything.

Tracklisting
1. K.A.N.
2. Nothing 2 Lose
3. Don’t Want No Problems
4. Bitter Broads (interlude)
5. Sick of Being Lonely
6. Where R U Going?
7. It’s H***
8. ConverHation (skit)
9. Haters
10. Hit It For Free
11. Kuntry Cooking (skit)
12. Betty Rocker
13. Cut Loose
14. All I Know
15. Sick of Being Lonely (Dirty South Mix)

Appropriately enough, the album starts off with the compulsory dedication to their country upbringing, “K.A.N.” The heavily layered track and off-the-wall vocals from the two serve as an excellent introduction to the unique sound of the rest of the album. The Hip-Hop hijinks continue with “Don’t Want No Problems,” a plea to be free of the avoidable stress in life. For the group’s first radio single for From Tha Roota to Tha Toota, “Sick of Being Lonely,” they recruit emerging southern rap producer Jazzy Pha to lace the music. This R&B-flavored joint blends a catchy melodic loop with wavering guitars, lush synth accompaniment, and a seductive hook sung by Torica.

But it’s not all fun and games for Field Mob On From Tha Roota to Tha Toota. The group routinely plunges into more serious topics in their lyrics, ranging from the countrified soul tribute to the difficulties of po’ folk on “It’s Hell,” to the dedication to their faith “All I Know,” that features the harmonic vocal talents of Cee-Lo from the now-defunct ATL rap group, Goodie Mob. In fact, on ”Nothing 2 Lose,” Kalage jumps into relatively uncharted waters by rapping the first few verses from the point of view of a slave struggling to understand his existence.

Plus to their credit, Field Mob even manages to make cliched rap subjects sound fresh. The typical rap dissertation on expensive car and fat knot-inspired jealously is satisfied with the energetic “Haters.” This fiery club banger manages to stay afloat despite carrying the dead weight of the hackneyed theme and a bland guest appearance from thug rapper Trick Daddy. Then, with Boondox’ possible pending court case serving as evidence of experience is this area, “Betty Rocker” is an ode to the drug trade, its light-hearted synthesizer melodies and playful lyrics contradicting the seriousness of the subject. “Hit It For Free” is the playalistic “hustlas don’t pay for pu**y” piece, complete with a funky guitar and horn driven track, and Mr. Kane adding pimp falsetto vocals for the chorus. Shawn Jay laces the hook with his logical thoughts on the topic, rapping “this lil’ bread I had to scratch to get/ that’s why I use my mouthpiece in back to hit/ ‘cause I’d rather relax and sit back and watch a nasty flick and jack my d*ck before I’d spend cash to hit.”

All in all, this album is an extremely appetizing effort from Field Mob. They take a foundation of solid beats and rhymes, season them with excellent production and witty lyrics, and dress them up with their signature rhythmic hybrid of singing and rapping. Regardless of what region you hail from, you’ll be sure to find From Tha Roota to Tha Toota a very tasty treat.


Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends