Geffen Records

Los Angeles Times: *** (3 Stars) - Ready to fly on their own

AFFILIATION has become paramount in the rap world. More so than ever, talented rappers seem to need it in order to break through. After two solid albums, this Albany, Ga., duo was signed to Ludacris' Disturbing Tha Peace imprint and featured on his label's stellar 2005 compilation. Shawn Jay and Smoke's bleak hit "Georgia," which featured Ludacris, brought Field Mob acclaim and attention, and bumped them to potential A-list status.

The group's energetic and entertaining third album (in stores Tuesday) continues its stellar track record. Crunk & B star Ciara adds breathy vocals to the playful relationship meditation "So What," and Ludacris delivers his typically sharp lyrics to the stark "Smilin'," a look at people who celebrate your failures.

The rest of the album, however, shows why the gifted Field Mob could have been stars without Ludacris' endorsement or the seemingly mandatory parade of guests modern-day rappers feature on their albums. Smoke painfully yet humorously details the ridicule and self-doubt he's faced because of his dark complexion on the somber "Blacker the Berry," one of the best rap songs in years. The duo injects "1,2,3" and "Baby Bend Over" with clever one-liners and nods to rap's elder statesmen, including 8 Ball & MJG and Nice & Smooth, resulting in a strong album that looks at rap's past while pushing it forward.
- Soren Baker

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