Suthern Com4ort

Being a DJ in a small city in a small state, I keep my ear to the street for new talent. It's pretty easy to do because local artists are something that Columbia has plenty of. Few are as talented as they would like to believe, but Suthern Com4ort seems to be the exception to the rule. B. Phatz and Rosewood represent the Palmetto state to the fullest on their first project as a duo, The Takeover Mixtape.

Their content is some of the usual but their delivery is unique, it's been awhile since I've heard a pair of MCs that complement each other so well. Both Phatz and Rosewood hold their own on the mic, and guest appearances by Sean Gates, Chill da Million Dollar Man, and Redrum are some of this mixtape's standout cuts. However, the Takeover seems more like a standoff at times, being about 19 tracks in length. All in all, a strong debut for some talented cats representing (803), their next project should be very interesting. - DJ Gee Money

To this professional music critic and part-time hip-hopper, the demise of the duo in rap music was a terrible thing to behold. Let's face it, nowadays we're down to Outkast, 8Ball & MJG, The Clipse, and that's about it as far as mainstream goes. Underground, I've heard the talent (or lackthereof) of quite a few and Suthern Com4ort's first release is definitely on my "talented" list.

The Takeover mixtape presented by newcomers Ambition Entertainment and Survival Records is the introduction of a pair of lyricists representing the state of South Carolina. Yeah, you read right, South Carolina. It's about time, isn't it? And I said "lyricists" instead of "rappers" because these guys can actually rap. Both of them. B. Phatz and Rosewood are the two halves of Suthern Com4ort, and on this, their first effort, they have caused this listener to hit repeat a few times. Weighing in at 19 tracks (some too short, still too many), most of the beats on The Takeover are industry faves, the rest are produced by the talented Survival Records camp out of Tampa, Florida.

While a little redundant at times, this mixtape is a solid reintroduction to lyricism by two MCs that sound like they're doing what they're supposed to be doing. A lack of chemistry has broken up many acts from rap to rock, but that doesn't sound like a problem for Suthern Com4ort. With a little more range on their next project, the rap game just may have to lay it down. - Doug Daniels