Down South

Richmond, Virginia-based rappers Shawn J-Period and Soda Pop received capable support from DJ Myorr while fusing jazz, funk, reggae, bluegrass and salsa across their first Atlantic releases. Their fluid, swaying beats drew notice yet lacked enough weight to carry the blend of reality and party themes, even with production input from the Beatnuts, T-Ray and additional hands. The promotional single ‘Southern Comfort’ stood out, however, thanks to a guest vocal from label mates Jomanda. Instead of honoring the drink, the track saluted the place they had left behind after the trio moved to New York. Down South formed in 1990 when first cousins Pop and J-Period met Myorr at high school. Myorr had previously held a junior role at Def Jam, and those ties secured the Atlantic contract.