The Scoundrels

by Cyril CordorThe Scoundrels' brand of hardcore rap and Southern crunk have scored them spots on Billboard's sales charts, even though they have only attained regional exposure through their independent label Invisible Records. The four-member group, consisting of Big Bo, Cutta, Christyles, and Mr. Malt, began recording together in 2002 in Columbus, GA. Rappers Big Bo and Cutta actually comprised the Columbus duo, the Backwood Boys, and had some success with the single, "Down Here," from their 2001 album, Backwood Project. Big Bo and Cutta hooked up with Christyles and Mr. Malt back in Columbus while they were recording material in Atlanta. Their reputation attracted many big-name rap artists in the South, including Bone Crusher, Eightball & MJG, and Bun B, for their 2005 debut, 4 Ever Gullie. Signaling their growing popularity in the South, two of the album's singles, "Ghetto" featuring Pastor Troy and "Sister" with Bun B, graced the Top 30 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles charts which propelled their album in the Top 50 of the rap album chart in 2006.