Kottonmouth Kings

The Green Album - Anti Music Review

by Dawn Marie Fichera

Before the environmentalist movement was cool, and tree huggers became an enviable identity, Kottonmouth Kings has been feeling mother-earth-love for over a decade. Never mind they preferred to smoke it than save it; through the years, they have evolved and their sound has followed suit. But has it evolved enough to make it palpable to the common listener?

Kottonmouth Kings have been dumbfounding critics and mainstream music lovers for the last twelve years. A preliminary look at their work may lead one to believe they were your average freedom-chasing, reefer-smoking, anti-mainstream musicians who performed to their own tune, and shirked the endless shackles of the industry to follow their own destiny. You may be onto something.

Kottonmouth Kings give us their tenth, full-length album, The Green Album, produced by lead vocalist, Daddy X, Kumagai & Patrick “P-Nice” Shevelin. Thematically, “Daddy X” himself states, “we called this album The Green Album because the whole world is starting to wake-up to the realities of living out of balance with nature… the one common thread that we have with each other is that we live on planet earth…no matter what borders surround you or what God you worship or don’t worship, we all inhabit this planet together…” I am a little confused as to what he means by way of universality and bonding and what he is driving at with a collective consciousness based on the lyrics of his chosen tracks but hey, whatever. If you can pull some type of a unity between saving mother earth and smoking, drinking, and getting laid, you got more from this album than I did.

“Legacy” is a short, bold little number, full of flighty refrains that leads into “Blaze of Glory”, where a personal narrative ensues, and a slow, deliberate rhythm underlies the tongue-in-cheek lyrics. It is a clean production, however, heavily layered with instrumentals and vocals but blended and mixed warmly. Imagine taking a shot of Hennessy, a bit of a sting going down but the aftermath is a delicious warmth rolling around your mouth. “Rock Like Us” falls prey to the clubster/hipster lyricism with that turf-challenge that occurs between musicians. A little disappointing and overly mixed. The vocals are a key element that work well together as far as harmony goes, but the track itself is fairly empty and trite. “Trippin” had a funky beginning to it, a catchy beat, and a memorable refrain. Some strange effects laced throughout the track but overall a good impression. “We Don’t Give a F*ck” isn’t particularly daring or groundbreaking, rather, it has a sense of being written and recorded by amateurs, a surprising finding based on their long history of recording. Lyrics like, “we don’t give a f*ck pry that will/ “… we don’t give a f*ck, I told you before, we don’t give a f*ck , now gimme gimme gimme give me some more” leave me wondering where the prolific songwriter of the group went off to.

Track eight, “Happy” boasts lyrics like, “we like p*ssy and weed/ we like smoking and drinking and doing our thing”; which about sums up for this album. Unless you are sixteen, you may find these lyrics tired, overused, and generally uninspiring. The saving grace to the album, should they sell many, is that a percentage of the proceeds from their signature tenth album will go to environmental causes. Perhaps it will be more than reefer plantations. Based on the title tracks, “Blaze of Glory”, “Pack Your Bowls”, “Puff N Tuff” “Green Grass”, and “Plant a Seed”, I can see skepticism rearing its ugly little head.

I had high hopes for this album, and I am sorry to say that my expectations were not met.
Kottommouth Kings’ newest album seems to fall into the trap of commercializing music for marketing gain, and not making music for actual entertainment, evidenced by the list of ring tone tracks available plastered on the back cover of the album itself. I am a bit skeptical regarding their self-proclaimed anti-mainstreamed attitude. It appears to me they have embraced consumerism full on.

After twelve years of recording, Kottonmouth Kings remind us that music has an obligation to talk about the times we live in. Musicians are our modern-day scribes, our poets, detailing the world as they see it for future generations to come to understand their ancestors. This album challenges us to think about where we are, and what we are leaving behind. And if this is any indication, we are indeed in need of change in a bad way.

The Green Album - RockInReview.com Review

Kottonmouth Kings - The Green Album
December 24th, 2008 Adam D Posted in CD Reviews |
Kottonmouth Kings - The Green Album
Suburban Noize Records

* * * *
4 Stars

Mixing the musical styles of Rock, Rap, and Punk, the Kottonmouth Kings have been showing the world how the boys from the West Coast do things in the underground since the mid-90s. Now in their 12th year of official business, the Kings have released their 10th studio album titled The Green Album. If this album says anything about their career, it says that they don’t plan on letting up anytime soon. Although I can’t agree with all of the lyrical content expressed in the album involving drugs, I can still see above that to see that this record is insanely good. This is odd to hear from this long time metalhead, but there’s no denying that the Kottonmouth Kings have talent. With twenty hand picked songs out of the original sixty tracks recorded over a six month run at heir studio in California, KmK provides multiple atmospheres on The Green Album with classic Hip-Hop tracks, more mellow acoustic tracks, and even some of the good ol’ Punk tracks. I have to admit that most of my favorites are some of the Hip-Hop tracks such as “K.O.T.T.O.N.M.O.U.T.H. Song” (Track 6), “Blaze of Glory” (Track 2), and “Rock Like Us” (Track 3). To get a good feel for the more Punk side of the Kottonmouth Kings, check out “Super Hero” (Track 12) and “So Cal” (Track 17). Some of the other tracks on the album have some exclusive feature artists Tech N9ne, Brother J, and The Dirtball. One other aspect that should be mentioned for this album, the guys are donating a percentage of profits from the sales of The Green Album to various environmental causes and have issued some, if not all, of the albums in a more environmentally friendly packaging. So, help support the band and saving the earth as well as adding some sick Hip-Hop to your arsenal of music by going out and picking up a copy of The Green Album ASAP!

The Green Album - Lit Monthly Review

Kottonmouth Kings - The Green Album

Having done it again with their latest CD, their tenth full-length studio album, California’s highest, the Kottonmouth Kings, are already on the road, touring the country and promoting their latest treasure. The album brings 20 full tracks (including the “K.O.T.T.O.N.M.O.U.T.H. Song”) of the banging sound the King’s faithful following is familiar and in love with. There’s no doubting - with songs such as “Plant a Seed” and “Rock Like Us,” not to mention what is guaranteed to be another smoker’s theme song, “Pack Your Bowls” - that the Kings are set to have another top-selling album to add to their already, long list of classics. (AZ)

The Green Album - All Access Magazine Review

Kottonmouth Kings :: The Green Album
Suburban Noize Records

By Christian Cipollini

Kottonmouth Kings :: The Green AlbumA dozen years under their belt, and almost as many albums, the Kottonmouth Kings have certainly proved working the independent/underground circuit can be both possible and profitable. This West Coast rip-hop outfit’s latest offering – The Green Album – is a stamp of proof they are survivors, no doubt. This record is even more profound in a “bigger” picture though. The band dropped this one with the intention of donating a portion of the profits to several charitable organizations, disability and environmental awareness included. Even the album’s title serves a dual purpose. Anyone familiar with the group knows they champion the decriminalization of marijuana, but their provocative beliefs tie in with the whole “Mother Earth” concept, hence The Green Album. Many of the tracks on this one are solidified by, and for lack of better term – deeper songwriting. For fans, there are plenty of weed anthems of course, but this is equalized by a notable number of lyrical inclusions that delve into personal responsibility for actions in life – as every decision effects the world around us. What works about all this… the Kings combine it all without stepping too far out of their (and hardcore fans’) comfort zone of musical directions. They include all the usual elements – a little punk, a dose of rock, plenty of their special brand of hip-hop and even some ballad-type songs. The breakdown of musical direction begins on a handful of standard KMK beats, with the “depth” truly coming into play about a third of the way in. “Where I’m Going?” the first single, plays more along the melodic, thought-provoking lines. Fans of Everlast could easily appreciate the catchy, moderately somber track. “Puff N Tuff” goes all out classic KMK, while “Green Grass,” featuring The Dirtball (and a great bass guitar rhythm), injects a 70’s funk vibe into a hip-hop masterpiece, thereby generating one of the best tracks on the record. Final word? The Green Album ranks up there with the best this group has delivered. Plus, it’s genuinely a balanced product musically speaking (credit given to the many session players too), with equal time given to the numerous Earthy efforts the group believes in.

The Green Album - The Wolf Magazine Review

Album Reviews: Kottonmouth Kings
The Green Album
Mark Armstrong

After a group of marijuana activists released nine full-length studio albums fighting for their beliefs, one would think that they would run out of things to talk about. The Kottonmouth Kings, a seven-member psychedelic hip-hop/punk rock fusion group from Orange County, Ca., proved they still have it in them with the October 28 release of “The Green Album.”

The independent group has spent the duration of their careers speaking up about legalizing marijuana and blazing through America, touring in intimate venues for their specialized fan base. Although they rarely have little to talk about besides getting stoned, they’re letting their actions speak louder than their lyrics by donating a percentage of the profits from their album to environmental causes.

The 20-track album released under their homegrown label, Suburban Noize, contains the Kings’ trademark sound and includes a song featuring Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne. The lead single, “Where I’m Going?” has an old-western guitar riff looped over psychedelic guitar shrieks with the typical KMK bumpy trip-hop drumbeat as the members reflect on their pasts and look forward to their futures in their respective verses.

The slow paced song, “Stand,” seems aimed at critics of the group’s agenda as the chorus refrains “if you don’t stand for something, you fall for anything” over a reflective synthesizer and light-hearted guitar strums. Overall, the album is what fans should expect from the crew - their predictable and unmistakably unique sound that can be heard on all of their preceding albums. The Kottonmouth Kings’ message still manages to go beyond marijuana advocacy to include standing up for your rights, freeing your mind, and being true to yourself while still giving listeners a diverse musical mixture that will get their audience both physically and mentally active.

The Green Album - Skope Magazine Review

Kottonmouth Kings, The Green Album

December 3, 2008

A Kronic Kottonmouth Kondition. “Homegrown in Southern California”, The Kottonmouth Kings release “The Green Album” on Suburban Noize Records - already Billboard’s #1 independent album.

“Gonna go out in a blaze of glory, doin things our way”… the Kottonmouth Kings are high on their latest release with 20 freshly picked tracks for your Kottonmouth pleasure. “Who do you know that can rock like this?”… Mixing hard hitting hip-hop, guitar riffs, and lyrics that won’t quit… the Kottonmouth Kings are back with a vengeance and ready to take their show on the road. So pack your bags, “pack your bowls as we head on down the road”, and check out the Kottonmouth Kings on the tail end of their tour through California this December, and for the rest of you…don’t let the paranoia stage set in, the Kings will be back on the road in 2009.

“Oh no we don’t give a fuck” …“We like Smokin, and drinkin, and doin our thang”…that’s always been the attitude the Kottonmouth Kings bring to the scene. “The Green Album” certainly solidifies that in stone[d]. So “don’t test yo luck” with some pretendica, this is the full grown fruity Kush style Kronic from the Kottonmouth Kings.

Grab yourself some Kronic, a couple blunts, and a copy of “The Green Album” by the Kottonmouth Kings. Don’t forget a gallon of cold water to combat that Kottonmouth Kondition…you may be stuck on the Kouch for a while…

Reviewed by: Gary Jacobs

Rating: ★★★★☆

The Green Album - The Campus Lantern Review

Kottonmouth Kings “The Green Album” Review

Combining hip-hop with psychedelic sounds, Kottonmouth Kings have produced yet another stoner friendly hit with “The Green Album.” Although they’ve progressed since the way they sounded in ’98, they’ve grown as musicians and are still creating some great sounds, along with laid back beats mixed with rap. This album might need to grow on you, so it may take a few listens, but for the most part it flows nicely and is perfect to chill to. Overall, if you haven’t checked this band out yet definitely check out itunes to download this latest release, or check out their show in NYC at Webster hall on November 29th.

The Green Album - Shock Mansion.com Review

Shock Mansion Reviews: Kottonmouth Kings “The Green Album”

Knock knock! Who’s there? Suburban Noize Records have sent us a few albums hot off the press, so we thought we would give them a listen, and share with you all what we found.

Kottonmouth Kings “The Green Album”
Psychedelic Hip-Hop Punk Rock has no entered a new era with the release of the Kottonmouth Kings tenth studio album, “The Green Album”. Kottonmouth Kings have already hit the well deserved number 1 spot on the Independent Billboard Charts with what could be their most memorable album to date.

Daddy X, Johnny Richter and D-loc, the vocalist of the group, are still ‘on fire’ with this release, with inspiring content which goes through experiences they have had growing up, to their own take on the current state of the world. Musically, the Kottonmouth Kings have absolutely mastered their own unique style in “The Green Album”, with the perfect mixture of punk rock and hip-hip, from upbeat kegger party music to laid back melody’s to smoke your weed to.

The Album Art is very organic, with some pretty amazing photos of crops to make your taste buds leap out of your mouth.

Having been a fan of Kottonmouth Kings for many years now, it’s so damn good to see they boys can’t be stopped after going over 13 years strong. If you are a fan of the Kottonies, get your hands on the album and you will know what I’m talking about. If you are just learning about Kottonmouth now, this could very well be the album you fall in love with over the holiday season.

My track picks are “Blaze Of Glory”, “Where I’m Going?” and “So Cal”. But don’t get me wrong, this is one of those rare albums where you can listen through the entire thing and love every minute.

The Green Album - CelebStoner.com Review

Planting Seeds: Kottonmouth Kings’ ‘Green Album’

Like clockwork comes the fall harvest and a new Kottonmouth Kings joint.

Green Album The Green Album - the KMKs’ 10th release - is loaded with ganja worship, solid beats, clever lyrics and party appropriate tunes perfect for the KMKs’ stoner fan base. It’s also a ecological call to “plant a seed for the next generation.” Part of the proceeds from the album will be donated to environmental causes.

Highlights include “Blaze of Glory,” “Trippin” and “Green Grass,” which exhibits the singular light speed rapping of label mate Dirtball. Fellow Suburban Noize artists Tech N9ne are featured on another standout, “Sex Toy.”

“Pack Your Bowls,” “Puff N Tuff” and “Plant a Seed” pay homage to the marijuana lifestyle. The latter is a philosophical acoustic ballad about growing the stony green herb.

The KMKs - Daddy X, D-Loc, Johnny Richter, DJ Bobby B, Lou Dog  and visual assassin Pakelika - offer catchy choruses on The Green Album. Many of the 20 tracks - a virtual double-album’s worth - are sure to become crowd favorites for years to come.

Review by Paul Saurini