Kottonmouth Kings are the one-issue voters of hip-hop, eloquently answering the question of just how many ways a single crew can rap the praises of marijuana. Their second album, High Society, is as redolent of smoke as th... more »e stoners' van in the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Over jumping electro-funk-rock tracks, the Kings celebrate the possibility of legalization ("Peace Not Greed"), home gardening ("Good as Gold"), the munchies ("Here We Go Again"), and even hazily mislaying a smoke ("The Joint"). Uh, what were we talking about? --Rickey Wright« less
Kottonmouth Kings are the one-issue voters of hip-hop, eloquently answering the question of just how many ways a single crew can rap the praises of marijuana. Their second album, High Society, is as redolent of smoke as the stoners' van in the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Over jumping electro-funk-rock tracks, the Kings celebrate the possibility of legalization ("Peace Not Greed"), home gardening ("Good as Gold"), the munchies ("Here We Go Again"), and even hazily mislaying a smoke ("The Joint"). Uh, what were we talking about? --Rickey Wright
Kyle D. (kdenny01) from BRIGHTON, CO Reviewed on 1/3/2010...
This music is great. Its full of energy, and screams to go out and party! And note: you don't have to be high to enjoy the music.
CD Reviews
Love-Songs To Miss MaryJane Herself
Radical Habits | WI | 12/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Kottonmouth King's first release without band-member Saint Vicious, an amazing album, an album which I might add help give the King's the first ever "Best Band Doobie Award" from High Times.High Society differs from the King's prior releases not only in the band's line-up, but in their attitude. They come out from the get-go here shouting off the ever present proclaimation of legalization and love of the herb, anarchist truths and political rhymes.
They've toned down the ska/nupunk feel and tuned the bass up and let hardcore-punk and hip-hop catch your ear this round. And what they've produced it a heavy backbeat ridden record founded on cultured thoughts, ideas and beliefs... and of course a full line-up of toker-lovesongs to Miss MaryJane herself. Every track seems to be soaked heavy with sticky resin, flowing like mollasses, gettin caught up in your mind for hours after the music's stopped. There are a handful of appearances on this album, but the kings as always do it right. You won't find yourself in the middle of a track wonering who you're listening to because the band adapted the "featured" artist's style.
Corporate Avenger, Sen-Dog (cypress hill), ICP, Kona, Grand Vanacular, Dog Bog (too rude), and other SubNoize family all lend their talents to this project.I could go on for ages about my favorite tracks (We The People; Good As Gold; Face Facts; Kings Blend) but I'd rather you listen to it yourself... you wont be disappointed.Don't mistake the King Klick as just another band of immature white boys, who like to get stoned and think they can rap... (and we all know there are a lot of those out there) because if you do you'll be doing YOURSELF an injustice."
Kottonmouth Kings deliver a pure hit...
Radical Habits | 07/03/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Those madcap Orange County rappers the Kottonmouth Kings are back with their latest release, "High Society". The Kings combine elements from several types of music with their free-flowing rhymes, most noticeably reggae and punk rock. One aspect of the Kottonmouth King's music which is unavoidable to discuss is, as their name and the title of this release implies, is their liberal use of marijuana. Practically every song is an ode to the herb (or a tirade against the government). Their views may alienate a large segment of the population, but then again, they may attract a larger following as well. If you can get past their pot smoking, the Kings are actually excellent rappers. Their rhetoric, whether meant to be or not, is just plain hilarious. It is most enjoyable when Brad Daddy X busts a rhyme, perhaps because his voice at times takes on a bizarre lilt that sounds as though he is insane, and the rhythmic interplay between X, Johnny Richter and D-Loc. locks in with the mesmeric turntable work of DJ Bobby B to create a perfect blend. The Kings also run with a talented, if somewhat disreputable, crowd. Guesting on the disc are those lovable fellows from the Insane Clown Posse; Sen Dog of Cypress Hill; Dog Boy (Too Rude), who provides the overall reggae flavor; and for the punk rock vibe, Jack Grisham of punk legends TSOL. Self-described as "slow and stony", the Kottonmouth Kings create a sonic landscape filled with spacy, funked-out beats balanced by hardcore rantings, yet the quandary remains if whether or not these guys should be taken seriously. They seem to be legitimate white-boy rappers, not the charlatans so prevalent today, but who else would have a song entitled "Peace Not Greed", about society's social ills, followed immediately by a track about the joys of winning the lottery ("The Lottery")?"
Kottonmouth Kings prove people wrong because......
JaSoN.. | Westmont, Illinois USA | 08/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A lot of people, well, people I know, didn't think that the Kottonmouth Kings could pull something out as great as there debut full length album, "Royal Highness". But when there sophmore effort.. "High Society" hit the stands.. boy were they left amazed. Amazing is what this new album is in one word. Even though with the sad missing of Saint on the new album, Johnny Richter.. the original King Member does a fantastic job in replacement of Saint. "Royal Highness" was a great album in terms of bringing a fan following to them, which did. With barely any airplay from the radio or MTV. They didn't play [Bump], [Suburban Life] or [Dog's Life] as much as they should of been. But touring brought them a dedicated following of fans. Then, June 27, the release date of "High Society", an album with 20 new cuts, along with a powerful message from Corporate Avenger on [Anarchy Through Capitalism], and with there own DJ Bobby B with a special one and a half minute sample of his album, which is also a must for a kMk fan. THe new album featuring there first single release, [Peace Not Greed] really gets your blood pumping with the dope beats and the lyric ability of Richter, D-Loc, Daddy X.. and special guests Dog Boy and Corporate Avenger on the track. They are more hip-hop in this album, but who cares.. it's been greatly done. Most of it does include content on smoking weed, but who cares.. everyone does it.. well.. a lot of people do. Get over that. But tracks like [The Lottery], which will be there next single. [Crucial], [We the People], [Round & Round], [UnXplanetory], [Wickit Klowns], which features the Insane Clown Posse, [Coffee Shop], [First Class], the party bump, [Day Dreamin' Fazes]. More rap oriented tracks like [Size of an Ant] and [King's Blend]. Smooth, relaxing joints like, [Elevated Sounds] and [The Joint]. "High Society" is filled with great lyrics, dope beats and to be simple. The Kottonmouth Kings have put together yet another amazing release. "Royal Highness", "Hidden Stash" and "High Society" are all a must have for any Kottonmouth fan or Suburban Noize fan. Crazy Town, Corporate Avenger, Grand Vanacular and Too Rude are all bands you should check out and give props too. kMk is on the rise.. without the help of TV or radio. Peace out stoners.. 4:20 for life. Daddy X, Johnny Richter, D-Loc, Bobby B and Pakelika.. keep the flows coming in the new millennium."
Their best yet
Dominick | detroit, michigan USA | 10/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I got into the Kottonmouth Kings about a year ago. The first song I heard of their's was "Dog's Life", and since it sounded so much like Sublime (one of my favorite bands), I bought their first album.Let me first say that I hate about 95% of rap. I've heard it all, underground rap, rock rap, pop rap, all the rap you can think of. Nothing against the people who like it, I just really can't stand much of it. But these guys can do it. I never thought I would like any group that had so many rap elements, but they changed my mind.I do love punk rock though, and there is enough in KMK to keep me satisfied. Though there is no "Spies" on this album, there is still enough here. "Peace Not Greed" features Jack Grisham of TSOL singing "Abolish government...it's nothing to me...forget about God...he's not here to see..." As Daddy X said, "that's punk rock history right there."Lots of KMK fans do not like this one because Saint left. Saint, okay, he was alright, but he was not the only thing good about Kottonmouth Kings early stuff. And as far as now, I think Johnny Richter absolutely blows him away. Saint's not forgotten, but he isn't missed, as far as I'm concerned. This album is much better than Royal Highness, which was a great album in itself.The cool thing about KMK is each member brings something different. Brad Xavier ("Daddy X") is the punk rocker, the crazy guy. He's not as present in the songs as the other MCs, but he's still there. "D-Loc" (Dustin Miller) is the straight up rap guy. He's got a cool voice and writes great lyrics. Johnny Richter is the slow-tempo guy, he's got great flow and is laid back and trippy on most of the stuff here. Too Rude (Dog Boy) brings the reggae influences to the forefront on the songs he's in, and Spike X ("Corporate Avenger") is all about anarchy and inspirational speeches. DJ Bobby B and Lou Dog are a perfect musical section for this band.Wether the Kings are doing punk-funk-rap (Here We Go Again), punk rock (Peace Not Greed), trippy inspirationals (We The People), rap-metal (Crucial), or straight up hip hop (King's Blend), they can do no wrong here. These guys are tremendously talented and intelligent, and much more original than most critics give them credit for. Wether you're looking for a group that is intelligent in their exposing of the lies in society or a group that just wants to lay back and enjoy the weed, you can't go wrong with KMK.If you're into this, check out Brad X's old punk rock group Humble Gods (you might be surprised how truly great this band was), Corporate Avenger's new album, and anything with Too Rude."
Good Points on a good band
kdogg13 | Duluth, MN | 03/19/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is smokin'! I ain't kiddin either, cuz, 1) this cd has been in my player for almost 8 months now and still going,& 2)They like to rap about marijauna, which is cool. There beats are awsome, as is their rapping. Who else has 3 mc's (D-Loc, Johnny Richter, Daddy X), a DJ (DJ Bobby B), a drummer (Lou Dogg), and a psycho break dancer? I don't think any other group out there has this kind of a great cast. All the songs on this cd are cool, though my favorites are numbers 2, 6, 10, 16 (with ICP) and 19. Also, this cd is over 75 minutes long and never gets boring! If you like the songs on this cd, or for a little taste of the KMK music, check out take a bite outta rhyme, cuz they got a kick @$$ song on that disc too! Peace, and blaze on."