| Kottonmouth Kings - Cloud Nine |
| Label: Suburban Noize |
By: Diesel
Dec 07 07 |
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Anyone who has ever heard of the rap/punk rock group the Kottonmouth Kings (KMK) knows one thing, they love marijuana. For over ten years now, the pro-weed act has released numerous albums focused on the legalization of cannabis, partying, and living life to the extreme. Cloud Nine, their latest release, continues the trend with a hip hop / punk rock collection featuring a plethora of special guests certain to entertain the fans. The CD was released on the KMK record label, Suburban Noize.
Along with their release, Deviant Nation and Kerosene Media have teamed up to bring you the Cloud Nine Contest. You can read all about it HERE.
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Before I even start talking about this CD I have to say now that although I once may have experimented with Mother Nature’s leafy green herb, I can honestly say it is not my thing, although I have nothing against people who choose to smoke the ganja. As discovered on Wikipedia, it is estimated that about four percent of the world's adult population use cannabis annually, and 0.6 percent daily. For all of those who engage in it, just try not to get caught. With that said, let’s talk about KMK and Cloud Nine.
After the first two KMK albums (Royal Highness & High Society), I stopped listening to KMK. Perhaps it was because I was growing old, or maybe because I felt that their later albums were becoming too hardcore rap. Regardless, after I listened to this CD I can honestly say that KMK has gotten back to their roots. There is a huge mixture of genres on this CD including rap, punk, and even a little rasta.
Tracks like “Controlled Substance” remind me how this band has come a long way. The beats and flow of lyrics are well defined. After hearing “Livin’ Proof,” I was happy to see the punk rock styles of KMK appear on the disc. It’s more thrash speed punk and it is right up my alley.
The track “Think For Yourself” had to be skipped as ICP was a special guest. Everyone out there has bands they love, and bands they can not listen to. ICP happens to be a group that I have had enough of and do not care to hear anymore. For all you Juggalos out there, I hope you do not take offense. It is just not my deal.
Already plastered all over Sirius radio, “City 2 City” is the best track on this album. I dig the beats on top of the refrain, and love the flow of Tech Nine. You won’t see me shaking my booty to this CD, but I know a lot of folk will. In addition the Xzibit sounding Big Krizz Kalico adds some flavor to the track alongside the KMK crew. This is the one song I feel will introduce many to the “Stoners Reeking Havock.”
Other tracks on the album shift about from rastafarian to acoustic to thrash and back to rap giving the listener plenty to absorb. “Ass It Around” resembles a 311 style while members of Cypress Hill contribute on “Ridin’ High” and “Darkside.” The acoustic “Proud To Be A Stoner” proves this band is very versatile as they take on a slower, more sing-along approach while still talking about their love of the green.
“Free Willy” was another cut that grasped my attention as it was about the grandfather of stoners, Willie Nelson. The rap ode talks about the American hero’s brush with the law and love for the stated illegal plant. I wonder if Willy has rocked out to this song?
Along side the CD is a DVD full of content from KMK and the Suburban Noize family. This is not just a small add-on, but a full on feature with over hour of videos and footage. This is worth the price of the CD alone if you are a fan of Suburban Noize.
KMK may be all about the weed, but they are also serious about making some great music. The genres they blow through on this CD will keep the mind entertained for a mind buzzing near eighty minutes of hip hop with punk rock love, and smooth rock riffs. With about a dozen albums under their belt it is safe to say that these guys are for real and believe in what they do. The outcome of their continued hard work is a great CD, along with a bonus DVD that will satisfy the masses.
Along with their release, Deviant Nation and Kerosene Media have teamed up to bring you the Cloud Nine Contest. You can read all about it HERE.
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