“Rip-Hop,” Rap Rock, Punk Rock, and Hip Hop are just some of the many labels that have arisen over the years to describe the flavor of Orange County stoners the Kottonmouth Kings. Embarking on their 20 year anniversary tour in 2016, and releasing their thirteenth studio album Krown Power in 2015, to say the Kottonmouth Kings have undergone quite a roller coaster of a career would be an understatement of sorts. Originally consisting of rappers Daddy X (Brad Xavier), Dustin Miller (D-Loc), Saint Dog, Percussionist Lou Dog, DJ Bobby B, and Dancer Pakelika, the band debuted with the album Royal Highness on Capital Records in 1998. With a lineup change, by their second and more well-known release, 2000’s High Society, Rapper Johnny Richter took the place of Saint Dog as the third vocalist in the group. Adding on Hype Man Taxman (known for his expressive face paint and Punk Rock attitude), the seven member outfit of the Kottonmouth Kings took form. This classic lineup would see the Kottonmouth Kings reaching to fans across the globe, becoming locked in with the Juggalos courtesy of their affiliation with the Insane Clown Posse, as well as touring mates and friends with Tech N9ne and the Strange Music family.
The Kottonomouth Kings have been notorious, not only for their marijuana-tinged blend of Rock and Rap tracks, but for their raucous energy on stage, as well as undeniable love for the genre and their fans. While rumors and backlash were rampant among fans throughout recent years about the drastic change-ups, the one thing that is certain is the passion and drive of the three remaining members: Daddy X, D-Loc, and The Dirtball. Bringing their act to the East Coast on their 20 Years Deep run, the Kottonmouth Kings dropped by Revolution Bar & Music Hall in Amityville, New York on Thursday, June 9th. A rare visit out to Long Island, their dedicated area fans were ecstatic to see the Kings filling out the venue, despite it being a week night.
Kicking off the show just after 8 PM was Central Islip’s own Don Dada. Representing the flavor of Long Island, Don Dada brought smooth rhymes to the stage that had heads bobbing. His set was followed by East Coast national supporting act, Guy Grams. A Baltimore, Maryland native, Guy Gram has been writing music since he was a young kid and through his career has played over 100 shows. Bringing his gritty sound to Revolution Bar & Music Hall, Guy Grams dazzled with catchy rhymes filled with killer beats. His sophomore album, 2015’s The Gateway Drug, is out now and full of classic Hip Hop flavor.
Keeping the ball rolling and closing out the opening acts, direct support Radio Rell came out with a rugged style all his own. Coming from the West Coast, Radio Rell is a young and talented rapper that showcased original songs with in-depth lyrical content. Playing cuts such as “Belly of the Beast,” Radio Rell did a fine job of revving up the room, who were no doubt ready for the finale of Kottonmouth Kings.
Taking the stage just after 11:00 PM, the Kottonmouth Kings came out to a warm welcome as they opened with “K.O.T.T.O.N.M.O.U.T.H Song.” A grand entry, Daddy X, D-Loc, and The Dirtball made their way to the front of the stage, moving back and forth to engage fans. Daddy X, the ring-leader, did a great job of interplay between numbers, hyping up the crowd by chanting lyrics from other Kottonmouth Kings tracks, or familiar phrases from other well-known artists (Bob Marley, Sublime, Cypress Hill, etc). It was clear that there is undeniable chemistry between the three members, particularly between long-time members Daddy X and D-Loc. With that said, newer member The Dirtball adds another dimension and dynamic to each track, and even has bars for older songs that pre-dated his efforts in the group.
Firing on all cylinders, the Kottonmouth Kings played tracks from all over their back catalogue, going into the crowd-favorite “Day Dreamin’ Fazes,” which had the crowd bouncing up and down as prompted by Daddy X. This energy level remained elevated as classics such as “Hold It In” and “Where’s the Weed At?” were well-received. In addition, known for their Punk Rock roots, the Kottonmouth Kings played some straight forward Rock tunes like the pit-inducing “Sub-Noize Rats” and “Full Throttle,” which opened up the floor as more bodies began to move. This showcased Kottonmouth Kings’ talents in seamlessly blending Punk Rock choruses with rapping verses that alternate smoothly and effectively while keeping their listeners completely enthralled.
With a set list that spanned well over an hour and a half, it would be hard to mention all the tracks that were played, but some standouts included a throwback to old school Kottonmouth fans with “Bump” from Royal Highness. Many of their newer tracks from recent years with The Dirtball made an appearance as well, including “Buddha Headz,” “Walk the Line,” “Ganja Glow,” and the menacing “Audio War.” With the set coming to a close, they even had a song where all the ladies were welcomed on the stage to rock out, and eagerly accepting the invite, it just added more fun to the evening. Sadly, all good things must come to an end. With that, Daddy X expressed great appreciation to everyone who has loyally supported Kottonmouth Kings before they bid farewell.
A rousing 20th anniversary celebration, the Kottonmouth Kings still matches the intensity and tenacity of their younger years while showing great promise for their future. In high spirits and giving the crowd everything they had, their set left all who made the trip out to Revolution completely satisfied. With more shows lined up from now until the end of June, before more later this summer, loyal fans would be remiss to skip the 20 Years Deep Tour.
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