Kottonmouth Kings :: The Green Album

A 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.