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Flexing freedoms with the Kottonmouth Kings

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Kottonmouth Kings: Flexin' Freedoms...
By: Matt Munoz, Bakotopia Editor
Description: Interview with Kings’ co-founder Brad “Daddy X” Xavier. Appearing live at The Dome Dec. 21! READ & LISTEN!

Topics: KMK, Bakotopia, December 2007, Bakersfield, The Dome, blog, Marijuana, hip-hop, Rap, Kottonmouth Kings, matt munoz
Posted by matt Tue Dec 11, 2007 16:03:09 PST
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Location: 2201 V St., Bakersfield, CA 93301

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Flexing freedoms with the Kottonmouth Kings

(Kottonmouth Kings)
<<LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW WITH BRAD "DADDY X" XAVIER!

Kottonmouth Kings appearing LIVE at The Dome Dec. 21

By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia.com Editor

In the war of the independents, no one can boast victory like the Kottonmouth Kings.

The first glimpse of the what was to become a blunt-wrapped dynasty of punky hip-hop with a vanilla twist came in ’97 when the group scored a shot on the soundtrack to “Scream 2” with the song “Suburban Life.”

Returning to smoke up the stage at The Dome on Friday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. in support of their latest release “Cloud Nine,” the boys from southern California and Tehachapi strategically plan each move with precise timing.



“The ‘Scream 2’ soundtrack was part of a deal we made with the record company to break us out,” said Kottonmouth co-founder, Brad “Daddy X” Xavier, speaking from the group’s tour bus in Chicago, where another sold-out show awaits them later in the evening. “It helped us get the ball rolling in a big way.”



Although the soundtrack helped kick-off the introduction, Xavier and crew were from the beginning bent on staying in control of their careers the only way they knew - the DIY way.



“Back in the day I was promoting nightclubs, and I was in a punk rock band called Humble Gods. D-Loc and John Richter (future Kottonmouth vocalists) grew up in my old neighborhood. When they were out of high school, they started hanging out at shows, and they were just funny characters. I had a studio at my house and we started making beats and songs for fun. Next thing, it just organically evolved into 20 songs. I decided to start Suburban Noize Records to put out the first Kottonmouth Kings record.”

Of course, when the buzz of an unsigned artist becomes too hard to handle, the majors couldn’t take it anymore and wanted a piece of the Kings themselves.

“Right after we finished recording and artwork for the first record, that’s when all these major labels started steppin’ to us,” recalled Xavier. “Interscope, Elektra, Capital. We wound up doing a joint venture deal for Suburban Noize and Kottonmouth Kings for the first release.”



After the success of “Scream 2,” the group knew it was only a matter of time before the creative forces of the majors would begin to creep into the operation a little too much - a reality Xavier wasn’t about to allow his group to surrender to.

“We’re totally autonomous and independent; we answer to nobody. We run and operate our own clothing and record company,” he said. “We diversify. It’s more about a lifestyle - Suburban Noize has over 20 acts, and as far as the KMK is concerned, we make a new, innovative record every year.”

The wild “rip-hop” Kottonmouth party sound - a rough blend of punk rock, rap, and original mixed beats - comes courtesy of the brotherly bond Xavier, Dustin “D-Loc” Miller, and Richter share with members Lou Dog - drums, Pakelika - dancer, and DJ Bobby B.

According to Xavier, the group stays committed in all areas of operation, including the creative process.

“Everybody respects each other’s talents, strengths, and gifts that they give to the band,” explained Xavier. “We go out on tour and grind it out like a rock band. We’re in some gnarly cities and we gotta bond like brothers and make it home - we really depend on each other like soldiers.”

Critics of the Kings’ blatant use of marijuana in their lyrics, artwork and image don’t seem to be of any concern for the group, who embrace the almighty First Amendment and freedom of choice.

“We go all over the world. Different states have different laws,” said Xavier. “Yes, we’ve had police show up to our shows, we’ve been banned from places. The bottom line is - we live in America, so we don’t have many problems from the speech perspective.”

Apart from the Kings’ domain, Xavier also believes there’s far too much “herb harassment” going on in the world.

“The concept of a plant being a crime is an absolute mind-boggling concept,” he said. “We have a way in this society of making wrong look right, and right look wrong. The government can spend millions on this war, arm 18-year-old kids, and put them in harm’s way. Yet, you get caught with a joint, they’re going to throw you in jail. Whether you choose to smoke or not should be your own personal choice - not some police or government agency.”

Being white “b-boys” who know the respect paid to hip-hop culture since it’s solely African-American beginnings, the Kings’ also understand that naysayers who think the group doesn’t have skills was just part of re-writing the rules of the rap game.

“It was never a struggle between ourselves. .We take things seriously,” said Xavier. “I've had a love for hip-hop since back in the day. I think our records and beats will stand up against anyone in the game. It’s easy to discredit us because we’re white, but every house we walk into is sold-out, people singing along - those are the people I care about.”

With plans for more even stage rocking and music in 2008, the Kottonmouth Kings have a shout for longtime Bakersfield fans eagerly awaiting their return to The Dome.

“Stay free, stay down for the crown, walk in peace, and live every day like it’s your last.”


Kottonmouth Kings LIVE!
w/OPM and Subnoize Souljaz!
-Friday, Dec. 21 - 2007
-The Dome, 2201 V St.
-7pm / $22 / All Ages
-661-327-0190

Originally printed in Bakotopia Magazine, Issue 17 - 12/13/07
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