It's not that Brad Daddy X, rap-rocking frontman of the Kottonmouth Kings, doesn't like Arizona. He just doesn't care for some of the state's laws.
"It's terrible that they have such strict drug laws there," Brad said. "It's a state with such a strong Native American population that uses plants and herbs in their religious practices. But they outlaw a naturally growing plant, and they put people in jail for a plant. It seems a little out of balance."
High Times magazine's 2000 Band of the Year will just have to use caution when procuring their favorite pre-show indulgence before headlining the Stoners Reaking Havoc Tour Friday night at the Cajun House in Scottsdale. Mix Mob, the Valley's own Phunk Junkeez and Bionic Jive are also on the bill.
Although they may not agree with the state's drug enforcement policies, the Kottonmouth Kings have made a name for themselves in Arizona, thanks to heavy touring and radio support from the Edge. In fact, the band from Orange County, Calif., has played Phoenix so often since joining in 1994 that they consider the Valley a second home.
"We've been hitting Phoenix for years. It's actually one of our favorite places to play," Brad said. "Phoenix was one of the first markets that really caught on to us. They supported us real early on in our careers, and it's so close to California that it's like a home away from home. We have a lot of good friends there."
The Kottonmouth Kings have made those friends thanks to their high-energy shows that consistently draw fans back to their concerts. A typical Kottonmouth Kings concert includes plenty of pot references and teenagers in hoodies bouncing to the band's self-described "psychedelic hip-hop punk rock."
Fans can expect more of the same from the band on this stop.
"It's a Kottonmouth Kings tour so people know what to expect," Brad said. "We're not re-inventing the wheel or anything. We usually play for about two hours, so we'll cover the whole gamut of our past albums, plus some cuts off our new album (coming in October)."
Even if they can't acquire any herbal refreshment, the Kottonmouth Kings plan on having some fun with any fun-loving ASU students who make it to the show.
"In a college-age crowd the people are still focused on enjoying life. Everyone's still free-spirited," Brad said. "We are about celebrating life. People come to a Kottonmouth Kings show to have a good time."
Reach Matt Simpson at azdude182@aol.com.
Friday, May 31
Kottonmouth Kings with Phunk Junkeez and Mix Mob at the Cajun House in Scottsdale. 480.945.5150.
