Kottonmouth Kings - Koast II Koast Review
Posted by Selwyn DeSa on 07.06.2006
Everybody’s favorite stoners are back and higher than ever.
The Kottonmouth Kings are simply put, underground legends. 12 years long, 12 years strong, 12 years of packing bowls and ripping bongs. With no signs of slowing down, they unleash Koast II Koast. When I interviewed Daddy X back in April, he said that this album would find everyone at the top of their game, and that this would be their strongest record to date. Considering the source, and the quality of some of their past work, that was a pretty bold statement to make at the time, but after giving "Koast II Koast" a listen, I can see why he made it. I agree that everyone was on top of their game, but it’s rare that Loc, Richter, and X are not at the top of their games. As far as their strongest record, I don’t know if I agree, while this is a very potent offering, I would hesitate to rank it above some of their past efforts, it can definitely stand alongside anything they’ve done in the past though.
Lyrically, this has everything you would expect from a KMK record. Sex, parties, and weed references galore. It boggles the mind sometimes to think how one group of people could constantly write and spit about the same subject, and still come out sounding original in the end. That takes talent alone to keep saying the same thing again and again, but in different ways. They do touch on other subjects though, and their are the deeper more serious songs you will usually find, but after all it is still the Kottonmouth Kings, so what you expect is what you will mostly receive.
This album was beat-driven and had a more hip-hop feel to it than any other Kottonmouth King record before it. Not necessarily better or worst, but definitely different. I can respect the fact that after so many years in the game, the group is not afraid to try something new and experiment with different things, in the outcome it will just further their careers.
“Where’s The Weed At?” and “This Is My Club Song” are both very high energy and everyone brings it lyrically, it serves as a perfect opening to “Koast II Koast”. “Keep It Kali” has a classic laidback vibe to it and helps move along the album well. “I’ve Had It” is a good anger driven track about reaching your breaking point, and snapping that everyone should be able to relate too. “Friends” has a catchy beat, and is another relatable track about who’s real and who’s fake. Other tracks like “No Regrets”, “Smile”, “Last Chance”, and “Forever” also go beyond the pipe, and show that the Kings are not one trick pony’s. Other standouts include “Everybody Move”, “Bong Toke“ ”“Irie Feeling”, and “Neva Stop”.
The Kings are professionals and they know how to put together an album, Koast II Koast has your party songs, your laidback songs, and your deep meaningful songs all mixed and matched, and blended to perfection. Not all tracks are equally impressive, but none are outright bad. This is another one of those from start to finish listening experiences, save a few skits you might not want to waste the few seconds on.
Bump -
Track 1) Where’s The Weed At?
Track 2) This My Club Song
Track 4) Keep It Kali
Track 5) I’ve Had It
Track 6) Friends
Track 8) Everybody Move
Track 10) Bong Toke
Track 11) Irie Feelin
Track 13) Neva Stop
Track 14) No Regrets
Track 15) Hustle:
Track 16) Smile
Track 18) Do The Math
Track 19) Koast II Koast
Track 20) Party
Track 21) One Too Many Timez
Track 22) Last Chance
Track 23) Forever
Skip -
Track 3) Purple Haze (Skit)
Track 7) Fat Sack (Skit)
Track 9) Bubblin (Skit)
Track 12) Blueberry (Skit)
Track 17) One 2 Da Two (Skit)
Purchase Or Pass? - Purchase
The 411: Another solid effort from the Kings, this has anything and everything a fan of the group would want in an album. I think it’s safe to say that this is required smoking music, so light it up and let KMK take you from “Koast II Koast”.
