411Music Exclusive Interview - Daddy X of the Kottonmouth Kings
Posted by Selwyn DeSa on 04.19.2006
Celebrate the upcoming 4:20 holiday with Daddy X and me.
11 years ago, Brad "Daddy X" Xavier was promoting clubs and raves. Today he runs Suburban Noize, one of the most popular and successful underground record labels, and has sold over a million records with the Kottonmouth Kings. It is only right that with 4:20 coming up, we have a few words with the man himself.
Selwyn DeSa: First, I want to let you know what a huge fan I am, and thank you for taking the time to do this interview. So what are you up to right now?
Daddy X: Well thank you I appreciate that, right now with Koast II Koast set to drop June 6, we're going to be heading out to Japan, and shooting a video for "Everybody Move." We also have the video for "Where The Weed At" premiering on 4:20 at kottonmouthkings.com, which is also the day we'll be taking pre-orders by the way. The summer tour is starting in June, and everyone's still in the studio working on that Subnoize Souljaz record.
Selwyn DeSa: Wow sounds like you are busy; I want to ask about the upcoming Daddy X solo. If Family Ties was revolutionary sounds of freedom, will Organic Produce be a return to the stony vibes of Organic Soul, and when can we expect that to drop?
Daddy X: Sort of, see the thing is I love stripped down music; it appeals to me. I just love the live band experience, and I like it in hip-hop. Organic Produce is going have that acoustic live band feeling. As far as it dropping, it will be sometime this summer.
Selwyn DeSa: What can you tell us about the upcoming KMK album, Koast to Koast?
Daddy X: It will be the next chapter, I mean this is our 11th year, and technically, our ninth studio album, and I think it finds everyone at the top of their game. As the label and studio grows, we never wanted to make the same record twice; it will be beat-driven. Musically as far as hip-hop goes, I think this is the best record we've done, but after we make it, then it's for the world. It's hard to judge the world, but I think it's our strongest record.
Selwyn DeSa: Sounds like something, I am looking forward to it. What can you tell us about who is going to appear on Dropping Bombs? The new Subnoize Souljaz CD
Daddy X: Well in addition to everyone from the first time around, we have Brother J from the X Clan, One Session, and Potluck from Humboldt County going to get on there.
Selwyn DeSa: I am glad you mentioned them specifically in terms of my next question. Suburban Noize has been expanding lately, signing many new artists like Hed PE, X Clan, Wicked Wisdom, and One Session. Are their more to come, and are you looking to keep growing?
Daddy X: As long as we can expand and at the same time operate, we're an independent label with a small 6 to 8 person staff. Financially it cost money to sign new artists and promote their albums, so as long as we don't expand too much, to where we can't maintain it. We also just signed Authority Zero, so if it feels right then we'll do it.
Selwyn DeSa: Out of all the songs that you have recorded, and I know there have been a lot in the past 11 years, but do you have any that standout as your all-time favorites?
Daddy X: That's a tough question, I mean there's "Rest Of My Life", "Rip The Night Away", wow this is like being asked to pick your favorite kid. Different periods can dictate what a song means to you, I remember when friend of mine Jason Thirsk, who was the bass player for Pennywise committed suicide in 1996, and the Humble Gods did a cover of "Peaceful Day", that obviously also meant a lot to me.
Selwyn DeSa: Who are some of your influences?
Daddy X: My influences are my life experiences man, my family, my daughter's birth, losing close friends, camping, and Mother Nature, anything that shapes who you are. Musically, I like rebel music, Marley, The Clash, Lennon, early punk and hip-hop, Beastie Boys, N.W.A., the list goes on.
Selwyn DeSa: What is in Daddy X's CD player right now?
Daddy X: I like to keep what we're working on in there, right now it's the Subnoize Souljaz. I also got that X Clan, Return From Mecca, which is going to be incredible. Brother J is so misunderstood, but that man is blessed, he's like a prophet, sadly Professor X just passed away though.
Selwyn DeSa: Who have been your favorite artists that you worked with so far in your career?
Daddy X: I loved working on that Corporate Avenger album with my brother, and to produce his album will always have a place in my heart. Jack from T.S.O.L., Tech N9ne, ICP, Brother J, Cypress Hill, anyone from Sub Noize, anyone featured we had a personal connection with.
Selwyn DeSa: What about in the future, is there anyone you have not worked with yet that you would like too?
Daddy X: I always wanted to see KMK and The Beastie Boys, but I mean we have played with so many bands and people we appreciate. From Snoop, to Cypress, Method Man and Redman, Pennywise, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Green Day, Janes Addiction, so we already have been on stage with so many of our influences.
Selwyn DeSa: What would Daddy X be doing right now if he were not in the music industry?
Daddy X: That's hard to answer because this is the path I took in life, before this I was promoting clubs and raves, so if not that then I'd be living somewhere out in nature.
Selwyn DeSa: When it is all over, what do you want your legacy to be?
Daddy X: Well I've come this far, the goal was to establish our own Indy label, and we did that, watching that vision become a reality was rewarding. I'd also like to say that we contributed to the legalization of marijuana. I want our records to stand the test of time, and I'm talking generations to come. Most importantly, I want to be a good father to my daughter.
Selwyn DeSa: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans before I let you go?
Daddy X: The stony revolution is on, seek truth, observe nature, and educate yourself.
