When a band comes out with a new release, people usually say, "Oh, it's the best album they've ever done." Most of the time, it's more hype than anything. Gotta say that about the new release because that's what the band is tryin' to promote. When it comes to "Cloud Nine," straight up, this IS the best album they've ever put out. You know, they've been doin' their thing for a long time now and they've got a ton of great material floatin' around out there. But, this release doesn't sound like a band that's been poundin' the scene for ten years. There's a hunger in these songs...a hunger like a band that's just startin' out and they wanna make the best impression they possibly can. You don't expect that from a band that's been around as long as Kottonmouth Kings. They're still hungry, man and they still have a passion for what they're doing. That was obvious to me before I even heard the album from begining to end. Success hasn't spoiled 'em and their well is far from runnin' dry.

I couldn't get past the first eight songs because they packed such a punch...I couldn't get enough of 'em. They start off with "Controlled Substance," which sets the tone for the rest of the album. This is the track they get you excited with and they do one hell of a job. Then they rip into "Livin' Proof," which is a punk rock/hip hop tune that's pure energy and they keep it going with "Marijuana." Then we get to the first tune to feature a guest artist, which would be Insane Clown Posse. "Think 4 Yourself" has a chorus that will stick in your head as soon as you hear it. This song has a lot of bounce.

From there, they go into another punk rock/hip hop tune, "No Escape," and this one seems a little faster than "Livin' Proof." It's almost like they're saying, "What...you don't think we could do it again. Check this out." It's kind of funny...as I sit here going through these first few songs, it's almost like they set up the album to feel like a live concert and I got that impression once "Lita's" (think...lighters) came up. That's the tune that sounds like they're talkin' to their audience. Anyway, we get to "One Day" and...wow...this is simply a great fuckin' song, man. It has a rock 'n' roll feel to it and it's a lyrically brilliant song. One of my favorites on the album. It's a song about hope and that's something we can all get behind.

My favorite track on the album is "City 2 City," which features Tech 9 and Big Krizz Kalico. I can't get enough of this song. I went to a show that was about an hour away from my house and I had this song on repeat the whole way there...and once I got there, I got the band to crank this tune before they took the stage and you could see people noddin' their head to the groove. I've played this tune for damn near every single person I know and I'm like, "Isn't this just a great song?" Instant freakin' classic. No doubt about it.

I could go through the rest of the album track by track because each tune hits you in a different way. But, I'm not gonna do that because I don't wanna take anything away from your first listen. I will say this...the rest of the album has a lot of variety and they manage to hold your attention all the way to the end...and to get there...it's gonna take you 78 minutes and, believe me, they make every second count. Do you know how seriously good that is? I mean, really, 22 songs and there's not a weak one in the bunch. That's quite an accomplishment. But, wait...there's more. "Cloud Nine" comes with a bonus DVD. It's got a running time of about an hour and, once again, they make every second count. There's a video for "Think 4 Yourself," "Livin' Proof" and "City 2 City." They also include videos from Kingspade, Big B, Danny Diablo, Dirtball, Dogboy, Hed p.e. and more. They don't just throw this stuff together either. It's set up like a news program...the underground report...and Daddy X is your host. He's with you from begining to end, which gives it a more personal touch. How often do you see that?

Bottom line...they go above and beyond the call of duty for their fans. You're not just getting an album here...you're getting an experience. I'll tell you what...the end of the year is coming up fast and this album better be on somebody's top ten list. It would hold the number one spot on my list, that's for sure. I wouldn't even have to think about it. If you don't have this in your collection...GET IT! It's as simple as that.

Kottonmouth Kings - Cloud Nine
Lable: Suburban Noize Records
Release Date: Aug 28, 2007