Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 11/15/2005
The textbook definition of a stopgap release,
the Kottonmouth Kings'
Joint Venture rounds up some new tracks, remixes, and tracks by other artists related to
the Kings. Besides that, there's the bonus DVD filled with
KMK videos, three of them available for the first time. The fun and silly side of the band is represented well by the opening
"I'm Hungry," while
"Radio Head" flips the bird to radio programmers. When the band dips into ganja-loving
reggae-
pop, it's believable, and their suburban rebellion has come a long way, sounding more pointed and genuine with each release. Of course,
"TGIF" and
"MF" are mostly what this
rap-
rock-
reggae crew are about, and
Joint Venture would be a perfect way to introduce yourself to them if the packaging wasn't so sloppy. Guest artists are announced mixtape style with ominous voice interludes, but there's no mention of who did what in the liner notes. The
Suburban Noize label doesn't seem concerned with grabbing any new fans with the collection, which is a shame because
the KMK have evolved a lot more than the like-minded
ICP have. Preaching only to the message board-mongering converted will still move plenty of units, but collecting some choice
KMK music and disregarding how it's delivered just suggests the band and its handlers don't care to fight that uphill battle of being taken seriously.
~David Jeffries, All Music Guide