D-Loc formed the Kottonmouth Kings in 1996 alongside Saint Dog, Johnny Richter, and Daddy X. In the three decades since then, KMK have crafted a unique blend of rap, punk rock, and reggae music while also experiencing change ups in their roster and even their longtime home at Suburban Noize Records. Now, D-Loc has recruited former KMK hypeman Taxman back into the band as well as brought together two rappers who have been long time Kottonmouth supporters and can trace their histories with the group back to the very first years: Judge D and Chucky Chuck! In the two years since this line-up was created, Kottonmouth Kings have released 5 new singles as well as a 5-song EP, toured their new live show endlessly and even played the Gathering of the Juggalos twice!
On May 30, 2026, the Kottonmouth Kings brought their 30 Years of Underground Tour to the AM/FM Lounge in Dallas, TX and I was there photographing for FaygoLuvers. Long-time Juggalo favorite Kung Fu Vampire served as the opener for the Kings and local rapper Joka C. started off the evening. This was my first concert photographing with full equipment in over a year, so I felt a bit out of practice and the AM/FM Lounge provided quite a challenge being an outdoor venue hosting an event during sundown and dusk. Their stage lighting was also very sparse and weak with a bright screen at the rear of the stage trying to backlight the performers and blow out in every shot. Even after these difficulties, I am very pleased with how the photos turned out even once the sun went down, with the subjects bright and crisp and the background screen giving a nice splash of color. I must admit though that I’m a bit jealous of the images I’ve seen from fellow photogs of other stops during this tour with their colorful lighting and thick clouds of smoke behind the Kings. I’m excited for KMK to come back to Texas sooner than later so I can capture their energy and show everyone that Kottonmouth Kings are still blowing smoke rings!
