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Girl Gone Wild
It seems that just about everything that Margaret Cho does gets people talking. Her creative output—whether it delves into racial stereotypes, gay/lesbian humor or social justice—has always been provocative and thought-provoking. And funny as hell. Lest we forget that the SoCal-based Cho has been slaying audiences and entertaining the masses since her early stand-up catapulted her into the mainstream during the early ’90s, including starring in her own television show (American Girl), opening for Jerry Seinfeld and roles in big budget films like John Woo’s Face/Off. But this queen of all media has also written books, made appearances on tastemaker shows (Sex and the City), toured the country and currently spends six months out of the year in a supporting role for the Lifetime cable show Drop Dead Diva. In this exclusive interview with CULTURE, Cho talks about her current “Cho Dependent” tour, her new album that features indie and veteran luminaries like Tegan and Sara and Ani DiFranco and what it’s like to hang out with Cheech & Chong and Cypress Hill—and not get high?!?!?! But let her explain things…
Continue reading...Miss California
5. August 2010
Singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge is known for more than just her catchy, confessional folk-rock. Though she enjoyed multi-platinum album sales and arena-filling tours thanks to huskily-voiced singles like “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One” in the 1990s, she’s recently attracted media attention for performing bald (due to chemotherapy) at the 2005 Grammy Awards; for some gossiped-about romances; and for her frank statements regarding gay rights, the environment, politics and more—including her medical use of cannabis. The Los Angeles-based Etheridge, 49, started using marijuana during her battle with breast cancer in 2004. She recently chatted with CULTURE about her “feistiest”album in 20 years (Fearless Love, released in April), the weirdness of fame and the many joys of medical pot
Continue reading...A Q&A with Paul Wall
1. July 2010
They say that everything is bigger in Texas—and when it comes to hip-hopper and entrepreneur Paul Wall, the tried-and-true adage shines brightly like the bling glistening off the Houston native’s grill. Most everything this player’s touched has turned to gold—or something even more precious. He sports two No. 1 album debuts (You remember the hit song “Sittin’ Sidewayz,” right?), a Platinum record for 2005’s The Peoples Champ and a Grammy nomination for “Grillz”—a track he did with Nelly. He also founded a successful grills and jewelry business and recently became a major player in the Texas music industry. Paul Wall recently took time to chat with CULTURE about his new album (Heart of a Champion), how Travis Barker and Soulja Boy have taught him a thing or two and the not-so-subtle meaning behind a song called “Smoke Weed Everyday.”
Continue reading...A Q & A with Erykah Badu
3. June 2010
As everyone’s favorite soul sista, Erykah Badu has made significant marks on popular culture beyond her critically acclaimed music. Her 1997 musical debut, Baduizm, scored her a Grammy for Best R&B Album, and she further cemented her crossover appeal by joining the Cypress Hill-helmed Smoking Grooves Tour that same year. Then came forays into film: a supporting role in The Cider House Rules, an appearance on Dave Chapelle’s Block Party and, more recently, a controversial, message-heavy music video (“Window Seat”) filmed in March in which Badu strips nude as she walks the streets of Dallas near the site of JFK’s assassination.
Continue reading...HERETIC, ZEALOT, TRUTH-TELLER
6. May 2010
NORML’s executive director recalls his long, stormy friendship with Jack Herer By James Lang Speaking by phone from his office in Washington, D.C., NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre describes the view from his window and what it says about the legacy of Jack Herer. “I’m looking out on K Street and watching people going about their [...]
Continue reading...The Dirty Heads
6. May 2010
Culturally unique Southern California serves as an incubator for distinct “sounds” of music, be they the fat and juicy beats that typify West Coast hip-hop or the punk-and-reggae-influenced style of rock made famous by Sublime. So what is the next logical step in the evolution of the famed “So Cal Sound?” Enter the Dirty Heads, an OC-based group founded by childhood friends—singer Jared Watson and singer/guitarist Dustin “Duddy” Bushnell. Their recent hit single, “Lay Me Down,” features guest vocals from Rome, the new singer of the recently reformed Sublime. Armed with a new, organic tone and refreshingly positive attitudes, the Dirty Heads are being hailed by the likes of Rolling Stone as the new torch bearers of the So Cal Sound. In this interview, Bushnell kindly takes the time to indulge a barrage of question from CULTURE on the band and its newfound success:
Continue reading...A Q&A with Julian Marley
1. April 2010
Being the son of the king of reggae certainly imbues Julian Marley with plenty of roots credibility. But the London-born artist has managed to move beyond his famous father’s legacy to craft a successful solo career that has minted him an esteemed place among the Marley scions and won the hearts of fans of roots reggae, hip-hop and R&B. True conscious music, after all, abides by no genre distinction.
Continue reading...A Q&A with Joe Rogan
4. March 2010
Joe Rogan is more than just a talented comedian— he’s a 21st-century Renaissance Man. Aside from performing stand-up, he’s a color commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, was the host of the popular show Fear Factor, and played a key role in the late, great sitcom NewsRadio. His Spike TV comedy special, Talking Monkeys in Space, will air March 27, on Comedy Central, coinciding with its release on CD and DVD. Also look for him in the upcoming big-screen release, The Zoo Keeper.
Continue reading...Q&A with the Mo Thugs Family
4. February 2010
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony changed the game with melodic harmonies and a fast-paced delivery that could be as harsh as cordite or as sweet as honey. Whether they rapped about violence, good times, bad times, getting by or getting high, the group has always stayed true to their music.
Continue reading...Q&A with Sarah Diesel
7. January 2010
If the activist spirit of California’s medical-cannabis community had an official poster girl, it would be Sarah Diesel. Last summer, she co-hosted Season 1 of the cable-television show, Cannabis Planet. In between facilitating seminars and teaching classes at Oaksterdam University in Los Angeles, Diesel works as a committed patient advocate, political activist, collective manager and bud te
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2. September 2010
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