Rooted in the Orange County community of Huntington Beach, California, founding band members Jared Watson and guitarist / vocalist Dustin Bushnell met in 1996 while in high school, embarking on a friendship based on music, as well as their shared passion for surfing, skating and the endless party of the laid-back SoCal lifestyle.
Early on, they spent many late nights jamming in Bushnell’s soundproof garage with a four-track recorder, writing unique acoustic hip-hop songs that featured reggae inflections. Inspired by the rock and reggae sounds of Bob Marley, Sublime, 311 and The Beastie Boys, the band’s music evolved into their distinct Dirty Heads style.
To complete the Dirty Heads’ sound, the duo added percussionist Jon Olazabal and drummer Matt Ochoa, both talented, experienced musicians. With a set of solid material, the Dirty Heads were further motivated to take their craft to the next level, and they began building a loyal fan base throughout the west coast, while performing acoustically at local bars and small music venues. As they started playing in neighboring Los Angeles, the band found it necessary to charter party buses so their fans could make the 30-mile trek to their shows.
Connecting with sought-after producers Steve Fox and Stan Frazier (Sugar Ray / Ashlee Simpson) the band worked long hours to polish their material and further develop their style. The Dirty Heads also recruited mixing engineer Mario Caldato Jr., best known for his work with the Beastie Boys, to add the finishing touches and create just the right blend.
The band’s highly-anticipated first full-length album is entitled, Any Port in the Storm (Released on EMG through Fontana, a division of Universal Music Group Distribution - September 2008). This debut features 14 tracks that are reminiscent of the upbeat, sun-soaked Southern California party energy. The first single is the optimistic, “Stand Tall.”
Any Port in the Storm also features one of the final recordings of the late music industry icon Billy Preston. Frequently referred to as “The Fifth Beatle,” Preston played on three tracks, including “Stand Tall,” “Chelsea,” and “Driftin.’ ” Other special guests on the album are drummer Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle, Sting, The Vandals), and veteran session percussionist Alex Acuna, whose A-list musician resume includes Peter Gabriel, Johnny Clegg, and Jackson Browne, to name only a few.
Recently, the band’s music has been attracting attention throughout the world of entertainment. Their songs have been featured in the movie and soundtrack for Surf’s Up (Sony 2007); and the television drama, Shark staring James Woods (CBS 2007. Actor Matthew McConaughey selected the band’s music to be in his upcoming film, Surfer Dude. In addition, the Dirty Heads can be heard in Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam video game (Activision 2007), and several other music compilations and surf/skate videos. On the marketing side, the Dirty Heads have also been included in campaigns for Etnies Jeans and Vestal Watches.
Dirty Heads vocalist Jared Watson sums up their fun, uncomplicated style, “We want to be positive and entertain,” he says. “We just want to make you feel good.”
And who can’t dig that?
www.dirtyheads.com
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Mongo Push
The Dirty Heads Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a spell what the hell man taste a little curse
I'm a word smith, you need a firm grip to rap your head around my shit
Kill the joint and get a burnt lip
See through tie dye L-S-D eyes got me in some trouble seeing double
Take a breather while the cloud bubbles
OK, I've caught my breath my lungs just need a rest
Excuse me I digress, I need to get something off my chest
So if you really want us, better check your orthodontist
I'm chattering your teeth kid, just trying to be honest
Better take it from me said I spit so much heat, it put a chip in my teeth
I got some different beliefs you sick of sounding antique
Well write a rhyme to this beat
It's like you're stuck up in the sixties flower child when I peace
I said you look at me the wrong way and I say OK
It doesn't bother me I wrap my head around the kush
You're taking it the wrong way and I say OK, you're off on the wrong foot
We call it mongo push
You started off on the wrong foot,
We call it mongo pushin'
The dirty heads have got you jumping out your seats
Dirty J and Duddy B don't hit the field without the cleats
And with a little touch of Rome you're back at home
You mix the three it's ecstasy you see I swear I'm never wrong
And everybody wants a hook and wants a beat
But I just got off the bus, I'm overdosing on the summer heat.
I like the finer things like smoking on the finer weed
I'm sipping on the stuff that makes me feel better than complete.
One hundred and ten percent is what I give the game,
Give me a year or two and your boy will be a household name.
Bust in the scene I'm swinging up home runs
And now I'm breaking hearts and writing records
All good, all fun
I said you look at me the wrong way and I say OK
It doesn't bother me I wrap my head around the kush
You're taking it the wrong way and I say OK
You're off on the wrong foot, we call it mongo push
You started off on the wrong foot
We call it mongo push
Exactly where I want to be
Floating high on energy
Drifting through the galaxy
Death to those who challenge me
I am not the enemy
I am my own entity
I grow exponentially
Deepest roots, redwood tree
Count my rings infinity
I was here before B-C
Earth's my home for now it seems
But Mars is in my destiny
I'm just floating high on steam
I'll come down eventually
Just to get some Listerine
'Cause verbally I'm disgusting
Future bright, diamond ring
Shoes and hat always clean
So far from reality I live my life like it's a dream
Watch me fly endlessly
Faster than a laser beam
If you do not clap for me
Probably 'cause you amputee
You look at me the wrong way and I say OK
It doesn't bother me I wrap my head around the kush
You're taking it the wrong way and I say OK
You're off on the wrong foot
We call it mongo push
You started off on the wrong foot
We call it mongo pushin'
The Dirty Heads’ song, “Mongo Push,” begins with the rapper explaining that he took his sixteen bars to outer space, asserting his unique lyrical abilities. He refers to himself as a wordsmith with unusual beliefs, stating that if you want him, you better check your orthodontist because he’ll chatter your teeth. The artist then proceeds to rap about his love for marijuana, talking about how he wraps his head around the kush and how he’s overdosing on summer heat. He asserts his confidence in his abilities, claiming that he’s never wrong, and talks about his aspirations of becoming a household name. The song ends with the rapper expressing his desire to fly and be free, knowing that he might offend people who don’t support him, but not caring either way.
Line by Line Meaning
I took my sixteen bars to outer space so check my universe
I've expanded my abilities to create music to otherworldly levels, so check out my unique universe.
I'm a spell what the hell man taste a little curse
I'm a talented musician whose lyrical content can be risqué, so be prepared.
I'm a word smith, you need a firm grip to rap your head around my shit
I'm a skilled lyricist whose lyrics require active interpretation to understand my perspective.
Kill the joint and get a burnt lip
Smoke the marijuana aggressively and risk burning your lip.
See through tie dye L-S-D eyes got me in some trouble seeing double
The use of psychedelic drugs has caused some visual distortion and double vision.
Take a breather while the cloud bubbles
Pause for a moment while the smoke from marijuana bubbles up.
OK, I've caught my breath my lungs just need a rest
I need to take a moment to recover from the effects of smoking marijuana.
Excuse me I digress, I need to get something off my chest
I'm sorry for going off-topic, but I need to express something important.
I'm an emcee just a little differently dressed
I'm a rapper with a unique style of clothing and appearance.
So if you really want us, better check your orthodontist
If you want to engage with us, make sure your teeth are strong enough to handle the intensity of our music.
I'm chattering your teeth kid, just trying to be honest
My music is so intense that it can even make your teeth chatter, but I'm just being truthful about the impact of my art.
Better take it from me said I spit so much heat, it put a chip in my teeth
I'm warning you that my music is so fiery that it can even cause physical damage, such as chipping a tooth.
I got some different beliefs you sick of sounding antique
I have unique perspectives on life, and I'm tired of hearing people express outdated opinions.
Well write a rhyme to this beat
Take the challenge and create your own rap to this instrumental beat.
It's like you're stuck up in the sixties flower child when I peace
Your worldview is outdated and reminiscent of the counter-culture of the 1960s.
You're taking it the wrong way and I say OK, you're off on the wrong foot
You've misunderstood my message or intentions, but it's not a big deal and you can try to correct course.
We call it mongo pushin'
We refer to getting off to a bad start as 'mongo pushin'.
The dirty heads have got you jumping out your seats
Our music is so exciting that it'll have you bobbing your head and dancing along.
Dirty J and Duddy B don't hit the field without the cleats
We are prepared and take our craft seriously, just like athletes who wouldn't play without the right gear.
And with a little touch of Rome you're back at home
Our music has an element of familiarity and comfort, reminiscent of home.
You mix the three it's ecstasy you see I swear I'm never wrong
When combined, our music along with marijuana and alcohol creates an incredible euphoric experience that can't go wrong.
And everybody wants a hook and wants a beat
Everyone wants a catchy melody and memorable rhythm in their music.
But I just got off the bus, I'm overdosing on the summer heat.
I'm still acclimating to my new environment and the high temperatures are overwhelming me.
I like the finer things like smoking on the finer weed
I prefer higher quality cannabis to achieve the best experience possible.
I'm sipping on the stuff that makes me feel better than complete.
I'm enjoying an alcoholic drink that has me feeling better than completely satisfied.
One hundred and ten percent is what I give the game
I give my all to my craft, going above and beyond what's expected.
Give me a year or two and your boy will be a household name.
If given enough time, I will become popular and well-known in the mainstream media.
Bust in the scene I'm swinging up home runs
I'm entering the music scene with a bang, delivering powerful hits like a baseball player.
And now I'm breaking hearts and writing records
My music is causing a stir and making an impact in the industry, breaking hearts and setting new records.
Exactly where I want to be
I'm content with my current life and accomplishments.
Floating high on energy
I'm experiencing an elevated state of excitement and enthusiasm.
Drifting through the galaxy
I feel free to explore the vast possibilities of life.
Death to those who challenge me
I'm fiercely protective of my artistic vision and won't tolerate those who try to prevent me from creating what I want.
I am not the enemy
Although I'm confident and assertive, I bear no ill will towards others.
I am my own entity
I'm an independent person with my own identity and beliefs.
I grow exponentially
I'm constantly evolving and improving my skills and knowledge at a fast rate.
Deepest roots, redwood tree
I have a strong foundation and endurance, like a giant redwood tree with deep roots.
Count my rings infinity
I have lived through many experiences that shape who I am, much like the rings of a tree show its age and history.
I was here before B-C
I have a sense of importance beyond time and history, having existed before the calendar system of BC.
Earth's my home for now it seems
Although I have grand aspirations and explorations, Earth is currently where I choose to reside.
But Mars is in my destiny
I feel that one day I may fulfill my dream of traveling to and possibly living on the planet Mars.
I'm just floating high on steam
I'm currently feeling invigorated and optimistic.
I'll come down eventually
I know I won't always feel such positivity, and will eventually experience some moments of disappointment or difficulty.
Just to get some Listerine
I'll likely have bad breath after singing or rapping for a while, and will need some mouthwash to freshen up.
'Cause verbally I'm disgusting
I can be quite vulgar or crude with my lyrics, and this may even translate to my breath after a performance.
Future bright, diamond ring
I have a promising future ahead, akin to shiny and beautiful diamond jewelry.
Shoes and hat always clean
I take pride in my appearance and ensure that even small details like my shoes and hat are immaculate and well-cared for.
So far from reality I live my life like it's a dream
My lifestyle is more glamorous and surreal than the average person's, and it often feels like a fantastical experience come to life.
Watch me fly endlessly
I will keep soaring to new heights and striving for success indefinitely.
Faster than a laser beam
I'm moving at an incredible pace, like the speed of light from a laser beam.
If you do not clap for me
If you don't show appreciation or respect for my music, it's to your loss.
Probably 'cause you amputee
Perhaps you're not capable of expressing your admiration because you're lacking in some way, like literally missing a limb.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DUSTIN BUSHNELL, JARED WATSON, LOUIE RICHARDS, ROMAN RAMIREZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@skibbles84
"Any Port In the Storm" changed my life! I hope the new album is just as good. Dirty Heads Rule!!!
@shizznugget
Dude these guys bring the energy of sublime with hip hop roots in their music, they are great. One of the few "newer" bands that is actually good, especially live!
@carabenadum5637
I love how this comment aged lol
@davelechner3180
I was surprised they played this live. Probably my favorite DH track. Well they are all my favorite. But for some reason there was a lot of smoke in the air for this one
@drewciferchrist6577
Holy shit Duddy rhymes with the ē through his whole verse. The Dirty Heads are gods.
@justinhammond2022
Such a cool use of words, taking the infamous getting off around foot as a first impression and fucking changing it to pushing with the "wrong" foot while skating, gid i love these guys.
@yodas4skin
DH wont sell out and will never be mainstream. they play what they want which is what makes their music original.
@motofreak939
This song gets better and better everytime i listen to it!
@W3TW4R3
Yes!!! Can't WAIT for their album!!!!
@aussieNau
yes sir, DH and the dirty sub. the two make a perfect pair. two fav bands