Stuck Mojo - History

History

In their early days, Stuck Mojo was criticized for their hip hop influences, while some audiences directed bigotry towards against Bonz, their African American lead vocalist/rapper. In 1994, Stuck Mojo signed a deal with Century Media Records, releasing their debut album, Snappin' Necks in 1995. Allmusic's Bret Love wrote that "The group's high testosterone and volume levels, and virtual lack of funkiness, ensure a somewhat limited appeal, but for angry young men with too much pent-up energy, the powerful aggression of Snappin' Necks must be close to heaven." In October 1995, the band joined Machine Head and Slapshot on a ten-week tour while living in a rented van. Stuck Mojo's first European tour followed, and they were named the best live band by MTV Europe.

Their second studio album, Pigwalk, was released on October 8, 1996. Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote that "Pigwalk captures the pummelling power of the band's intense live shows, yet the group doesn't yet have the ability to construct a memorable riff or hook, leaving Pigwalk as an entertaining, but uncompelling, cross of Rage Against the Machine and Pantera." On March 3, 1998, Stuck Mojo released their third studio album, Rising. It peaked at No. 48 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart. Allmusic reviewer Steve Huey wrote that "Rising shows some musical growth from Pigwalk, although Stuck Mojo still lose their musical focus on several occasions over the course of the album."

Stuck Mojo disbanded following the release of a live album, HVY1, and their fourth studio album, Declaration of a Headhunter, reforming in 2005. During the band's period of inactivity, Ward worked on side projects such as Fozzy and Sick Speed. In 2006, Stuck Mojo began recording material for a new album with original vocalist Bonz. Rapper Lord Nelson was asked to contribute guest vocals to the album. When it was decided that Bonz would not continue as the band's vocalist, Lord Nelson stepped into Bonz' position. The band's fifth studio album, Southern Born Killers, was released directly through the band's website without a label. The album was released as a free download, while the compact disc edition contained a bonus DVD. After signing with Napalm Records, Southern Born Killers was released nationally, with three bonus tracks. On November 28, 2008, Stuck Mojo released their sixth studio album, The Great Revival. It featured what has been described as some of the band's heaviest work, as well as some of the band's most "commercially-tinged songs". According to Ward on Facebook, Stuck is releasing an ep when the presidential election comes around later in 2012. Ward also would go on to say in 2013 the band will release a cd when fozzy goes on break.