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Phunkee Phunkee...

Despite last year's surprisingly mellow album release, the Phunk Junkeez have managed to maintain their grass roots following and provide fans with an energetic playing style even parents can learn to love.

"My mom's a Junkee," said Soulman, the lead singer of the Phunk Junkeez. "I was fortunate to have a mom who supported me."

The Phoenix band, who infuses both rock and rap into their music, expects to release its newest album - still without a title - this July.

Soulman promised the new album, produced by the band's own record label, Uncle Scam Records, will be the best yet.

Soulman said the band's last album, Fear of Wack Planet (Trauma records) had more of a "bubble gum" kind of edge because they were working under a major record label.

"It's a little bit more grass roots and aggression. There's a lot of funky stuff on there, a little bit of everything," he said. "This will be the best record by far. If they don't like it, I will personally give them their money back and they can quote me on that."

Soulman said the band chose to release their album under their own label to have more control over their music and to be able to sign on Arizona bands, helping them gain an edge in the music industry.

In the past, the Phunk Junkeez have toured the nation with such major acts as 311, Insane Clown Posse, Clutch and Bush.

Surprisingly, the biggest Phunk Junkeez following is not necessarily in the band's home state of Arizona. They also has a vast following in states like Virginia, Louisiana and Nebraska.

"We'll go to weird, small towns like Lexington, Ky., and kick ass," said Soulman. "We play for crazy kids who have nothing better to do. That's where we do well."

Soulman emphasized that the Phunk Junkeez are about entertainment first and foremost, but also emphasize personal satisfaction.

"Life is a good teacher. You're the one who has to die so you should be living your life how you really want to," he said. "The only platform we stand for is to have a good time and enjoy yourself. We definitely like to see people out their doing their thing."

Although they play on a national scale, the Junkeez have chosen not to succumb to the circulation of mainstream music.

The Phunk Junkeez combined a rock and punk music edge with the beat of heavier rap music to create their own unique sound of "rap n' roll."

"We don't subscribe to the industry bullshit. We don't like to play into the 'You've got to have a radio song,' or, 'You've got to have an MTV video,'" he said. "At times we've been knocked for doing it. Having a good time is the best thing. I couldn't get up there in a shiny suit and do my shit, you know what I mean?"

Soulman listed acts like Michael Jackson, Run DMC, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Dr. Dre as the Phunk Junkeez's major influences.

"I'm just going to go out on a limb and be kooky rap guys. We like a lot of hip-hop," said Soulman. "We like the real shit you know? I know you know what I mean by the real stuff."

Other band members include DJ Roach Clip, who also raps, bass player Jumbo Jim and drummer Disco Danny.

Close to a year ago, the Phunk Junkeez signed on new guitarist Danny P who also plays with a local band known as the Surf Ballistics. Although they have been through three guitarists to date, Soulman promised that Danny P is their last.

The Phunk Junkeez next scheduled appearance is at Lake Havasu, March 24 through March 26 during "Break at the Lake," a three-day music festival with major acts like Long Beach Dub Allstars, Third World, Spearhead, Pennywise and Primus.