Cypress Hill

  • South Gate, CA
    hometown
  • Hip-Hop/Rap
    genre
  • 1988
    started
  • Bio
    full story
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About Cypress Hill

Official Site: sonymusic.com | @Cypress_Hill | facebook.com/cypresshill


Cypress Hill were notable for being the first Latino hip-hop superstars, but they became notorious for their endorsement of marijuana, which actually isn't a trivial thing. Not only did the group campaign for its legalization, but their slow, rolling bass-and-drum loops pioneered a new, stoned funk that became extraordinary influential in '90s hip-hop -- it could be heard in everything from Dr. Dre's G-funk to the chilly layers of English trip-hop. DJ Muggs crafted the sound, and B Real, with his pinched, nasal voice, was responsible for the rhetoric that made them famous. The pro-pot position became a little ridiculous over time, but there was no denying that the actual music had a strange, eerie power, particularly on the band's first two albums. Although B Real remained an effective lyricist and Muggs' musical skills did not diminish, the group's third album, Temples of Boom, was perceived by many critics as self-parodic, and the group appeared to disintegrate shortly afterward, though Muggs and B Real regrouped toward the end of the '90s to issue more material.

DVX, the original incarnation of Cypress Hill, formed in 1986 when Cuban-born brothers Sen Dog (born Senen Reyes, November 20, 1965) and Mellow Man Ace hooked up with fellow Los Angeles residents Muggs (born Lawrence Muggerud, January 28, 1968) and B Real (born Louis Freese, June 2, 1970). The group began pioneering a fusion of Latin and hip-hop slang, developing their own style by the time Mellow Man Ace left the group in 1988. Renaming themselves Cypress Hill after a local street, the group continued to perform around L.A., eventually signing with Ruffhouse/Columbia in 1991.

With its stoned beats, B Real's exaggerated nasal whine, and cartoonish violence, the group's eponymous debut became a sensation in early 1992, several months after its initial release. The singles "How I Could Just Kill a Man" and "The Phuncky Feel One" became underground hits, and the group's public pro-marijuana stance earned them many fans among the alternative rock community. Cypress Hill followed the album with Black Sunday in the summer of 1993, and while it sounded remarkably similar to the debut, it nevertheless became a hit, entering the album charts at number one and spawning the crossover hit "Insane in the Brain." With Black Sunday, Cypress Hill's audience became predominantly white, collegiate suburbanites, which caused them to lose some support in the hip-hop community. The group didn't help matters much in 1995, when they added a new member, drummer Bobo, and toured with the fifth Lollapalooza prior to the release of their third album, Temples of Boom. A darker, gloomier affair than their first two records, Temples of Boom was greeted with mixed reviews upon its fall 1995 release, and while it initially sold well, it failed to generate a genuine hit single. However, it did perform better on the R&B charts than it did on the pop charts.

Instead of capitalizing on their regained hip-hop credibility, Cypress Hill slowly fell apart. Sen Dog left in early 1996 and Muggs spent most of the year working on his solo album. Muggs Presents the Soul Assassins was released to overwhelmingly positive reviews in early 1997, leaving Cypress Hill's future in much doubt until the release of IV in 1998. Sen Dog had come back for the record. He had left because he felt he did not get enough mike time, but after a few years with a rock band he was more than happy to return. Two years later, the group released the double-disc set Skull & Bones, which featured a disc of hip-hop and a disc of their more rock-inspired material. Appropriately, the album also included rock and rap versions of the single "Superstar," bringing Cypress Hill's quest for credibility and crossover hits full circle. The ensuing videos for both versions featured many famous rap and rock musicians talking about their profession, and the song was a smash on MTV because of it. In the winter of 2001, the group came back with Stoned Raiders, another album to heavily incorporate rock music. Three years later, the band issued Till Death Do Us Part, which incorporated several styles of Jamaican music. In 2010 they announced their signing to Priority Records thanks to the label’s creative director, Snoop Dogg. The label released their eighth studio album, Rise Up, that same year. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi

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Music

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  • Can't Keep Me Down
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    Video
    Can't Keep Me Down
  • Rise Up
    cypress-hill
    Video
    Rise Up
  • Armada Latina
    cypress-hill
    Video
    Armada Latina
  • It Ain't Nothin'
    cypress-hill
    Video
    It Ain't Nothin'
  • Dr. Greenthumb
    cypress-hill
    Video
    Dr. Greenthumb
  • Lowrider
    cypress-hill
    Video
    Lowrider
  • Stoned Is The Way Of The Walk
    cypress-hill
    Video
    Stoned Is The Way Of The Walk
  • 672
    SoundStream
    SoundStream
    song name
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    All the music you want, just 10 bucks a month. Try it free.
    • Insane In The Brain
      http://listen.vo.llnwd.net/g1/5/7/3/3/0/989503375.mp3
    • (Rock) Superstar (Explicit LP Version)
      http://listen.vo.llnwd.net/g1/4/5/9/7/5/165657954.mp3
    • Hits From The Bong
      http://listen.vo.llnwd.net/g1/6/5/5/7/0/105507556.mp3
    • How I Could Just Kill A Man
      http://listen.vo.llnwd.net/g1/1/8/0/1/5/105551081.mp3
    • I Wanna Get High
      http://listen.vo.llnwd.net/g1/7/4/1/6/4/105646147.mp3
    • Armada Latina (feat. Pitbull and Marc Anthony)
      http://listen.vo.llnwd.net/g1/6/9/3/0/5/245550396.mp3

Interviews & Exclusives

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  • 5 Questions: Cypress Hill
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    5 Questions: Cypress Hill
  • VH1 News: Cypress Hill Rises Up Against Break Up Rumors and Competition
    cypress-hill
    video
    VH1 News: Cypress Hill Rises Up Against Break Up Rumors and Competition
  • On Live Instruments In The Studio
    cypress-hill
    video
    On Live Instruments In The Studio
  • 'Yo!' Freestyles: Spring Break 1992
    cypress-hill
    video
    'Yo!' Freestyles: Spring Break 1992
  • What Is The One Question B-Real Has Never Been Asked?
    cypress-hill
    video
    What Is The One Question B-Real Has Never Been Asked?
  • B-Real Tells Us Who He Respects Most In The Rap Game
    cypress-hill
    video
    B-Real Tells Us Who He Respects Most In The Rap Game
  • How Does B-Real Celebrate Independence Day?
    cypress-hill
    video
    How Does B-Real Celebrate Independence Day?
  • B-Real's Thought's On Major Labels
    cypress-hill
    video
    B-Real's Thought's On Major Labels
  • Cypress Hill Rehearsal
    cypress-hill
    video
    Cypress Hill Rehearsal
  • Travis McCoy's Cypress Hill Tribute Rehearsal
    cypress-hill
    video
    Travis McCoy's Cypress Hill Tribute Rehearsal

Photos

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  • Eric Bobo of Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Eric Bobo of Cypress Hill
    Rene Cervantes
  • Sen Dog of Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Sen Dog of Cypress Hill
    Rene Cervantes
  • B-Real of Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    B-Real of Cypress Hill
    Rene Cervantes
  • Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Rene Cervantes
  • Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Rene Cervantes
  • Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Rene Cervantes
  • Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Rene Cervantes
  • Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Rene Cervantes
  • Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Rene Cervantes
  • Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill
    Rene Cervantes

News

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  • Cypress Hill
    Doh! Justin Bieber Doesn't Make Cut In 'Simpsons' Cameo
    MTV News
    May 13, 2013
    Singer joins impressive celebrity club with Sunday's 'The Fabulous Faker Boy' episode.
    Read More
  • Cypress Hill
    Slick Rick, Cypress Hill, De La Soul Get All-Star Tributes at VH1’s Hip Hop Honors
    www.rollingstone.com
    Cee-Lo and Estelle honored the life of the late Isaac Hayes though tracks like Mary J. Blige's "I Love You" and Biggie's "Warning" that sampled Hayes'...
    Read More
  • Cypress Hill
    Slick Rick, Cypress Hill, De La Soul Get All-Star Tributes at VH1’s Hip Hop Honors
    www.rollingstone.com
    to Manhattan. After the show, Scarface was humbled. "I was honored to do something for Too $hort and Isaac Hayes, what else could you ask for?" he tol...
    Read More
  • Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill, Iglu and Hartly, The Enemy, The Holloways, Sway and more for FS04
    www.drownedinsound.com
    Freeze, we will release information on recommended accommodation over the next few weeks." Oh good. There's also a mighty handy list of things to brin...
    Read More
  • Cypress Hill
    Slick Rick, Cypress Hill, De La Soul Get All-Star Tributes at VH1’s Hip Hop Honors
    www.rollingstone.com
    to Manhattan. After the show, Scarface was humbled. "I was honored to do something for Too $hort and Isaac Hayes, what else could you ask for?" he tol...
    Read More
  • Cypress Hill
    Slash Revisits “Paradise City” With Fergie, Cypress Hill
    www.rollingstone.com
    . Yesterday the Velvet Revolver guitarist released a Japan-only two-song single featuring Cypress Hill ... Slash Revisits “Paradise City” ...
    Read More
  • Cypress Hill
    Billboard Bits: Susan Boyle, Cypress Hill, Weezer, Mystikal And More | Billboard.com
    www.billboard.com
    a "well talented" and "unknown" songwriter named Sammie Lee Smith. According to TMZ, Smith claims to have written several of Coldplay's biggest hits: ...
    Read More
  • Cypress Hill
    De La Soul to Replace Cypress Hill at Summer Camp
    www.jambands.com
    Cypress Hill has canceled its appearance at Summer Camp. De La Soul has been confirmed as the band's replacement. A message posted on the festival's h...
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  • Cypress Hill
    Janelle Monáe, Cypress Hill, Broken Social Scene Join Osheaga 2011
    Paste
    M Funk, and Nanna Fabricus. The festival's daily schedule has been announced, and single-day passes are now available in addition to the already-avail...
    Read More
  • Cypress Hill
    Stream: Rusko & Cypress Hill's Collaborative EP, 'Cypress X Rusko' | Prefix
    www.prefixmag.com
    Tweet If you could have predicted that Cypress Hill would, at some point in their career, collaborate with dubstep producer Rusko, then your psychic a...
    Read More
  • Cypress Hill
    311, Cypress Hill and G. Love to Tour Together
    www.jambands.com
    311 have announced the details for their annual multi-band Summer Unity Tour. The tour launches on July 2 in Kansas City, MO and runs through August 3...
    Read More

Tour Dates

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  • May 25 Saturday
    Warsaw, Poland Unknown venue
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 2 Tuesday
    Kansas City, MO, US Starlight Theatre
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 3 Wednesday
    Chicago, IL, US Charter One Pavilion At Northerly Island
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 7 Sunday
    Clarkston, MI, US DTE Energy Music Theatre
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 9 Tuesday
    Holmdel, NJ, US PNC Bank Arts Center
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 10 Wednesday
    Philadelphia, PA, US Festival Pier at Penn's Landing
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 12 Friday
    Mansfield, MA, US Comcast Center
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 13 Saturday
    Wantagh, NY, US Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 14 Sunday
    Virginia Beach, VA, US Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 17 Wednesday
    Charlotte, NC, US Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 19 Friday
    Bristow, VA, US Jiffy Lube Live
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 20 Saturday
    Atlanta, GA, US Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 21 Sunday
    West Palm Beach, FL, US Cruzan Amphitheatre
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 23 Tuesday
    Tampa, FL, US Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 24 Wednesday
    Pensacola, FL, US Pensacola Bay Center
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 29 Monday
    Morrison, CO, US Red Rocks Amphitheatre
    Buy Ticket
  • Jul 30 Tuesday
    West Valley City, UT, US USANA Amphitheatre
    Buy Ticket
  • Aug 1 Thursday
    San Francisco, CA, US America's Cup Pavilion
    Buy Ticket
  • Aug 2 Friday
    Irvine, CA, US Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
    Buy Ticket
  • Aug 3 Saturday
    Chula Vista, CA, US Sleep Train Amphitheatre
    Buy Ticket
  • Aug 4 Sunday
    Las Vegas, NV, US The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
    Buy Ticket

Discography

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  • Rise Up (2010)
    Cypress Hill
    Rise Up (2010)
    Priority Records
  • Till Death Do Us Part (2004)
    Cypress Hill
    Till Death Do Us Part (2004)
    Columbia
  • Stoned Raiders (2001)
    Cypress Hill
    Stoned Raiders (2001)
    Columbia
  • Live at the Fillmore (2000)
    Cypress Hill
    Live at the Fillmore (2000)
    Columbia
  • Skull & Bones (2000)
    Cypress Hill
    Skull & Bones (2000)
    Columbia
  • IV (1998)
    Cypress Hill
    IV (1998)
    Ruffhouse
  • Cypress Hill III: Temples of Boom (1995)
    Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill III: Temples of Boom (1995)
    Ruffhouse/Columbia
  • Black Sunday (1993)
    Cypress Hill
    Black Sunday (1993)
    Ruffhouse/Columbia
  • Cypress Hill (1991)
    Cypress Hill
    Cypress Hill (1991)
    Ruffhouse/Columbia
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