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Cypress Hill, an American hip-hop group established in 1988 in South Gate, California, has always been ahead of their time. As pioneers of West Coast and Latin American hip-hop, they garnered worldwide attention. What truly set them apart, besides their impressive album sales exceeding 20 million, was their strong advocacy for cannabis use both medicinally and recreationally. This was symbolized in a monumental moment when they were the first hip-hop group to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019.
The group members, brothers Senen Reyes (known as Sen Dog) and Ulpiano Sergio Reyes (also known as Mellow Man Ace), New York City native Lawrence Muggerud (DJ Muggs), and Louis Freese (B-Real) made seismic waves in the hip-hop scene with their groundbreaking sound. After some lineup changes, they rebranded themselves as Cypress Hill, a tribute to a street in South Gate.
Their breakthrough came in 1991 when they signed with Ruffhouse Records and released their self-titled debut album. Cypress Hill continued their success with standout albums, amongst these was the pivotal “III (Temples Of Boom)” released in 1995. The album illuminated their evolution and sonic shift towards a darker and tranquil vibe, a change embraced by both fans and critics. Unforgettable singles like “Illusions” and “Boom Biddy Bye Bye,” along with three bonus tracks, truly set this album apart, and it remains a classic to this day.
The saga of Cypress Hill and their distinctive sound could not be discussed without mentioning their third album, “III: Temples of Boom.” Released in 1995, the album cemented their place in hip-hop by showcasing an even deeper dive into their unique and unconventional sound. DJ Muggs’ production played a vital role in creating an atmospheric aura for the album. Unlike their previous works, this album barely fell short of instrumental hardcore while retaining the group’s original ethos, thus creating an immersive experience for listeners.
The album stood out for its exploration of darker, more ambient sounds that fans hadn’t experienced before. Tracks like “Killafornia,” featuring a chilling keyboard and restless synth strings, and “Locotes,” a menacing track driven by a sparse drumbeat, highlight the group’s artistic evolution. The most riveting track, “Illusions,” offered an intimate look into B-Real’s mental state over a backdrop of a sonorous sitar, indicating the band’s experimental ambitions.
The legacy of Cypress Hill extends beyond their discography. They made significant strides in pushing the boundaries of hip-hop and contributed to reshaping the music landscape. The Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ice Cube, and Rage Against the Machine are just some of the other artists that Cypress Hill has shared stages and crossed paths with over their expansive career.
As they celebrate the 30th anniversary of “III: Temples Of Boom,” Cypress Hill’s influence remains undiminished. The group continues to inspire a new generation of artists with their innovative sound and relentless passion for music. From South Gate to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Cypress Hill’s epic journey sends a clear message to all artists: Stay true to your roots, break the mould and create your own lane in the world of music.
