Cypress Hill: We created many songs while sober
The tale of Cypress Hill traces its roots back to the late 1980s in the volatile neighborhood of South Gate in Los Angeles, a hotspot for the Bloods and Crips gangs. B-Real and Sen Dog found themselves amidst the ranks of the Bloods, navigating a treacherous landscape where survival was the key ethos. In 1987, an encounter with some Crips turned violent, culminating in a gunshot that narrowly missed B-Real, passing through his lung. Despite the brush with death, he found himself drawn back to the streets, albeit with a newfound perspective.
Driving around with Sen Dog, rapping along to Public Enemy on their cassettes, B-Real felt a shift within himself. The allure of gang life began to lose its grip as dormant creative urges from his childhood resurfaced. Charred by the harsh realities of gang existence, he saw only bleak outcomes – death, paralysis, or perpetual incarceration. Yet, amidst the darkness, a sliver of light emerged with the signing of their first record deal, marking the inception of their escape from the tumultuous world they knew.
Eager to pivot from gang life to the burgeoning hip-hop scene, B-Real and Sen Dog joined forces with the Brooklyn-bred producer and DJ Muggs. Under his tutelage, they toiled away in the studio, honing their craft and refining their unique selling point. Muggs’ inventive spirit drove them to experiment and innovate, birthing tracks like “Real Estate” that showcased his funk and jazz-infused productions, complemented by Sen Dog’s raspy vocals interlaced with B-Real’s distinctive nasal delivery. This symbiotic blend of sounds marked a turning point for Cypress Hill, setting them apart in the hip-hop landscape.
Despite their reputation as avid proponents of marijuana culture, Cypress Hill defies stereotypes with tales of producing music while sober, debunking the notion that intoxication fueled their creations. As two pillars of the group, Sen Dog and B-Real, reflect on their journey, they recount overcoming the trials of their youth and the arduous path to success. Navigating the choppy waters of gang life, they found solace and purpose in hip-hop, forging a legacy that transcends the confines of their troubled past.
The recent collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra stands as a testament to the evolution of Cypress Hill’s sound. From the whimsical encounter on “The Simpsons” to the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall stage, the group’s metamorphosis into symphonic territory underscores their versatility and enduring impact in the music world. As they reflect on their unlikely journey, B-Real and Sen Dog epitomize the resilience and tenacity that propelled them from the mean streets of South Gate to the hallowed halls of musical acclaim.