Cypress Hill
South Gate pioneers of Latino hip-hop, known for "Insane in the Brain" and their smoky, rock-crossover sound.
Key albums
Cypress HillBlack SundayIII: Temples of BoomSkull & Bones
Key tracks
How I Could Just Kill a ManHand on the PumpInsane in the Brain(Rock) Superstar
Who are Cypress Hill?
Cypress Hill is a group from South Gate, Los Angeles, formed by B-Real, Sen Dog and DJ Muggs. They were the first Latino hip-hop group to go platinum.
Known for
Their 1991 debut with "How I Could Just Kill a Man" and the 1993 album Black Sunday with the worldwide hit "Insane in the Brain".
Style
B-Real's high, nasal flow against Sen Dog's rough voice, over dark, hazy beats by DJ Muggs. Spanish and English mixed together, and a lot of open talk about cannabis.
Impact
Cypress Hill opened the door for Latino rappers and won over rock and metal fans, touring with rock bands and recording rock-influenced albums.
Influences
- Run-DMC
- Beastie Boys
