Cypress Hill - Cypress Hill

...the antics of these fellas! Cypress Hill gained notoriety for their endorsement of cannabis, becoming leading campaigners for its legalisation. The release of this self-titled début in 1991 ushered in a new era for hip-hop, introducing slow, stoned, funky beats that made the listener feel, well, stoned!

The trio originated from L.A. and comprises rappers Sen Dog and B-Real, and DJ Muggs. The latter is arguably the most important member ...
...JUST KILL A MAN
Cypress Hill's finest song - ever! Atop some sublime beats, B-Real tells of the kill-or-be-killed life on the streets of Los Angeles. The thunderous chorus "Here is something you can't understand, how I could just kill a man" and lines such as "I'm just another local kid from the street getting paid for my vocals" are unforgettable. Worth buying just for this song! Check out RATM's fantastic cover version ... more

The lads from S Club 7 may have been caught red-handed the other week, but the severity of their actions pales in comparison to the antics of these fellas! Cypress Hill gained notoriety for their endorsement of cannabis, becoming leading campaigners for its legalisation. The release of this self-titled début in 1991 ushered in a new era for hip-hop, introducing slow, stoned, funky beats that made the listener feel, well, stoned!

The trio originated from L.A. and comprises rappers Sen Dog and B-Real, and DJ Muggs. The latter is arguably the most important member of Cypress Hill, as the group's highly distinctive sound is built around creepy, remote beats and weird samples, with disturbing wails coming out from nowhere.

"Cypress Hill" was recorded back in the days when the group was still primarily a rap crew. In the past few years, these Latino superstars have descended to commercialised rap-metal fusion, which frankly they aren't very good at. (Incidentally, B-Real, with his high-pitched nasal tone, has been linked to the vacant frontman post at Rage Against The Machine)

The main theme running through the album is gangsta life in Los Angeles. Lead rapper B-Real depicts the cartoonish violence and dope-fuelled shenanigans with stunning skill. At times, you can't help but sing along to the chant-like songs, without realising that you're boasting about blasting a would-be mugger with a shotgun... Swearing is liberal, but nowhere near the mindless levels of Fred Durst. The group shows off their Latino roots with a potent blend of Spanish and English slang (Spanglish!) incorporated into the lyrics.

Let's run through the tracks, with a few choice comments!

PIGS
A twisted version of the "This little pig went to the market, etc." nursery rhyme, poking fun at the police force e.g. "This pig's steady eating donuts while some motherf*****'s out robbing your home.". Disturbing but incredibly catchy - a great Track 1.

HOW I COULD JUST KILL A MAN
Cypress Hill's finest song - ever! Atop some sublime beats, B-Real tells of the kill-or-be-killed life on the streets of Los Angeles. The thunderous chorus "Here is something you can't understand, how I could just kill a man" and lines such as "I'm just another local kid from the street getting paid for my vocals" are unforgettable. Worth buying just for this song! Check out RATM's fantastic cover version as well :)

HAND ON THE PUMP
HOLE IN THE HEAD
More stories and chanted choruses about violence on the streets. Crime isn't supposed to sound this good...

ULTRAVIOLET DREAMS
Laid-back, stoned, almost 'instrumental' - a nice interlude.

LIGHT ANOTHER
...referring to another joint. B-Real turns his attention to his favourite past-time!

THE PHUNCKY FEEL ONE
Phuncky indeed! B-Real indulges in a spot of macho posturing.

BREAK IT UP
'Instrumental' employing a sample of the above phrase.

REAL ESTATE
Excellent track with great lines like "Too slow and I'll become a statistic".

STONED IS THE WAY OF THE WALK
Definitely a highlight, and the title says it all, really! B-Real explains what he has to endure to get his dope - "Just for some buddah, she wanted me to bone her / Demeaning, you think you know what I'm meaning?". Slow, rolling and funky.

PSYCOBETABUCKDOWN
Crazy name, infectious song! Brilliant rapping, lyrics, beats... a personal favourite!

SOMETHING FOR THE BLUNTED
'Instrumental'

LATIN LINGO
As the title suggests, this song features liberal servings of Spanish slang. Smashing chorus as well!

THE FUNKY CYPRESS HILL SHIT
I haven't quite worked out the difference between 'phuncky' and 'funky', but this track is very catchy in any case.

TRES EQUIS
Spanish track - one for the Latin community! Even with my limited knowledge of Spanish, I was still able to work out most of the words, so don't be put off!

BORN TO GET BUSY
Storming chorus and end to the album. There's a rather pointless hidden track at the end though.

"Cypress Hill" captures the group at the imperious peak of their powers; sadly, they are unlikely ever to sound this good again. It is vastly superior to the rushed follow-up "Black Sunday" and firmly established Sen Dog and B-Real as one of the most recognisable MC duos in hip-hop history. Despite (or perhaps because of) the controversial themes explored in the lyrics, this is an essential part of any music-lover's record collection. Released a decade ago, it still sounds as fresh as ever. What's more, it's available dirt cheap in shops!

DISCLAIMER: Despite my enthusiastic praise of this album, I am in no way condoning the use of marijuana or any other illegal substances in order to enhance musical ability or otherwise. Remember: Winners Don't Take Drugs!

NB. Regular readers will know how much I value feedback. As this is the first music op I've written in a long while, I'd particularly welcome constructive comments this time round.
 

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