Their first album, which was self-titled, was released in August 1991. Its single was "Phuncky Feel One", but it was the B-side "How I Could Just Kill A Man" (formerly "Trigga Happy Nigga") that attracted more airplay on urban radio and college radio. Based on the success of the single and other tracks such as bilingual track "Latin Lingo" and X-rated Spanish track "Tres Equis", the album sold two million copies in the US alone. Subsequently, DJ Muggs produced the first House of Pain album, then worked on other projects like Funkdoobiest. The band made their first appearance at Lollapalooza on the side stage in 1992.
Black Sunday, the group's second album, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in 1993, recording the highest Soundscan for a rap group up until that time. Also with their debut still on the charts they became the first rap artists to have 2 albums in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 at the same time. With "Insane in the Brain" becoming a crossover hit, the album went triple platinum in the U.S. and sold about 3.25 million copies.
Cypress Hill was banned from Saturday Night Live after Muggs smoked cannabis on-air and the band trashed their instruments while playing their second single "I Ain't Goin' Out Like That". The band headlined the "Soul Assassins" tour with House of Pain and Funkdoobiest as support, then performed on a college tour with Rage Against the Machine and Seven Year Bitch. In 1993, Cypress Hill also had two tracks on the Judgment Night soundtrack, teamed up with Pearl Jam and Sonic Youth.
The band played at the 1994 Woodstock Festival introducing their new member Eric Bobo, formerly a percussionist with the Beastie Boys. Bobo is the son of salsa musician Willie Bobo. Rolling Stone magazine named the band as the best rap group in their music awards voted by critics and readers. Cypress Hill played at Lollapalooza for two successive years, topping the bill in 1995. They appeared on the The Simpsons episode "Homerpalooza".
Their third album Cypress Hill III: Temples of Boom was released in 1995 selling 1.5 million copies and reaching number 3 on the Billboard 200 on the strength of the hit single "Throw Your Set in the Air". Cypress Hill also contributed a track "I Wanna Get High" to the High Times sponsored Hempilation album to support NORML.
Feud With Ice Cube
Ice Cube asked to put "Throw Your Set in the Air" on his Friday soundtrack, but B-Real refused, prompting Cube to record a new song "Friday" with a similar chorus; Cypress Hill responded with the track "No Rest For The Wicked." Westside Connection replied with the diss track "King Of The Hill" and "Cross Em Out & Put a K", to which Cypress Hill replied with "Ice Cube Killa," which uses the same beat as "King Of The Hill" and disses Ice Cube and Mack 10. "Ice Cube Killa" has never been released officially. In 1997 B-Real of Cypress Hill and Ice Cube were invited to a late night talk show in order to reconcile their differences for the benefit of the hip hop community, and the feud thus ended. Cube And B-Real would work together later that year as guest features on the track "Men of Steel" for the soundtrack of Shaquille O'Neal's film Steel. B-Real and Cube did even feature as guests in Warren G's single "Get U Down" which also featured Snoop Dogg.
Continued career
Sen Dog took a break from the band to form a Los Angeles based punk-rap band SX-10. Meanwhile in 1996, Cypress Hill appeared on the first 'Smokin' Grooves' tour, featuring Ziggy Marley, The Fugees, Busta Rhymes and A Tribe Called Quest. The band also released a nine track EP Unreleased and Revamped with rare mixes. In 1997, band members focused on their solo careers. Muggs released Muggs Presents ... the Soul Assassins featuring contributions from Wu-Tang Clan members, Dr. Dre, KRS-One, Wyclef Jean and Mobb Deep. B-Real appeared with Busta Rhymes, Coolio, LL Cool J and Method Man on "Hit Em High" from the multi-platinum Space Jam Soundtrack. He also appeared with RBX, Nas and KRS-One on "East Coast Killer, West Coast Killer" on Dr. Dre's Dr. Dre Presents the Aftermath album, and released an album entitled "The Psycho Realm" from his side project of the same name. Though the focus that year was not on Cypress Hill, the band played Smokin' Grooves with George Clinton and Erykah Badu.
Cypress Hill released IV in 1998 which went gold in the U.S., even though the reviews were somewhat negative,[citation needed] on the backs of hit singles "Tequila Sunrise" and another tribute to smoking cannabis "Dr. Greenthumb." Sen Dog also released the Get Wood sampler as part of SX-10 on the label Flip. In 1999, Cypress Hill helped with the PC crime/very mature video game Kingpin: Life of Crime. Three of their songs from the 1998 IV album were in the game ( "16 Men Till There's No Men Left", "Checkmate" and "Lightning Strikes"). B-Real also did some of the voices of the people in the game. Also in 1999, the band released a greatest-hits album in Spanish, Los grandes éxitos en español. Cypress Hill then fused genres with their two-disc release, Skull & Bones, in 2000. The first disc, "Skull" was comprised of rap tracks while "Bones" explored further the group's forays into rock. The album reached the Top 5 on the Billboard 200 and number 3 in Canada. The first single was "Rock Superstar" for rock radio and "Rap Superstar" for urban radio. The band also released Live at the Fillmore, a concert disc recorded at the Fillmore (in San Fransico) in 2000. Cypress Hill continued their experimentation with rock on the Stoned Raiders album in 2001. However, its sales were a disappointment, as the disc did not even reach the top 50 of the U.S. album charts. In 2001, the group appeared in the film How High.
Cypress Hill recorded "Just Another Victim" for the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as a theme song for Tazz. At the time, WWE was using original music for almost all of the wrestlers, so this was an unusual step for the company to take, but it remains one of the more memorable songs to emerge from the wrestling organization. The band released Till Death Do Us Part on March 23, 2004. The album saw the band experiment with reggae especially on the lead single "What's Your Number". The track features Tim Armstrong of Rancid on guitar and Rob Aston of The Transplants on backup vocals. It is based on the classic song "Guns of Brixton" on The Clash's London Calling and has proven to be a success on the modern rock charts. However, the album represented a further departure from the signature sound of their first four albums. The album also features appearances by Damian Marley, son of Bob Marley, Prodigy and Twin of Mobb Deep and producer the Alchemist.
In 2004, the song How I Could Just Kill A Man was included in the popular videogame Grand Theft Auto San Andreas created by Rockstar Games, playing on West Coast hip hop radio station Radio Los Santos. In December of 2005 a best of compilation album titled Greatest Hits From the Bong was released including 9 hits from previous albums and 2 new tracks. The group's next album was tentatively scheduled for an early 2007 release. In the summer of 2006, B-Real appeared on Snoop Dogg's single "Vato". Pharrell Williams produced the track, and originally sang the hook, but because of the video idea, B-Real was asked to sing the hook. Sen Dog is now currently touring with the Kottonmouth Kings, Kingspade and Dogboy on the Joint is on Fire Tour
In 2007 Cypress Hill toured with their full line up as a part of the Rock the Bells tour, held by Guerilla Union, and headlined with Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, and a reunited Rage Against the Machine. Other acts included Immortal Technique, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, The Roots, EPMD, Pharoae Monch, Jedi Mind Tricks, Erykah Badu, MF Doom, Sage Francis, Brother Ali, The Coup, Blue Print, Lucky I Am, Living Legends, Felt, Cage, Mr. Lif, Grouch & Eligh, and Hangar 18.
Departure from Sony
Having fulfilled their contractual obligations with Sony Music, Cypress Hill will release an as-yet untitled album through a different record label in 2008.
Recently, it was announced that Cypress Hill will be members of the Kannabis Kartel along with the Kottonmouth Kings and Potluck. Their album will be released on Suburban Noize Records.
STYLE
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Production
One of the band's most striking aspects is B-Real's exaggeratedly high-pitched nasal vocals, which fits and emphasizes the lyrics' concentration on parodied gangster stories.
Sen Dog's lyrics are progressively more violent and tend to involve fewer rhyme schemes compared with B-Real's. In addition, as the style is today, some words are emphasized by adding a background voice to say them, however, Sen Dog's emphases are always more prominent, mostly shouted alongside with the rapping.
The sound and groove of their music, produced by Muggs, is also notable for its influence and stoned aesthetic; with its bass-heavy rhythms and odd sample loops ("Insane in the Brain" is notable for having a horse neigh looped in its chorus), it carries a psychedelic value, which lessened in the later albums.
The band is also known for involving rock instruments in their songs. This has caused the band to sometimes be classified as a rapcore group. In IV, there is Lightning Strikes which doesn't truly use electric guitars, but a synthesized version of it. Skull & Bones has an entire disc using such instruments, labeled Bones. As for their later works, their involvement in rock ended with the album Stoned Raiders (the tracks Trouble (also the first single of the album), Amplified and Catastrophe being the songs).
The band's music is constantly subject to change; while the first album follows a more minimalistic and funky sound, Black Sunday, the successor, has a slightly darker side to it. III (Temples of Boom) and IV are mostly influenced by psychedelic music. The band abandoned that on Skull & Bones and got closer to the modern rap as it is today. Stoned Raiders has a more authentic sound than the rest, and Till Death Do Us Part carries reggae influences.
The band is also known to involve horns in their songs, and often have guitar and horns together in the instrumentals. What's Your Number?, Trouble, Tequila Sunrise, and (Rock) Superstar have become some of the bands most popular songs featuring these elements. Cypress Hill's experimenting in different genres of music even includes reggaeton in their track "Latin Thugs" which features Tego Calderon.
Some fans feel that the band has drifted somewhat from the values of their earlier albums. For example in "Strictly Hip Hop" from Temples of Boom, the band complain about hip hop artists who have an album of hardcore tracks but have one or two pop songs which just so happen to be the singles. Cypress have arguably fallen into this trap with the single "What's You Number?"
The sound contribitions of DJ Muggs seems to be clearly influenced by marijuana consumption. Since one of the effects of a cannabis high is an altered audio sensual perception, the often slow paced and deep bass can be better appreciated. Furthermore, psychedelic sequences underly some parts of certain tracks such as "I Wanna Get High" for example. This is an interesting feature of their music, that had also been used before, especially during the 60's and 70's (e.g. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles).
Lyrics
The lyrics of tracks like "How I Could Just Kill A Man" offer an insight into the cultural expression of social stratification in L.A. at that point in history. Many other songs have cited topics such as police brutality, racial profiling, gang violence and anecdotes about invasion of privacy by police.
Furthermore the celebration of marijuana consumption is what they are often associated with in songs like "I Wanna Get High", "Stoned Is The Way Of The Walk" or "Hits From The Bong", the themes of recreational use of marijuana are prevalent.
Many of their songs also protest the current marijuana laws and voice their opinions on the hypocrisy of drug enforcement institutions.
Their lyrics often reflect the hip hop culture of Los Angeles in their earlier work such as their self-titled album and Black Sunday, which were very influential not only to Latino hip hop of the time but to many other hip hop groups around the world as well.
Throughout their career they have commonly incorporated Spanish into their lyrics as well as slang used by some Latinos in Los Angeles on songs like "Latin Lingo". Their album "Los Grandes Exitos En Espanol" features Spanish translations of many of their hit songs.
Years active 1987 - present.
Hand on the Pump
Cypress Hill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On my side is my gat, see I'm all of that
Spittin' out buck shots, boy I'm gonna wet'cha
Runnin' hot, but I'm still comin' to get'cha
Thinkin' like a peace smoke, comin' on a homicide
You talkin' shit, tryna take me for a ride
I'm not a bad guy, but I'm the funky feel
Finger on the trigger with my hands upon the steel
You're stuck in my hood, so what ya gonna do now?
Being the hunted one is no fun
Here I come son, yo I think ya better run
Better run more, and move a little faster
Second of thought and I'm coming to blast ya
With my
Sawed off shotgun, hand on the pump
Left hand on a forty, [puffin onna blunt]
Pumped my shotgun, [niggas didn't jump]
Lala la la lala la laa
Comin at you like a stiff blow, fuckin up your program
Ain't takin shit from you him or no man
Master mind maniac and a menace soooo
How they want to pass sentence
All because a nigga tried to play me on the trigger
He missed, so now the nigga's pissed
Rude and crude like a pit bull, get to the point
Your fuckin card will get pulled, now
I'm headed up the river with a boat and no paddle
And I'm handin out beatdowns
I'm headed up the river with a boat and no paddle
And I'm handin out beatdowns [get your face down!]
Put me in chains, try to beat my brains
I can get out, but the grudge remains
When I see ya punk ass, I'm gonna getcha
Fucking do ya, shotgun go boo-yaa!
Sawed off shotgun, hand on the pump
Left hand on a forty, [puffin onna blunt]
Pumped my shotgun, [niggas didn't jump]
Lala la la lala la laa
Kickin that funky Cypress Hill shit
Take a lot of mental for the blunted to chill with
Cuz I'm the chill one, known to get ill one
They stepped to the Hill "What's up?", I had to kill one
Now I'm headed up the river with a boat and no paddle
And they got me on lock down
Headed up the river with a boat and no paddle
And they got me on lock down
Living like a nigga who done lost his mind
Cause I ain't goin out like a spineless jellyfish
Some say life is a bitch
Ask that punk who dug his own ditch
Out for the Hill fuckin up at a party
Tried to get funny, put a hole in his body
Lala la la lala la laaa
Look at all of those funeral cars
Cause I'mma
Sawed off shotgun, hand on the pump
Left hand on a forty, [puffin onna blunt]
Pumped my shotgun, [niggas didn't jump]
Lala la la lala la laa
The song "Hand on the Pump" by Cypress Hill is a powerful anthem that serves as a warning to those who try to cross the artist. The lyrics are filled with gritty descriptions of violence and danger, and a sense of defiance that is characteristic of early hip-hop.
The song speaks to the artist's reputation and their willingness to use violence when necessary. The lyrics "I'm not a bad guy, but I'm the funky feel" illustrate the artist's confidence and prowess, while "finger on the trigger with my hands upon the steel" showcases their readiness to act. The chorus "sawed off shotgun, hand on the pump, left hand on a forty, puffin onna blunt" is a boast of their tough exterior and the tools they use to protect themselves.
The song also touches upon the consequences of such a lifestyle. The artist acknowledges being headed "up the river with a boat and no paddle" due to the unlawful actions they commit. However, they also refuse to back down and remain determined to defend who they are.
Overall, "Hand on the Pump" is a manifestation of the bold and gritty culture of early hip-hop, which embraced and glorified violence and danger as a means of survival.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm an alley cat, some say a dirty rat
I may be considered shady or untrustworthy, but I'm always prepared for the worst
On my side is my gat, see I'm all of that
I always carry my gun with me, it's a part of who I am
Spittin' out buck shots, boy I'm gonna wet'cha
I'm not afraid to use my gun, and I'll make sure you know it
Runnin' hot, but I'm still comin' to get'cha
I'm determined to catch you, even if I have to go through obstacles
Thinkin' like a peace smoke, comin' on a homicide
I appear calm and collected, but my intentions are violent
You talkin' shit, tryna take me for a ride
You're trying to deceive me, but I'm not falling for it
I'm not a bad guy, but I'm the funky feel
I'm not a villain, but I embrace my unique style
Finger on the trigger with my hands upon the steel
I'm always ready to use my gun, and you better not mess with me
Lettin' out a bullet, this is goin' boo-ya
My gun is fired, and you're in trouble now
You're stuck in my hood, so what ya gonna do now?
You're in my territory, and you can't escape
Being the hunted one is no fun
Being pursued is not a pleasant experience
Here I come son, yo I think ya better run
I'm coming after you, and you better flee
Better run more, and move a little faster
You better increase your speed if you want to survive
Second of thought and I'm coming to blast ya
I won't hesitate to shoot you
With my
Sawed off shotgun, hand on the pump
I have a dangerous weapon with me, and I'm poised to use it
Left hand on a forty, [puffin onna blunt]
I'm also casually drinking and smoking while carrying a gun
Pumped my shotgun, [niggas didn't jump]
I'm ready to use my shotgun, and my opponents are too scared to intervene
Lala la la lala la laa
N/A
Comin at you like a stiff blow, fuckin up your program
I'm attacking you with full force, and your plans are going to fail
Ain't takin shit from you him or no man
I won't tolerate any disrespect or interference from anyone
Master mind maniac and a menace soooo
I'm a brilliant yet crazy and dangerous person
How they want to pass sentence
They want to punish me for my actions
All because a nigga tried to play me on the trigger
Someone attempted to outsmart me with my own weapon
He missed, so now the nigga's pissed
His plan failed, and he's angry about it
Rude and crude like a pit bull, get to the point
I'm blunt and straightforward like a fierce dog
Your fuckin card will get pulled, now
You'll face the consequences of your actions soon
I'm headed up the river with a boat and no paddle
I'm in trouble, and I'm not sure how to get out of it
And I'm handin out beatdowns
I'm ready to fight anyone who challenges me
Put me in chains, try to beat my brains
You can restrain me and torture me, but I won't give up
I can get out, but the grudge remains
I'm resilient and will always remember what you've done to me
When I see ya punk ass, I'm gonna getcha
When I encounter you again, I'll seek revenge
Fucking do ya, shotgun go boo-yaa!
I'll make sure to shoot you with my shotgun
Kickin that funky Cypress Hill shit
I'm playing my unique and cool music
Take a lot of mental for the blunted to chill with
It takes a special type of person to enjoy my music while smoking weed
Cuz I'm the chill one, known to get ill one
I'm laid-back, but I can also become aggressive when provoked
They stepped to the Hill "What's up?", I had to kill one
Someone challenged Cypress Hill, and they had to retaliate with violence
Now I'm headed up the river with a boat and no paddle
The consequences of their actions have caught up with them
And they got me on lock down
They're being punished and restrained for their actions
Living like a nigga who done lost his mind
They're living with the consequences of their actions and going crazy
Cause I ain't goin out like a spineless jellyfish
They won't submit to their punishment without a fight
Some say life is a bitch
Some people believe that life is unfair
Ask that punk who dug his own ditch
That person got what they deserved for their actions
Out for the Hill fuckin up at a party
Someone tried to harm Cypress Hill at a party
Tried to get funny, put a hole in his body
They retaliated with violence and killed their attacker
Lala la la lala la laaa
N/A
Look at all of those funeral cars
The other people involved in this conflict have died and are being mourned
Cause I'mma
Sawed off shotgun, hand on the pump
They're still armed and dangerous
Left hand on a forty, [puffin onna blunt]
They're still casually drinking and smoking
Pumped my shotgun, [niggas didn't jump]
Their opponents are still too scared to intervene
Lala la la lala la laa
N/A
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BERNICE WILLIAMS, BRETT ANTHONY BOULDIN, EARL G. SR. EDWARDS, EUGENE DRAKE DIXON, LARRY MUGGERUD, LOUIS M. FREEZE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Simons
51yrs old, still loving the Cypress Hill beats, this is one of my favorite.
eddie fart
me too 51. loving them since hand on the pump
Liam Sutherland
44
jaybug
me too. still bangin dis shit
Just Palms
49 bruh! Play this Shit at my funeral!!
Jah Eerie
52 & this shit NEVER gets old 🔥
BruffDaddy
I was 14 years old when I heard this joint and became a Cypress Hill Fan!! 30 Years later I still blast this joint in my car!!
briete bank
Word bro
King Conan
Talk about not growing up!
Owen
Same here