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
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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.
I Unlimited
Cypress Hill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back from the dead, a resurrection
We came to change the whole complexion
Take this game a new direction
Last stop where the gats pop
Where the kush blows free and the low-lows drop
It's a photo-op, no flash, we smash, get cash
It's a new day to feel
Expand the Hill
We grab the wheel
The trip is real
Don't make me pull out the steel
And cause a commotion
Emotions peel
Heat-seekers if you come seek us
Serve your asses through your weak speakers
Anyone, anywhere, we on, Jack
Blowin' up another spot with a bomb track
Bam, bam, bam, bam
Kill 'em up, tear 'em up, and put 'em down
Jump, jump, jump, jump
If he act up, shut 'em up and put 'em down
Bam, bam, bam, bam
Get high, then ride, and put 'em down
Jump, jump, jump, jump
If you don't give a fuck, throw 'em up and put 'em down
The fifth factor, the pit reactor
Adrenaline maxed and bringin' the rapture
Wreak havoc, we comin' at you
Studio gangsters supply the (?)
Still spit that real shit
I'm the dog in the (?) and real hard to deal with
How long have we held you down
And broke down doors with that grimy sound?
No surrender; we pushin' in
To take over the scene and blaze the green
Put a chill through your body when you saw my teeth
Find yourself in the middle where the pit convenes
Don't slip on the misfits
'Cause the minute you pop shit the mic gets twisted
Any time, anywhere we blast off
The riots start--it's party your ass off
We blow smoke in the air to heal the nation
Gettin' you high, no hesitation
So off the chain, no complication
Pick another hit for inspiration
Realize, don't criticize
'Cause one day you might understand what we symbolize
Any man, any woman gotta light that
Feds try to bring a case, gotta fight back
We flip shows like Flipmode
We make you bounce on the track with sick flows and get dough
Don't trip in the mosh pit
It's a danger to strangers--results are toxic
We're phenomenal, so unstoppable
Unlimited; you're just comical
Stayed back, we slayed Jack (from way back)
Payback's a bitch and we know how to play that
Kill 'em up, tear 'em up, and put 'em down
If he act up, shut 'em up and put 'em down
Get high, then ride, and put 'em down
If you don't give a fuck, throw 'em up and put 'em down
The Cypress Hill song "I Unlimited" is a powerful anthem for the rap group as they detail their resurrection and return to the game. The lyrics are full of bravado as the group proclaims they are back from the dead to change the game’s complexion and take it in a new direction. The group boasts about their street smarts, ability to make money, and willingness to use violence if necessary. The lyrics suggest that the group is unstoppable, and they are more committed than ever to putting their mark on the rap scene.
The song is also full of references to violence, both through gunfire and physical fights. The lyrics reference guns, smashing opponents, and even throwing people down, highlighting how the group is willing to use violence to achieve their goals.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Unlimited" showcase Cypress Hill's confident, aggressive style and desire to be the dominant force in the rap game. The group's return from the dead is represented as a powerful symbol, and their lyrics are full of aggressive metaphors and references to their toughness.
Line by Line Meaning
Came back to life for your protection
Our return is for your safety and security, as though we have been resurrected.
Back from the dead, a resurrection
We have returned from a state of death or inactivity as if we have been resurrected.
We came to change the whole complexion
Our intention is to completely transform the situation or environment.
Take this game a new direction
We want to redirect or change the course of this particular activity, event, or situation.
Last stop where the gats pop
This is the final location where firearms are used and gunfire can be heard.
Where the kush blows free and the low-lows drop
This is a place where marijuana is consumed without any limitations, and lowrider cars with lowered suspensions are commonly seen.
It's a photo-op, no flash, we smash, get cash
We will take advantage of this opportunity to take pictures, but without using flash, and use it to our advantage to make money.
Dash out the fuckin' spot
We will leave the location immediately.
It's a new day to feel
This is a new beginning and the start of fresh emotions.
Expand the Hill
We want to grow our group and increase our influence.
We grab the wheel
We are taking control of this situation or event.
The trip is real
This experience is authentic and genuine.
Don't make me pull out the steel
Do not force me to use a weapon.
And cause a commotion
This will result in a disturbance or disruption.
Emotions peel
Feelings or emotions become revealed or exposed.
Heat-seekers if you come seek us
Those who are trying to find us, we will use heat-seeking attacks to fight back.
Serve your asses through your weak speakers
We will defeat our enemies with our powerful voices and music that overpowers their weaker speakers.
Anyone, anywhere, we on, Jack
We are ready to face anyone, anywhere, and at any time.
Blowin' up another spot with a bomb track
We will destroy another location with our exceptional music.
Bam, bam, bam, bam
The sound of gunshots, emphasizing our violent behavior.
Kill 'em up, tear 'em up, and put 'em down
We will violently attack and subdue our enemies.
Jump, jump, jump, jump
A call to action, to respond and act aggressively towards those who oppose us.
If he act up, shut 'em up and put 'em down
If someone behaves inappropriately or disrespectfully, we will forcefully silence them and defeat them.
Get high, then ride, and put 'em down
After getting high, we will ride and attack our enemies.
If you don't give a fuck, throw 'em up and put 'em down
If you do not care about the consequences of your actions, join us and attack our enemies.
The fifth factor, the pit reactor
A reference to our exceptional music and delivery, which evokes a strong reaction from the audience.
Adrenaline maxed and bringin' the rapture
We are highly energized and bringing a feeling of intense pleasure and excitement to our listeners.
Wreak havoc, we comin' at you
We will cause destruction and chaos as we attack our enemies.
Studio gangsters supply the (?)
Some performers are not authentic and only pretend to be gangsters.
Still spit that real shit
We continue to create and perform music that is genuine and authentic.
I'm the dog in the (?) and real hard to deal with
I am like a powerful dog that is difficult to control or manage.
How long have we held you down
We have been around for a long time and have been a symbol of power and influence for our listeners.
And broke down doors with that grimy sound?
Have we been able to disrupt or break down established barriers or expectations with our gritty and raw music?
No surrender; we pushin' in
We will not back down, but instead continue to push forward and fight.
To take over the scene and blaze the green
We want to dominate the music industry and make a lot of money.
Put a chill through your body when you saw my teeth
Our menacing appearance or behavior may intimidate or frighten others.
Find yourself in the middle where the pit convenes
You may end up in the middle of a dangerous and chaotic situation, as we perform for our fans.
Don't slip on the misfits
Do not underestimate the strange or different people who may also like our music.
'Cause the minute you pop shit the mic gets twisted
If you say or do something disrespectful, we will use our music to humiliate or verbally attack you.
Any time, anywhere we blast off
We are always ready and willing to start a confrontation or attack.
The riots start--it's party your ass off
When we start performing, the crowd becomes wild and things may get out of control, but it is still a fun and exciting experience.
We blow smoke in the air to heal the nation
We use marijuana to help relieve stress and promote relaxation, in an effort to improve the overall health of our listeners.
Gettin' you high, no hesitation
We will make sure you feel the effects of the marijuana, without any delay or hesitation.
So off the chain, no complication
The experience is wild and intense, without any difficulties or problems.
Pick another hit for inspiration
Choose another song from our collection for motivation or encouragement.
Realize, don't criticize
Understand or appreciate what we are doing, instead of finding fault or criticizing us.
'Cause one day you might understand what we symbolize
Someday, you may come to appreciate or comprehend the deeper meaning behind our music and behavior.
Any man, any woman gotta light that
Regardless of gender, anyone can enjoy or participate in the use of marijuana.
Feds try to bring a case, gotta fight back
If the authorities try to incriminate us or bring us to justice, we will resist and fight back.
We flip shows like Flipmode
We can quickly and easily perform at many different venues, similar to rap group Flipmode Squad.
We make you bounce on the track with sick flows and get dough
Our exceptional music and skills will make you dance and we will make a lot of money doing it.
Don't trip in the mosh pit
Do not become overwhelmed or unbalanced in the middle of the crowd during our performance.
It's a danger to strangers--results are toxic
This situation can be dangerous and harmful to people who are not familiar with the environment or culture.
We're phenomenal, so unstoppable
We are amazing and cannot be defeated or stopped.
Unlimited; you're just comical
Our potential and strength is boundless, while our opponents are weak and powerless in comparison.
Stayed back, we slayed Jack (from way back)
We have been around for a long time and have always been successful in defeating our enemies.
Payback's a bitch and we know how to play that
We are skilled at exacting revenge on our enemies.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Anne Jennifer Dudley, Louis Freese, Malcolm Robert Andrew Mclaren, Senen Reyes, Trevor Charles Horn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind