A Creative Sanctuary

B-Real of Cypress Hill describes the group’s downtown studio as a hub of creativity, where they have recorded for nearly a decade. During a recent Zoom interview, the band members displayed camaraderie and comfort, sharing anecdotes and laughter from their intimate space filled with photographs and platinum records that celebrate their almost 40-year legacy.

From Hip-Hop Legends to Orchestral Innovators

The evolution of Cypress Hill’s music recently steered the group towards an unconventional path—creating concert films that meld their iconic hip-hop sound with orchestral arrangements. This journey was inspired by a memorable appearance in a 1995 episode of “The Simpsons,” wherein they humorously interacted with an orchestra backstage at a fictional festival.

“We thank ‘The Simpsons’ for writing that, because it became a part of our history,” B-Real noted, reminiscing about the impact of that segment. After seeing the Wu-Tang Clan perform with orchestral accompaniment, the idea gained traction, and Cypress Hill knew they had to follow suit.

Milestone Concerts

In July 2023, Cypress Hill commemorated the 30th anniversary of their album “Black Sunday” by performing its entirety with the Colorado Symphony. This was just the beginning, leading up to a notable performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 2024.

On that momentous evening, the group, clad in formal black suits, took to the stage alongside the London Symphony Orchestra in front of a sold-out crowd of over 5,000 people. Reflecting on the experience, B-Real exclaimed, “It was like one of those ‘what the f—’ moments; I can’t believe this is happening.”

Despite navigating the formality of the venue and its rules regarding smoking, the performance marked a historic blend of genres, showcasing the versatility and depth of their musical artistry.

A Successful Transition to Film

The endeavor to adapt their orchestral performances for the screen was executed smoothly, with regular feedback on production dailies. “They really nailed it… we were blown away from the first cut,” Bobo stated, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the project.

The final product captures an electrifying rendition of Cypress Hill’s classics, reimagined with symphonic arrangements. Fans can experience this innovative blend in the upcoming theatrical release of “Black Sunday Live at the Royal Albert Hall,” scheduled for March 30, 31, and April 2 in the U.S.

Future Endeavors

Discussion is ongoing regarding potentially bringing a similar orchestral experience to Los Angeles, as the group aims to collaborate further with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Meanwhile, B-Real hinted at the possibility of a new Spanish-language album and a forthcoming project that diverges from traditional hip-hop.

“We feel like we’ve done enough hip-hop for a f—ing lifetime,” he remarked, suggesting a readiness to explore new musical territories beyond hip-hop while maintaining their signature sound.