While primarily renowned as a pioneering hip hop group, Cypress Hill has indeed ventured into the rap metal genre, particularly evident in specific releases. They are not exclusively a rap metal band, but their discography includes significant contributions to the genre.
Cypress Hill's Genre Evolution
Cypress Hill's sound is deeply rooted in West Coast hip hop, characterized by their distinct lyrical style, B-real's high-pitched nasal vocals, and DJ Muggs' unique, often dark and psychedelic beats. Over their extensive career, however, they have consistently experimented with fusing their core hip hop sound with elements from other genres, including rock and metal. This willingness to blend genres led them to explore the rap metal and nu metal soundscapes.
The *Skull & Bones* Album: A Dual Exploration
A prime example of Cypress Hill's foray into rap metal is their fifth studio album, Skull & Bones, released in 2000. This album is notably divided into two distinct discs, each showcasing a different facet of the group's musical exploration:
Disc Name | Genre/Style | Description |
---|---|---|
Skull | Pure Hip Hop | Features tracks that uphold Cypress Hill's traditional hip hop sound. |
Bones | Nu Metal / Rap Metal | Dedicated to heavier, rock-influenced tracks, demonstrating their embrace of the nu metal and rap metal genres. |
The "Bones" disc specifically highlights their capability and intent to create material that firmly sits within the rap metal category, featuring collaborations with rock and metal artists, and heavier instrumentals that incorporate distorted guitars and aggressive drumming characteristic of the genre.
Influence and Legacy
Cypress Hill's exploration of rap metal contributed to the broader musical landscape of the late 1990s and early 2000s, a period when genre-blending, especially between hip hop and metal, was highly prevalent. Their ability to seamlessly transition between their signature hip hop sound and a heavier, metal-infused style demonstrates their versatility and influence beyond traditional hip hop boundaries.
In conclusion, while Cypress Hill's foundational identity is hip hop, they have undeniably produced and performed rap metal material, making them a group that has successfully crossed over into the genre.