Cypress Hill: Blazing Through 20 Years with 'Till Death Do Us Part'

Alright, my fellow hip-hop heads, let's roll up those sleeves and dive deep into the legendary Cypress Hill's iconic album, 'Till Death Do Us Part'. But before we embark on this journey, let's take a quick trip down memory lane with these West Coast rap pioneers.

Cypress Hill, formed in 1988 in South Gate, California, quickly rose to fame with their unique blend of hip-hop, funk, and Latin influences. With their self-titled debut album dropping in 1991, they became the first Latino-American hip-hop group to achieve platinum and multi-platinum success. Since then, they've been on a relentless mission to redefine the rap game and have helped pave the way for incredible artists especially those of Latino heritage.

Now, fast forward to the present day. 'Till Death Do Us Part' is turning 20, and we're here to celebrate this milestone like true Cypress Hill aficionados. Released on March 23, 2004, this album is a testament to the group's unwavering dedication to their craft and their ability to push boundaries.

So, what's the deal with 'Till Death Do Us Part'? Well, for starters, it's packed with bangers that'll have you nodding your head like there's no tomorrow. Tracks like "What's Your Number?" featuring Tim Armstrong of Rancid fame, and "Ganja Bus" featuring Damian Marley, deliver those signature Cypress Hill vibes with a fresh twist.

Now, let's talk cultural impact. 'Till Death Do Us Part' wasn't just another album; it was a statement. With its unabashed celebration of cannabis culture and unapologetic lyrical content, it solidified Cypress Hill's status as the voice of the streets. From the gritty realities of urban life to the euphoria of getting high, this GRAMMY-nominated and chart-topping album covers it all with raw honesty and swagger.

Now, let's talk vinyl. Sure, you can stream 'Till Death Do Us Part' on your fancy digital devices, but nothing beats the warm, crackling sound of vinyl spinning on a turntable. So, do yourself a favor and add this gem to your collection. Trust us; your ears will thank you later.

Alright, before we wrap this up, let's give a shoutout to some artists who've been inspired by Cypress Hill and their groundbreaking sound. Here's a short list of 10 albums you need to check out (Spoiler alert: their influence doesn't just mean the hip-hop world. They've made waves in the nu-metal realm too!):

1/ Korn's self-titled (1994)

Korn's self-titled debut album, unleashed in 1994, was like a sonic punch straight to the gut of the music world. With tracks like "Blind" (direct tribute to Cypress Hill's 1993 banger "Lick a Shot"!) and "Shoots and Ladders," it was a full-on headbang-inducing experience that left listeners craving more. This record didn't just break boundaries; it bulldozed them, cementing Korn's place as the godfathers of nu-metal and inspiring a generation of angsty teens to embrace their inner darkness.

2/ 'The Chronic' by Dr. Dre (1992)

Dr. Dre's 'The Chronic' dropped in 1992, setting the West Coast rap scene ablaze with iconic tracks like "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" and "Let Me Ride." The album was a cultural game-changer, introducing the world to G-funk and solidifying Dre's status as a hip-hop pioneer. 

3/ 'Encore' by Eminem (2004)

Eminem's 'Encore' dropped in 2004 like a bombshell, causing shockwaves throughout the hip-hop universe. With hits like "Just Lose It" and "Mockingbird," Slim Shady proved he could still spit fire and push boundaries with his signature blend of razor-sharp lyricism and twisted humor. 'Encore' wasn't just an album; it was a cultural event, solidifying Eminem's status as rap royalty and leaving fans hungry for more of his unapologetic, in-your-face brilliance.

4/ 'Hybrid Theory' by Linkin Park (2000)

Linkin Park's 'Hybrid Theory' exploded onto the scene in 2000, shaking up the music world with its fusion of rap and rock. Tracks like "In the End" and "Crawling" became anthems for a generation of angst-ridden teens, who blasted them through their headphones while navigating the chaos of adolescence. 'Hybrid Theory' became a sonic manifesto with its huge success, leading them to create their own tour 'Projekt Revolution', which featured Cypress Hill, Snoop Dogg & more!

5/ 'Invasion of Privacy' by Cardi B (2018)

Cardi B's 'Invasion of Privacy' stormed onto the scene in 2018 like a hurricane, solidifying her as a reigning queen of hip-hop. With hits like "Bodak Yellow" and "I Like It," the album became the anthem for boss babes everywhere, empowering them to own their success and flaunt their confidence. 

6/ Rage Against The Machine's self-titled (1992)

Rage Against The Machine's self-titled debut record, unleashed in 1992, hit the scene like a sonic Molotov cocktail with tracks like "Killing in the Name" and "Bombtrack." It was a full-blown revolution, igniting a firestorm of political consciousness and rebellion. With its potent blend of rap, rock, and raw energy, RATM's debut remains a timeless testament to the power of music to inspire change and shake up the status quo.

7/ 'RTJ4' by Run The Jewels (2020)

Run The Jewels' 'RTJ4' hit the scene in 2020 like a sonic revolution, delivering a potent mix of social commentary and straight-up bangers. Tracks like "Just" and "Ooh La La" hit harder than a heavyweight champ, showcasing Killer Mike and El-P's unmatched chemistry and lyrical prowess. 

8/ 'beerbongs & bentleys' by Post Malone (2018)

Post Malone's 'beerbongs & bentleys' dropped in 2018, catapulting him into the stratosphere of music superstardom. With hits like "Rockstar" and "Psycho," the album became the ultimate soundtrack to late-night escapades and wild parties worldwide. 

9/ 'Capital Punishment' by Big Pun (1998)

Big Pun's 'Capital Punishment' dropped in 1998, hitting the hip-hop scene like a heavyweight champ with tracks like "Still Not a Player". The album was a cultural earthquake, showcasing Pun's lyrical genius and solidifying his status as one of the greatest MCs of all time. 'Capital Punishment' was a testament to Pun's larger-than-life persona and his undeniable impact on the rap game.

9/ 'Doggystyle' by Snoop Dogg (1993)

Snoop Dogg's 'Doggystyle', unleashed in 1993, was a straight-up hip-hop masterpiece. With hits like "Gin and Juice" and "Who Am I (What's My Name)?", Snoop solidified his status as the king of the West Coast, setting off a cultural earthquake that reverberates to this day. 'Doggystyle' was a lifestyle, inspiring a generation to roll up, kick back, and vibe to Snoop's laid-back flow.

10/ 'Trendsetter' by Coi Leray (2022)

Coi Leray's debut album 'Trendsetter' was a bold declaration of independence in the rap game. With tracks like "No More Parties" and "Blick Blick," Leray serves up a fresh blend of gritty lyrics and infectious beats, carving out her own lane in a crowded industry. 

So, there you have it, folks. 'Till Death Do Us Part' may be turning 20, but Cypress Hill and this album's impact on hip-hop culture is as timeless as ever. So, crank up the volume, spark one up, and let Cypress Hill take you on a ride through the streets of the concrete jungle. Peace out, and keep it real.

(Photo of Cypress Hill by David Tonge/Getty Images)