Written by Marc Blase – Photos by James ATX
Cypress Hill’s recent live performance at Stubb’s Austin from the We Legalized It Tour was a masterful blend of homage, innovation, and timeless classics, celebrating the history of hip-hop while reaffirming their own legendary status. As fans packed the venue on a warm Wednesday evening, the anticipation (and cannabis haze) was palpable. The stage was set for an unforgettable evening, and Cypress Hill did not disappoint.
The show kicked off with an electrifying scratch session by their tour DJ, DJ Lord. He worked the turntables with precision, cutting and scratching beats that hyped the crowd from the very first note. The crowd was hyped, setting the tone for what was to come.
As B-Real, Sen Dog, and Eric Bobo took the stage, the energy from the crowd surged. For the first few songs, they took an innovative approach by layering their rhymes over beats and music from other golden age and gangsta era hip-hop artists. Tracks were remixed over classic beats from legends like The Beastie Boys on “A to the K” and Dr. Dre/Los Lobos on “Lowrider”. This clever fusion not only celebrated these artists but also showcased Cypress Hill’s versatility and respect for their contemporaries. The crowd loved it, cheering loudly and rapping along, clearly appreciating the nod to hip-hop history.
This creative homage seamlessly transitioned into the second half of the show, where Cypress Hill dug into their own catalog of classics. The crowd erupted as the unmistakable opening of “Insane in the Brain” filled the venue. The energy was contagious, with fans bouncing and rapping along to every word. B-Real’s nasal delivery and Sen Dog’s booming voice complemented each other perfectly, creating a dynamic performance that resonated with both long-time fans and new listeners.
Tracks like “Hits from the Bong” and “I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That” showcased the group’s signature style—gritty, raw, and unapologetically authentic. The addition of live percussion by Eric Bobo added a rich, organic layer to the beats, elevating the live experience beyond the recorded versions. The interplay between the members was tight and energetic, demonstrating their years of synergy and stage presence.
Cypress Hill still know how to bring it. This performance was a celebration of hip-hop and their own illustrious career. By blending tributes to other iconic artists with their timeless hits, they created a show that was both nostalgic and refreshingly original. From the electrifying DJ scratch session that opened the night to the final, explosive encore, Cypress Hill proved why they can still rock it in the hip-hop world.
