CYPRESS HILL
Stoned Raiders (Columbia)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

---

Evoking the legendary Oakland Raiders, nasty thugs in black garb destroying mere mortals on the football gridiron, Cypress Hill takes their smoke filled hiphop closer to the darker side of heavy metal. And, bingo, the album's a winner. Thundering beats and Latin flavours remain, but when the quartet wanna rock out, the guitars blaze with alarming ferocity. After the obligatory curt intro, Cypress Hill bring it on for the ground-shaking "Trouble." Heavy yes, but cleverly balanced by slinky funk and some fancy scratching, enhancing the dynamic moments. You may want to replace that tired "insane in the membrain" refrain, by "you want trouble? c'mon," or "you don't know no shit niggah" from "Kronoligic," an historic run down of the band in song. Potential hits a plenty here (add "Psychedelic Vision" and "Lowrider") should see the Hill back on the charts in full force. This is easily their most accomplished record musically, as the Hill keep growing, and prod their legions to grow along.

© 2002 - John Sekerka