B-Real and Sen Dog of Los Angeles' own Cypress Hill

I have a confession to make. I’ve never been a Cypress Hill fan. If The Vogue announced a Cypress Hill show at this time last year, I would’ve shrugged and said, “M’eh”. So what changed? What compelled me to brave 90-degree heat at 10 o’clock at night this past Monday to see a band best known for their cannabis culture tunes and ex-frat boy fan base?

The intellectual sophisticate in me will tell you that it’s because my whole schtick is about breaking down barriers and exploring the world past your comfort zone. The shallow music lover in me will simply tell you that I heard “Armada Latina” on the radio earlier this summer and I couldn’t get the hook out of my head. Besides, how can I expect you to keep an open mind, if I don’t?

So this hardheaded newcomer ventures out to Broad Ripple on Monday night to see Brad Real (no relation to B-Real, I’m sure) open the show to a small, but growing crowd at The Vogue. Real and the Mudkids playfully showcase their own skills and spread some hometown love, while simultaneously ampin’ up the die-hard fans who were ready to witness a comeback like no other.

Despite the smaller than expected turnout, Cypress Hill takes the stage, opening with their second single from the new album: “It Ain’t Nothing”, and then proceed to remind everyone why only they can do what they do. Throughout the night, the boys masterfully mix the old and the new, wielding their set list like a scalpel and dropping new tracks among the classics like only a true artist can. Oh, you love “How Could I Just Kill A Man?” and “Hand On The Pump”? Well, why not give “Light It Up” a try? No announcement, no grandstanding, no “We want perform a few songs we think you’ll like off our new album.” No, sir. These men are pros. Hell, I know a few pros who could use some lessons in how to craft a set list.

Now that the crowd’s warmed up, Cypress Hill pulls no punches delivering their latest hit, “Armada Latina”, which goes over well in a crowd that’s about as diverse as the SNL lineup. Maybe it’s Eric Bobo’s bongo virtuoso that’s left them gobsmacked and ready for more. The bongos slowly give way to the classic “Insane In The Brain” and a sing-a-long to “I Wanna Get High”. The Acapulco Gold cloud rising from the audience doesn’t go unnoticed and out comes a 6-foot bong to join our boys on stage. Cheech would be proud.

Once B-Real launches into “Dr. Greenthumb”, I can’t help but wonder: “How many damn songs do they have dedicated to smoking weed?!” I guess that explains why they have an official SmokeOut festival in October. Oh, what do you know? Now they’re performing “K.U.S.H.” and “Illusions”. SMH. To be fair, the audience is also treated to an amazing DJ vs. Percussion battle between turntable extraordinaire DJ Julio G. and the big drum beater Bobo; a sick mashup from Julio’s twisted mind; and one final barnburner to “Rise Up”, a single featured in the new trailer for The Green Hornet.

The new Cypress Hill album titled Rise Up

So why the less-than capacity crowd? Perhaps after a couple of lackluster albums that ventured too far from their old sound, some feel that B-Real, Sen Dog and Muggs fell off. But if the boys had to earn this audience’s devotion again, you certainly couldn’t tell it on Monday night. For what the fans lacked in size, they more than made up for in energy. Whether singing along to “I Ain‘t Going Out Like That”, throwing their hands up to “Latin Lingo”, or generously engaging in a little puff-puff-give to, well, every other song, the Cypress Hill family would not be denied.

By the end of the night, I can’t say the boys won me over completely—Do fans seriously like “Hits From The Bong”?—but I was more than impressed by the level of dedication, passion and skill that can only be delivered after 20 years in the game. My respect for Cypress Hill has increased tenfold, even with half a set list dedicated to the “Legalize It” campaign. I can’t say whether or not they’re as good as they were back in the ‘90s, but I will say that the boys brought their A-game and it’s a shame some former fans have written them off. Judging by the deafening applause coming from The Vogue on Monday night, I’m not the only one.