When Cypress Hill smokes Rock en Seine

The Californian rappers set Rock en Seine ablaze this year. Returning to the Domaine de Saint-Cloud seven years after their last performance at the famous Parisian festival, Cypress Hill had the crowd dancing to the beat of American hip-hop’s greatest classics during their concert.

Louis Freese, known as B-Real, is an undisputed figure in West Coast hip-hop, just like Snoop Dogg or even Wiz Khalifa, the Cypress Hill rapper is known for being a staunch advocate for medical and recreational cannabis in the United States. In fact, the American magazine *High Times* named him «Stoner of the Year» in 2014.

Similarly, in 2016, rappers venturing into the booming cannabis industry by collaborating with Bhang Chocolate, a brand of cannabis-infused chocolate.

A live performance that echoes the history of American hip hop

Tequila Sunrise, Hits from the Bong or even Insane in the Brain, the legendary hits of the «90s come one after another, much to the audience’s delight. When Sen Dog says to B-Real—both of them holding joints—»Well, B-Real! I think you must be pretty high!« Nostalgia, cannabis, and frenetic rap: 26 years of hip-hop packed into an hour and a half. Between songs, B-Real shouts out »Fuck You« or »Everybody Get Down” with insolence and fervor, and the crowd immediately drops to the floor. Not to mention the Nirvana medley that sparked a massive mosh pit in the crowd.

In an interview with Ouest France During their concert at the Couvre Feu festival, the band said: «You know, I don’t care what’s popular right now. We’re Cypress Hill, and nothing less. At the same time, we have to improve and try new things. We can’t just show up with the same old stuff. (…) We’ve always believed in the power of cannabis. But you don’t have to smoke marijuana to be a Cypress Hill fan. It’s just one of the many things we rap about.» Meanwhile, Cypress Hill is working on a new album, and each member has a number of projects in the works.

Mehdi Bautier