Live

Cypress Hill: O2 Academy, Brixton 5/12/18

Of all the musical twists and turns that 2018 brought us, Cypress Hill's ninth studio album was one of the least expected. "Elephants On Acid" was a tour-de-force from the veteran hip-hop act, a full 27 years after their self-titled debut propelled them into the stratosphere. But despite their longevity, the age range of the crowd demonstrated the group's ability to draw in a new audience.

Brixton Academy was a sell-out, and UK rapper Ty - who should be a lot better known than he is - did a decent job of warming the crowd up.

It was a shame that DJ Muggs - arguably the creative force behind the new Cypress Hill record - wasn't at Brixton Academy to soak up some of the appreciation it has earned.

Muggs no longer tours, meaning Mix Master Mike of Beastie Boys fame stepped into DJ duties, and he didn't disappoint, opening with a masterclass on the decks.

MCs B-Real and Sen Dog, aged 48 and 53 respectively, have been working crowds for years, and immediately found their flow with new banger "Band of Gypsies".

For the next 90 minutes, they would show why they remain a force to be reckoned with, with huge hits "Insane In The Brain" sending the crowd into a frenzy and "How I Could Just Kill A Man" delivered with aggression and power. "Lick A Shot" had the audience bouncing, and they capably mixed old material and new together.

The group worked the crowd up to a superb crescendo, with "Rap Superstar" bringing the show to a close.

Just when some doubters may had written these Californian rap icons off, they've come back fighting in 2018, and it'll be interesting to see where they go from here.

One thing's for sure, they are definitely worth catching if they come back to these shores anytime soon.
Words Dave Burke