Cypress Hill: B. Real, Sen-Dog, DJ Muggs.

Producers: DJ Muggs, T-Ray.

"I Ain't Goin' Out Like That" was nominated for Best Rap Performance

By A Duo Or Group in the 37th Annual Grammy Awards.

Recorded at 38 Fresh And Image Recording, Hollywood, California; Soundtrack Studios, Baby Monster Studios, Green Street Studios, Chung King Studios, New York, New York; Studio 4 Recording, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The BLACK SUNDAY booklet contains 19 historical and scientific facts pertaining to the useage and safety as well as the medical and commercial benefits of marijuana and the hemp plant.

Cypress Hill: B. Real, Sen-Dog, DJ Muggs.

Producers: DJ Muggs, T-Ray.

Recorded at 38 Fresh And Image Recording, Hollywood, California; Soundtrack Studios, Baby Monster Studios, Green Street Studios, Chung King Studios, New York, New York; Studio 4 Recording, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

"I Ain't Goin' Out Like That" was nominated for Best Rap Performance

By A Duo Or Group in the 37th Annual Grammy Awards.

Personnel: B Real (vocals).

Audio Mixers: Joe Nicolo; Muggs.

Recording information: 38 Fresh and Image Recording, Hollywood, CA; 38 Fresh, Hollywood, CA; Baby Monster, New York, NY; Chung King, New York, NY; Green Street; Image Recording, Hollywood, CA; Soundtrack, New York, NY; Studio 4 Recording, Philadelphia, PA.

Photographer: Anthony Artiaga.

Arranger: Muggs.

Black Sunday made Cypress Hill's connection to rock & roll more explicit, with its heavy metal-like artwork and noisier, more dissonant samples (including, naturally, stoner icons Black Sabbath). It's a slightly darker affair than its groundbreaking predecessor, with the threats of violence more urgent and the pot obsession played to the hilt (after all, it was a crucial part of their widespread appeal). Apart from those subtle distinctions, the sound of Black Sunday is pretty much the same as Cypress Hill, refining the group's innovations into an accessible bid for crossover success. In fact, it's a little startling how often Black Sunday recycles musical ideas and even lyrical catch phrases from the endlessly inventive debut. And the rock-derived, verse-chorus song structures start to sound a little formulaic by the end of the record (how many choruses feature Sen Dog repeating part of whatever B Real just said?). But in spite of that, Black Sunday still sounds vital and lively, since the group has a surer sense of craft. Most of the tracks are fleshed out into structured songs, in contrast to the brief sketches that punctuated Cypress Hill. The album benefits immensely from the resulting clutch of excellent singles (and songs that could have been), and while a couple of tracks feel redundant and underdeveloped, Black Sunday is overall a consistent, engaging listen, especially the flawless first half or so. Unfortunately, it's also the group's last great album, thanks to the musical recycling operation that began here and would handicap much of their subsequent work. ~ Steve Huey

Up to SKULL & BONES, 1993's BLACK SUNDAY had been Cypress Hill's greatest commercial success, and it's no wonder. The album's funky grooves and mellow but danceable rhythms helped to expand Cypress Hill's audience, hooking fans of alternative rock as well as earning Cypress Hill props from hip-hop die-hards.

Fourteen solid grooves make up this album from the West Coast trio, beginning with the dope anthem "I Wanna Get High." "Insane in the Brain" and "I Ain't Goin' Out Like That" are already hip-hop classics, each featuring the signature rolling bass hooks that defined Cypress Hill's sound before the group began experimenting with heavy metal. Deftly culled soul and Latin jazz samples provide a smooth backdrop for the intricate rhythms featured here. Refreshingly intelligent social concerns also find expression, with a tolerance that's rare indeed in the isolationism of rap. BLACK SUNDAY is a delightful departure from the obsession with guns and money that usually taints the West Coast school's output.

Up to SKULL & BONES, 1993's BLACK SUNDAY had been Cypress Hill's greatest commercial success, and it's no wonder. The album's funky grooves and mellow but danceable rhythms helped to expand Cypress Hill's audience, hooking fans of alternative rock as well as earning Cypress Hill props from hip-hop die-hards.

Fourteen solid grooves make up this album from the West Coast trio, beginning with the dope anthem "I Wanna Get High." "Insane in the Brain" and "I Ain't Goin' Out Like That" are already hip-hop classics, each featuring the signature rolling bass hooks that defined Cypress Hill's sound before the group began experimenting with heavy metal. Deftly culled soul and Latin jazz samples provide a smooth backdrop for the intricate rhythms featured here. Refreshingly intelligent social concerns also find expression, with a tolerance that's rare indeed in the isolationism of rap. BLACK SUNDAY is a delightful departure from the obsession with guns and money that usually taints the West Coast school's output.