Elephants on Acid
One for the hardcore fans only, the hip-hop legends’ ninth studio album is a relentless odyssey into the weird
Hip hop pioneers' new album features plenty of brilliant skits, plus nods to classic rock
Cypress Hill, active since 1988 and best known for their weed-friendly gangsta rap hits from the '90s, could easily rewrite and revisit the ideas that made them famous for the rest of their days and fans would delight in the familiarity. Certainly, Elephants on Acid, Cypress Hill's ninth studio album and first since 2010's Rise Up, is full of their trademarks -- hits from the bong, puffed-up bravado, and ominously creepy flows or sunny stoned soliloquies. Less expected is a creative rebirth from a cartoonish crew that could rest on their past accomplishments and enjoy life as a legacy act. Elephants on Acid is just that, however, a deeply imaginative and risky set of new material from a group of old heads still interested in pushing their craft to new places. The 21-track album is the first collection produced by DJ Muggs since 2004's 'Til Death Do Us Part. Muggs' signature siren squalls and booming bass have morphed into a drifting, psychedelic treasure chest here, with trippy beats meeting multiple instrumental interludes.