Cypress Hill is one of my favourite hip-hop groups, and consistently produce great records. This one is no exception, and may well be the best.

But why oh why are lyrics not included in the sleeve notes, especially for music that is basically about lyrics? I’ll never know. In more recent years hip-hop has become music to dance to, as well as listen to. Cypress Hill prove here to have their fingers on the pulse but have also come up with music which provides both originality and distinction in a market that’s looking tired, and increasingly utilising R&B to find more sales. The album opens with an extended silence before Another Body Drops begins its dark instrumental passage. Killer beats, string orchestration and fabulous vocals move the song along at middle-pace with devastating effect. It’s a stunning opening barrage and the finest hip-hop song I’ve heard this year. The next track, Till Death Comes opens with flashes of bass strings and piano as the song creeps along at slow, threatening pace. The vocals are superb as the piano notes rings out its relentless repeat notes. Shit, this is good! Latin Thugs, not surprisingly, offers a distinctly Latin, rolling beat accompanied by more thrilling lead vocals and some tremendous harmonies. With brass instrumentation added for flavour, it’s another superb song.

Ganja Bus introduces a jagged reggae vibe that is irresistible and adds to the diversity of pace and mood of the album. Busted In The Hood adds a humorous flavour to the mix while sustaining a more traditional hip-hop vibe, and the great songs just keep coming. Every track here is bang on the nail with more than enough melody and diversity to keep fans happy. Cypress Hill has really thrown out the gauntlet with this album, and it’s one that other hip-hop stars will find hard to challenge. If you buy one hip-hop album in 2004, make it this one. Essential.

4.5/5