Cypress Hill adopt the modus operandi of a secret society of bong-hitting hedonists intent on scrambling brains like eggs on drugs (or something like that) on an album that sees the return to top form. Now something of an institution, the group consolidate their largely white audience of metal kids, with a record that effortlessly mines the sport metal/hip-hop crossover on "Rock Superstar" (courtesy of Sen Dog who sneaks back on board with his funk metal group in tow). Think Puffy's skip hop rip of "Kashmir", but with head-banging balls. Rock theatrics aside, Muggs' hip-hop production is as edgy as ever. Check the chilling threat of "Cuban Necktie" which pulls out strings that tether the listener like a lariat. "Rap Superstar" is no-punches-pulled expose of the shady side of the music business. A tale of backstabbers, dollar bills and a healthy dose of paranoia narrated documentary style by Eminem and Noreaga. The high life goes helter skelter. --Chris Campion
