After issuing the early rap-rock classic
Black Sunday, Cypress Hill decided to go for the more sedate sounds in the production of
Temples of Boom. This album stands as one of the best examples of psychedelic hip hop ever recorded. Cypress Hill are the rare example of a group that can release album after album of similarly-sounding and lyrically themed records and still be entertaining - kind of like a bong-toking hip hop
AC/DC, except this is fear more mellow than
Back in Black.
Here, Cypress Hill incorporates Middle Eastern music samples and beats that would not be out of place on a trip hop album by, say,
Tricky. Lyrically, it's the same as any other Cypress Hill album - most of the songs are about getting stoned or threatening to *** you up.
Wu-Tang Clan's production genius,
RZA, also allows Muggs a little rest while he takes over the production on "Killa Hill Niggas", in which he and U-God contribute guest vocals.
This album also features the
Ice Cube diss track "No Rest For The Wicked", in which the group claims that Cube's theme for
Friday was a rip-off of "Throw Your Set in The Air" (which appears on this album as well). While this feud was later resolved, and the whole thing was most likely a coincidence than anything, this is one of the best diss tracks ever recorded, even if Ice Cube does happen to be the best rapper alive.
The album is at its most psychedelic on "Spark Another Owl" (not the only track on this album dealing exclusively about geting high) and the spooky "Illusions" and "Boom Biddy Bye Bye". Though not the most lyrically diverse album out there,
Temples of Boom stands high against Cypress Hill's other records. It's a worthy listen, and one of their best efforts.
