September 17, 2024 – Steelhouse – Omaha, NE

Tuesday night, September 17, 2024, was unforgettable as the iconic rap group Cypress Hill teamed up with the Omaha Symphony for a stunning musical collaboration. The unique blend of hip-hop and orchestral sounds left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance at Steelhouse in Omaha, Nebraska.

The night kicked off with DJ Shor-T, who treated the crowd to a fantastic lineup of iconic rap tracks. It was the perfect way to set the stage for what was to come. She knew exactly how to get the audience fired up, seamlessly transitioning between songs with skill and flair.

In case you’re unfamiliar, Cypress Hill is a hip-hop group formed in 1988 in South Gate, California. Known for their distinctive sound that blends rap with elements of rock and Latin music, they were one of the first hip-hop groups to achieve mainstream success. The lineup includes B-Real, Sen Dog, Eric Bobo, and DJ Muggs, who has been a key producer for the group.

Their self-titled debut album dropped in 1991, but it was their second album, Black Sunday (1993), that catapulted them to fame, featuring the hit “Insane in the Brain.” Over the years, Cypress Hill has released several successful albums, including Temples of Boom and Rise Up, showcasing their evolution while maintaining their signature style.

They’ve received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations and a Latin Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock, Urban, or Alternative Album for Los Grandes Éxitos en Español in 2010. Known for their advocacy of cannabis culture, they’ve built a passionate fanbase and are celebrated as pioneers in the hip-hop genre, influencing countless artists along the way.  They currently have over 5.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and they aren’t slowing down anytime soon.

This concert with the Omaha Symphony was a wild ride that defied expectations! The pairing of the iconic rap group with a full orchestra created an unforgettable atmosphere, and quite frankly, one that I wasn’t expecting. The stage was bathed in green and purple lights and filled with seating for the orchestra – something you don’t expect at a Cypress Hill show.

From the moment they kicked off the show, you could feel the energy in the room. The symphony added a rich, lush sound to their classic tracks, giving a whole new depth to songs like “Insane in the Brain” and “Hits From the Bong.”  Hearing those iconic beats accompanied by strings and brass was truly something special. The mix of hip-hop and orchestral music felt fresh and innovative, with the musicians feeding off each other’s energy. B-Real and Sen Dog were in top form, delivering their signature flows while interacting with the audience, making everyone feel part of the experience, all while decked out in black three-piece suits!

One of the highlights for me was when they performed “I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That” with the full orchestral arrangement—it literally gave me chills! The combination of the symphony’s powerful sound and Cypress Hill’s gritty energy was a match made in musical heaven. If you ever get the chance to see them collaborate again, don’t miss it; it’s an experience that will stick with you for a long time!  What a fantastic night!

Cypress Hill Setlist:

• I Wanna Get High
• I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That
• Insane in the Brain
• When the Shit Goes Down
• Lick a Shot
• Cock the Hammer
• Interlude
• 3 Lil’ Putos
• Legalize It
• Hits From the Bong
• What Go Around Come Around, Kid
• A to the K
• Hand on the Glock
• Break’em Off Some
• Dr. Greenthumb
• Illusions
• Money
• Cuban Necktie
• How I Could Just Kill a Man
• (Rock) Superstar

DJ Shor-T

Cypress Hill with the Omaha Symphony