Cypress Hill & Atmosphere: Dank Daze of Summer Tour

Three decades ago, B-Real, Sen Dog, and DJ Muggs sparked a trip that left popular culture stoned, stunned, and staggering in anticipation for more. Naming themselves after a local street in Los Angeles, Cypress Hill burst on the scene in 1991 with the release of their self-titled debut album. The singles “How I Could Just K*ll a Man” and “The Phuncky Feel One” became underground hits, and the group’s public pro-marijuana stance earned them many fans among the alternative rock community. Cypress Hill followed their debut with Black Sunday in the summer of 1993, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200, garnered three GRAMMY® Award nominations, and went triple platinum in the U.S. As a result, Cypress Hill became the first rap group to have two albums in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 charts at the same time and are the first Latino-American hip-hop group to achieve platinum and multi-platinum success. Since the release of Black Sunday, Cypress Hill have put out seven more albums including 2018’s critically acclaimed, Elephants on Acid. Cypress Hill made history once again in 2019 when the group was honored with their very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2021, Cypress Hill released “Champion Sound.” Produced by Black Milk, the single appears on the soundtrack of R.B.I Baseball 21 and is also the featured song for the band’s partnership with Montejo Cerveza. 2021 also saw Cypress Hill celebrate the 30th anniversary of their self-titled debut this year with a SONY reissue on vinyl, 7-inch box set, a reissue across all DSP’s that includes eight unreleased tracks, as well as a graphic novel and their very own STANCE sock. Cypress Hill continue to be busier than ever in 2022. On March 18, 2002, the band released Back In Black to critical acclaim. In their review of the album, Kerrang declared it “solidifies their status as a collective still expanding upon their legacy.” On April 20, 2022 Cypress Hill released their “Insane in the Brain” documentary, which is part of Mass Appeal’s “Hip Hop 50” franchise in partnership with Showtime. Upon its release, the New York Times said the documentary was “an often-engaging chronicle of the group”, while Variety declared “the Cypress Hill documentary should put into perspective their pervasive influence and groundbreaking, Latin-tinged hip-hop crossed with booming metallic rock.” On July 10, 2024, Cypress Hill once again made pop culture history performing a historic show with the London Symphony at the Royal Albert Hall. Initially predicted by an episode of The Simpsons 28 years prior, the collaboration was brought to life in a sold-out, one-night-only event that showcased their revered Black Sunday album with an unforgettable classical crossover. Hailed by several publications as a piece of "hip hop history," Louder Sound noted that the group "sets a whole new standard for crossover."
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For over two decades, Atmosphere has maintained a course of rigorous output, releasing over two dozen studio albums, EP's and collaborative side projects in as many years. In that time, the venerated duo have built a legacy out of bringing honesty, humility and vulnerability to the forefront of their music, continually challenging themselves to evolve without straying too far from their roots. Slug has proven masterful at storytelling and writing compelling narratives, leaving a trail of his own influence while paying homage to the rappers and songwriters that helped shape him. Ant has skillfully molded the soundtracks with inspiration from soul, funk, rock, reggae, and the wizardry of hip-hop's pioneering DJ's and producers, creating his own trademark sounds while providing the pulse for songs about life, love, stress and setbacks. At its essence, Atmosphere has been a musical shepherd, and with each new album comes a new journey as they guide generations of listeners through this thing called life.
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Lupe Fiasco is a Grammy Award-winning rapper, songwriter, producer, and visionary whose impact on hip-hop goes far beyond the music. Born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, Lupe emerged onto the scene in 2006 with his critically acclaimed debut album, "Food & Liquor," which earned him multiple Grammy nominations and quickly established him as one of hip-hop’s most distinct voices. Known for his intricate lyricism, complex storytelling, and socially conscious themes, Lupe has consistently used his platform to tackle issues ranging from systemic racism to political corruption and social justice.

Following the success of his debut, Lupe released "The Cool", further cementing his reputation as a forward-thinking artist unafraid to push the boundaries of the genre. Hits like "Superstar" and "Daydreamin'" (which won a Grammy) elevated him to mainstream success, but Lupe has always maintained a unique, uncompromising artistic vision. Over the years, albums like "Tetsuo & Youth" and "DROGAS Wave" have continued to explore deep, conceptual themes, showcasing his mastery of narrative-driven hip-hop.

In addition to his music, Lupe has pursued intellectual endeavors, including time spent as a visiting scholar at prestigious institutions like MIT and Yale University, where he shared his insights on hip-hop, culture, and societal issues with academic audiences. His deep passion for philosophy, technology, and education has made him a sought-after voice beyond the world of music.

Lupe’s forward-thinking approach also led him to collaborate with Google on the groundbreaking project TextFX, an AI-driven tool designed to help artists, songwriters, and creators explore the creative potential of language. This collaboration earned Lupe three Webby Awards, further showcasing his innovation in merging technology and art.

As an artist, activist, and innovator, Lupe Fiasco continues to evolve, challenging conventions and inspiring new generations of listeners. His most recent album, "Samurai," is a reflection of his ongoing commitment to storytelling and social commentary, blending the ancient philosophy of the samurai with modern-day urban experiences and hip-hop culture. Throughout his career, Lupe has remained a powerful voice for change, using both his art and his intellect to make an indelible impact on the world.
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The Pharcyde formed in 1989, from South Central Los Angeles. The original four members of the group are Imani, Slimkid3, Bootie Brown and Fatlip. DJ Mark Luv was the group’s first DJ, followed by producer J-Swift and then J Dilla. The group is perhaps best known for the hit singles “Drop”, “Passin’ Me By” and “Runnin’”, as well as their first album, Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde (1992). The group continues to tour and record, both collaboratively and in solo projects.
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Host or Publisher Westville Music Bowl