Watch: Groundbreaking Hip-Hop Group Cypress Hill Performs on NPR's Tiny Desk

Trailblazers in the world of hip-hop, Cypress Hill, composed of B Real, Sen Dog, and producer DJ
Muggs, shattered barriers with their psychedelic sound, transcending regional boundaries and fearlessly tackling mental health issues long before they gained mainstream recognition.

As the first Latino hip-hop group to achieve platinum and multi-platinum status, Cypress Hill also advocated for marijuana legalization when the concept was far from reality.

Recently, the group etched another milestone in its legacy by gracing the stage of NPR's acclaimed Tiny Desk series. Accompanied by touring members Eric Bobo, DJ Lord, and Money Mark from Beastie Boys fame, the band delivered five funky performances infused with the rare addition of a horn section.

During the performance, B Real reflected on the group's journey, stating, "Being here is an honor as we know that many greats have graced this stage. If someone had asked us 30-some-odd years ago when we started, 'Do you see yourself in a situation like this?' I think everyone would’ve said ‘hell no!’"

Cypress Hill's 1993 debut album "Black Sunday" achieved groundbreaking success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making it the first hip-hop album of the year to claim the top spot. The album has sold over four million copies in the United States. In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the group released a deluxe edition featuring remixes of its iconic tracks.

Recent releases include "Back In Black," featuring collaborations with Demrick ("Certified") and Dizzy Wright ("Bye Bye"). Additionally, the group offered fans an intimate glimpse into their career with the Showtime documentary, "Insane in the Brain."

Cypress Hill is currently on a world tour, scheduled to run until December.

Watch the entire performance below.

Tiny Desk Set List:
"When the S*** Goes Down"
"Hand On the Pump"
"How I Could Just Kill a Man"
"(Rap) Superstar"
"Insane in the Brain"

TikTok's Chart-Topping Rapper Superstar Pride Under Investigation for Murder

Photo Courtesy Panola County Sheriff’s Office

Mississippi rapper Superstar Pride, known for his viral TikTok hit "Painting Pictures," has been charged with first-degree murder following a shooting incident. The 21-year-old artist, whose real name is Cadarrius Pride, is currently held without bond at the Panola County Detention Center in connection with the death of 40-year-old Marcus Wheatley.

The tragic incident took place on Wednesday at a residence located on Highway 35 North. Deputies from the Panola County Sheriff's Office responded to a call for service and discovered Marcus Wheatley deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.

As the investigation unfolded, evidence began to point towards Superstar Pride as the primary suspect. Chief Deputy Reginald Lantern was later contacted by Pride's family members, who informed him of Pride's intention to surrender.

At approximately 4:47 p.m. on the same day, Pride turned himself in to Deputy Lantern, and he was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Panola County Detention Center.

Superstar Pride's popular track "Painting Pictures" had achieved notable success by reaching the 25th position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart earlier this year.

As of now, specific details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting have not been released by the authorities. Pride faces a serious charge of First Degree Murder and remains in custody without bond.

King of Soul Music Festival Returns to Pay Tribute to Otis Redding and Recognize Jermaine Dupri's Musical Genius

Photo Courtesy So So Def Recordings

The Otis Redding Foundation is gearing up for the second edition of its annual King of Soul Music Festival, a two-day celebration honoring the legendary "King of Soul" on what would have been his 82nd birthday. The event, set to take place on September 8-9, aims to commemorate Redding's timeless musical legacy while raising vital funds for the Otis Redding Center of the Arts.

Ahead of the event, the foundation announced that it will be honoring So So Def Recordings founder Jermaine Dupri with the Otis & Zelma Redding Award of Respect. Karla Redding-Andrews, vice president, and executive director of the Otis Redding Foundation expressed enthusiasm for this year's festival, particularly in recognizing Dupri with the organization's highest honor.

"We have known JD since he was a young man visiting the Big ‘O’ Ranch with his Dad and are so proud of his remarkable contributions to the music industry as a songwriter, award-winning producer, DJ, CEO of So So Def, and entrepreneur," she said. "He was very close to my brother, Otis III, who passed away in April, and credits him with teaching him to make beats. JD aligns with Otis Redding’s spirit and the Foundation’s mission to inspire and empower young artists.”

For Dupri, the award holds profound significance, as it acknowledges the significant influence of Otis Redding III in shaping his skills in beat-making. In a humble response, Dupri expressed deep gratitude, recognizing the honor as a mutual appreciation between him and the Redding family.

"While I understand the family is honoring me, in my mind, I am also honoring them for all they have allowed me to do, see, and be a part of at a time when they didn't have to," said Dupri.

The festival will commence with "An Evening of Respect" concert at the Macon City Auditorium on September 8, featuring the Orchestra Noir. The performance will not only pay tribute to Otis Redding but also celebrate the rich cultural contributions of African American music pioneers across various genres, including classical, jazz, blues, hip-hop and R&B.

The festivities continue on September 9 with "The Big 'O' Homecoming Show & Dance" at the Capitol Theatre, boasting a diverse lineup of famed artists and musicians. Each act is set to deliver performances that honor the enduring musical legacy of Otis Redding.

Founded in 2007, the Otis Redding Foundation mission is to empower and inspire young individuals through innovative educational programs centered around music, writing and instrumentation. The foundation's annual Otis Music Camp, catered to ages 12-18, and Camp DREAM, designed for children aged 5-11, stand as shining examples of its commitment to nurturing aspiring talent

Redding achieved worldwide acclaim during the 1960s with timeless hits like "Sittin' On The Dock of the Bay" and "Try a Little Tenderness." Though tragically taken from the world in a plane crash in December 1967, his soulful voice and impassioned performances continue to inspire generations of artists.

For more information about the festival, ticket sales, and the Otis Redding Foundation, visit otisreddingfoundation.org.