JRE 1285 · April 24, 2019
B-Real
Who is B-Real?
B-Real is a rapper and actor best known as the lead vocalist of the legendary hip-hop group Cypress Hill, one of the most influential Latin-American rap acts in history. He also serves as one of two rappers in the rap rock supergroup Prophets of Rage, blending hard rock with politically charged hip-hop. Beyond music, B-Real hosts 'The Smoke Box,' a popular show on his platform BReal.tv and YouTube.
Topics and Timestamps
- 01B-Real discusses his career with Cypress Hill and the group's lasting impact on hip-hop culture
- 02He talks about Prophets of Rage and the political messaging embedded in their music
- 03B-Real shares insights about his experience as a Latin-American artist breaking through in mainstream rap
- 04Discussion of his show 'The Smoke Box' and his digital media platform BReal.tv
- 05B-Real reflects on the evolution of hip-hop and underground rap scenes
- 06He discusses his acting work and ventures beyond the music industry
- ▶B-Real's background and the origins of Cypress Hill0:05:00
- ▶Breaking through as a Latin-American rapper in the industry0:20:00
- ▶Cypress Hill's most iconic tracks and creative process0:45:00
- ▶Prophets of Rage and political messaging in music1:10:00
- ▶The Smoke Box platform and digital media ventures1:45:00
The Show
B-Real sits down with Joe to talk about his incredible journey from the underground rap scene to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in hip-hop. As the founder and lead rapper of Cypress Hill, B-Real helped pioneer a unique sound that blended traditional hip-hop with Latin influences, creating a cultural phenomenon that resonated across racial and geographic boundaries. The conversation naturally flows into his work with Prophets of Rage, where he teams up with members of Rage Against the Machine to deliver politically charged music that tackles systemic issues and social injustice.
Throughout the episode, B-Real talks candidly about what it took to break through as a Latin-American rapper at a time when the industry wasn't particularly welcoming to diverse voices. He discusses the creative process behind Cypress Hill's most iconic tracks and the various challenges and triumphs the group experienced over decades of touring and recording. The talk also covers his transition into acting and how that's complemented his music career rather than competed with it.
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on B-Real's digital media venture, 'The Smoke Box,' which has become a popular platform for authentic conversations and entertainment. He explains his vision for creating content on his own terms through BReal.tv and how the digital landscape has changed the way artists can connect directly with their audience without traditional gatekeepers. B-Real shares his perspective on the current state of the music industry, how streaming has altered artist compensation, and his thoughts on maintaining artistic integrity in a commercialized world.
The episode captures B-Real in reflective mode, discussing his legacy while remaining engaged with current events and contemporary issues. He's candid about his influences, his creative process, and what keeps him motivated after decades in the game. Joe and B-Real explore the intersection of entertainment and activism, and how artists have a responsibility to use their platform for something meaningful beyond just entertainment value.
Best Quotes
“We wanted to bring something different, something that represented where we came from”
— B-Real
From the JRE 1285 conversation with B-Real.
“The music industry wasn't ready for what we had to offer at first”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1285 conversation with B-Real.
“Prophets of Rage is about using our platform to speak truth to power”
— B-Real
From the JRE 1285 conversation with B-Real.
“The Smoke Box is about having real conversations without corporate interference”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1285 conversation with B-Real.
“Hip-hop has always been a voice for the voiceless”
— B-Real
From the JRE 1285 conversation with B-Real.
