The year is 1993. The cold war is over. The world wide web is alive. Traditional music genres are splintering off. The West Coast’s Cypress Hill is helping lead alternative rap with a fresh Latino-American style. Method Man, Ghostface Killah and fam are forging a new East Coast street cred-driven hip hop sound. Traditional rock is giving way to alternative subgenres, with Blur unleashing their brand of indie rock into the international music scene.
Bose x SPIN “Decades of Sound” features three iconic groups who were pivotal in shaping their genre, their message and their sound. We’re honoring their roots, exploring their journeys and celebrating their careers.
See how the power of sound kept these artists working and dreaming in those challenging early days, how it propelled them into global stardom, and how it’s kept them viable and relevant for over 30 years.
- Cypress Hill
- Method Man & Ghostface Killah
- Blur
- Bose
- SPIN
Cypress Hill
Here’s a look at some key moments through the last several decades.
The Birth of Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill releases their self-titled debut album, which includes singles such as “How I Could Just Kill A Man” and “The Phuncky Feel One”, establishing Cypress Hill as pioneers of West Coast hip hop.
First Album Release
Cypress Hill releases their self-titled debut album, which includes singles such as “How I Could Just Kill A Man” and “The Phuncky Feel One”, establishing Cypress Hill as pioneers of West Coast hip hop.
Black Sunday is Released
Cypress Hill releases their second album,Black Sunday, which debuts at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Selling 261,000 copies its first week, this legendary album contained the smash singles “Insane in the Brain” and “I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That”. The album would go triple platinum and sell 3.25 million copies.
Top 10 Milestone
Cypress Hill becomes the first group to have two albums in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 charts at the time. “Insane in the Brain”, becoming the highest recorded Soundscan for a rap group until that time.
SNL Bans Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill is banned from Saturday Night live after DJ Muggs smokes marijuana on-air. At the time, Muggs lighting up during the live broadcast was unfathomable, but according to Cypress Hill member, Sen Dog, “Muggs felt like he needed to make a statement with his performance. It wasn’t just the Saturday Night Live people saying he couldn’t smoke up on air. It was everyone: our record label, our management, our friends. … To me, Muggs wanted to make that statement.”
Bobo Joins Cypress Hill
Percussionist Eric “Bobo” Correa becomes an official full-time member of Cypress Hill.
Historic Woodstock Performance
Cypress Hill becomes one of the first hip hop groups to play at the legendary Woodstock festival in front of a crowd of 500,000 people.
Grammy Nomination for “Insane in the Brain”
“Insane in the Brain” is nominated for Best Rap Performance By A Duo or Group at the 36th Grammy Awards.
Grammy Nomination
“I Ain’t Goin Out Like That” is nominated for Best Rap Performance By A Duo or Group at the 37th Grammy Awards.
Grammy Nomination
“Throw Your Set In The Air” is nominated for Best Rap Performance By A Duo or Group at the 38th Grammy Awards.
Band Members Briefly Go Solo
The band takes a break to focus on their solo careers Sen Dog forms the LA based punk-rap band SX-10. DJ Muggs releases – “Muggs Presents … the Soul Assassins”, an album featuring hip hop legends Dr. Dre, KRS-One, Wyclef Jean, Mobb Deep and more. B-Real appears on the multi-platinum track “Hit Em High” featured on the 1996 Space Jam Soundtrack.
Cypress Hill is Back Together &IV Album Release
Cypress Hill releases the albumIV, which would go gold in the U.S. behind the singles “Tequila Sunrise” and “Dr. Greenthumb”, reaching #11 on the Billboard 200 and R&B charts. This critically acclaimed album flirted with an alternative rock crossover with collaborations with Sonic Youth and Pearl Jam.
Skull & Bones is Released
Having been in hip hop for over a decade, Cypress Hill still found ways to change the game. With the release of their fifth studio albumSkull & Bones, a double-disc set which featured a disc of hip-hop and a disc of rock-inspired tracks, the album reached #5 on the Billboard charts. The single “Superstar” got both a rap and rock treatment, which helped cement Cypress Hill’s journey for credibility and crossover.
Cypress Hill on Rock The Bells Tour
Cypress Hill headlines the 2007 Rock The Bells tour with hip hop legends Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, and Rage Against the Machine.
Rise Up Album Release
Back with their first studio release in six years, Cypress Hill releasesRise Up, their eighth studio album. The self-titled single was co-written and co-produced by Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello.
Cypress Hill on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Cypress Hill becomes the first hip hop group to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Cypress Hill Today
Over their thirty year career, Cypress Hill has released ten studio albums, garnered three Grammy nominations, sold over 18 million records worldwide, and became the first Latino-American hip-hop group to achieve both platinum and multi-platinum success.
Method Man & Ghostface Killah
Here’s a look at some key moments through the last several decades.
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) Is Released
The Wu-Tang Clan releases their debut album,Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) on November 9, 1993, which becomes an instant classic and is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Ghostface Killah makes his debut on the album under the name “Tony Starks,” with several standout verses.
Tical Released
Method Man releases his debut solo album,Tical, on November 15, which is a commercial and critical success and is certified platinum in the United States.
Ironman Released
Ghostface Killah debuts his solo album,Ironman. On this album, Ghostface immerses listeners into a New York underworld. With razor-sharp lyricism and a commanding flow, Ghostface paints vivid pictures of his surroundings, pulling listeners into a world of danger, intrigue, and survival. This album would go on to be a commercial success and is certified platinum in the United States.
Grammy Win
Method Man wins a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for his collaboration with Mary J. Blige on the song “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By.”
Tical 2000: Judgment Day Released
With a star-studded lineup of collaborators, including the dynamic Redman, the incomparable Chris Rock, and the legendary Mobb Deep,Tical 2000: Judgement Day, is a true masterpiece that showcases Method Man’s exceptional range and versatility as a rapper.
Hard Knock Life Tour
Method Man and Redman join Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, and others on one of the biggest and most legendary hip hop tours of all time, the Hard Knock Life Tour. This groundbreaking tour not only showcases the incredible talent and artistry of these rap legends but also serves as a powerful reminder that hip-hop is not about violence, but rather the transformative power of music to bring people together.
Duo AlbumBlackout! By Redman and Method Man Is Released
Method Man and Redman release their first collaborative album,Blackout!, on September 19, which is a commercial and critical success and is certified platinum in the United States. The smash single “Da Rockwilder” reaches #32 on the Billboard charts.
Supreme Clientele Released
On February 8th, Ghostface Killah releases his second solo album,Supreme Clientele. Not only was it widely regarded as a masterpiece, but it also achieved gold certification in the United States.
Bulletproof Wallets Released
Bulletproof Wallets is the third studio album by Ghostface Killah, released on November 13, 2001, on Epic Records. The album features collaborations with several notable artists, including Raekwon, Method Man, and Slick Rick. The album is considered to be one of Ghostface Killah’s strongest works and a classic in the realm of East Coast hip-hop.
The Pretty Toney Album Released
Ghostface Killah unleashes his fourth solo masterpiece,The Pretty Toney Album. This album boasts an array of incredible tracks, including the chart-topping hit single “Tush,” which features Missy Elliott.
Tical 0: The Prequel Released
Method Man releases his third solo album,Tical 0: The Prequel, on May 18, featuring collaborations with several notable artists, including Ghostface Killah, Missy Elliott, Redman, Busta Rhymes, and more.
Fishscale Released
Ghostface Killah’s fifth solo album,Fishscale, sets the hip-hop world on fire with its powerful lyricism, infectious beats, and raw emotion. It quickly garners widespread critical acclaim and cements its place as one of Ghostface’s most highly regarded works to date.
Wu-Massacre Released
Ghostface teams up with Method Man and Raekwon for the highly-anticipated albumWu-Massacre, which dropped on March 30, 2010. With tracks like “Our Dreams” and “Miranda,”Wu-Massacre reinforces the essence of East Coast hip-hop for the time.
The Meth Lab Released
Method Man releases the collaborative albumThe Meth Lab on August 21, which features collaborations with several notable artists, including Redman, Raekwon, and Hanz On. Method Man’s trademark style shines through on every track.The Meth Lab is yet another testament to Method Man’s enduring talent and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of hip-hop.
36 Seasons Released
36 Seasons is a true testament to Ghostface Killah’s creativity and versatility, featuring unforgettable collaborations with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, such as Kool G Rap, Pharoahe Monch, and AZ.
Today
Method Man and Ghostface Killah remain two of the most influential figures in hip-hop today, as writers, producers and performers.
Blur
Here’s a look at some key moments through the last several decades.
Blur Formed
Blur play their first show, at The East Anglia Railway Museum, with Damon Albarn on vocals and keyboards, Graham Coxon on guitar, Alex James on bass, and drummer Dave Rowntree.
Leisure Released
Blur’s debut album,Leisure, makes Blur one of the most exciting new bands of the early 90s.
Modern Life is Rubbish Released
Blur’s second album,Modern Life is Rubbish, is a turning point for the band. It taps into Britishness, traditional suburban life and is influenced by bands such as The Kinks and The Jam.
Parklife Released
With the release of their third album,Parklife, Blur reaches unprecedented success, solidifying their place in the annals of British music. The album marks a departure from their earlier work, and incorporating elements of pop with style and wit to produce an energetic and joyous sound.
The Great Escape
Blur releasesThe Great Escape, featuring memorable tracks such as “Country House” and “The Universal.” The album showcases Blur’s unique blend of fun, bravery, and heartbreak with pop hooks.
Blur
Blur’s self-titled fifth album,Blur, showcases the band’s versatility and musical growth. Incorporating elements of lo-fi sonic experimentation, the album occupies a new sonic territory and departure from the sound that had defined the band’s earlier work.
13 Released
13, Blur’s sixth studio album, sees the band take a bold and experimental new direction, incorporating electronic elements and a more introspective, melancholy tone. The album showcases the band’s versatility and artistic range, with highlights including the ballad “Tender” and the atmospheric and haunting “No Distance Left to Run.”
Think Tank Released
Blur’s seventh album,Think Tank, is a ‘loose concept album about love and politics’ and the only record made without guitarist Graham Coxon. The album sees the remaining members of Blur – Damon Albarn, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree – experimenting with new sounds and styles, incorporating elements of electronic, world music, and hip-hop.
Hiatus
Following a period of intense activity, Blur announces a hiatus, allowing the band members to pursue their own creative endeavors. During this time, frontman Damon Albarn turns his attention to his new project, Gorillaz, a virtual band that combines music, art, and technology in a ground-breaking and innovative way. Graham Coxon continues making solo albums, Alex James writes his memoirs and hosts a music festival at his Oxfordshire farm and Dave Rowntree balances law, politics and music.
Reunited
After a period of hiatus, Blur delights fans by reuniting for a series of eagerly anticipated concerts in London’s Hyde Park and Glastonbury Festival The band’s live performances are hailed for their energy, musicianship, and electrifying atmosphere, with fans and critics alike praising the band’s ability to capture the spirit and vitality of their classic recordings.
The Magic Whip Released
Blur returns withThe Magic Whip, their first album together in 12 years, marking a triumphant and eagerly awaited return to the forefront of the music scene. Recorded in Hong Kong during an unexpected week-long break in touring, the album showcases the band’s enduring creativity and musicality, blending elements of their classic sound with new and innovative textures and arrangements.
Today
With a career spanning over three decades, Blur’s legacy continues to captivate and inspire fans and musicians alike around the world. The band’s iconic status was reaffirmed in 2019, when they sold out London’s Wembley Stadium in a matter of minutes, adding a second date and demonstrating their enduring popularity and cultural relevance. Blur remains a vibrant band today, with shows throughout Europe and Asia, including a first-ever sold out show at Wembley Stadium.
Bose
Here’s a look at some key moments through the last several decades.
Quest for Noise Cancelling Technology Begins
On a transatlantic flight aboard Swiss Air, Dr. Bose is disappointed by how the sound produced by the then-new electronic headphones he’s been given is marred by airplane noise. He conceives the mathematics for noise cancelling headphones before the flight touches down hours later.
Prototype Noise Cancelling Headphones Make Historic Flight
Though Bose active noise-reducing headsets are still in development, the company makes two prototypes available to preserve the hearing of pilots Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager on their record-breaking, non-stop, around-the-world Voyager flight.
First Commercial Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headset
Bose revolutionizes flying for pilots by introducing a headset that provides effective noise reduction and communication, as well as comfort.
BOSE Wave Redefines Radio
Bose patented acoustic waveguide speaker technology is re-introduced in a small tabletop music system. It redefines the concept of a radio by delivering rich, deep sound not previously heard from such a small unit. Though at $349 (it costs nearly ten times the price of an ordinary clock radio), the Wave® radio goes on to become a product beloved by owners, and a huge commercial success.
A Breakthrough In Sound Predictions
Bose announces a new technology and tool that allows acoustical engineers and their clients to hear the sound a listener will experience in any particular seat in a venue – before the building is built or any sound equipment is installed. Over the years to come, the Auditioner® Audio Demonstrator is used on thousands of projects throughout the world, including sound systems at the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome, the Grand Mosque in Mecca, and at Olympic and World Cup venues.
Aviation Headsets Get Smaller, Lighter Better
The new Aviation Headset X® with innovative TriPort® technology improves pilot comfort while providing a level of noise reduction that’s comparable to the larger, heavier Bose® models that had first established the Active Noise Reduction category. The Aviation Headset X will go on to dominate the category, with Bose being voted as the No. 1 headset manufacturer for nine consecutive years in the Professional Pilot Magazine survey.
QC 1 Released
In 2000, Bose introduces the QuietComfort (QC) 1, its first noise-cancelling headphones. Building on the success of Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headset technology, the QuietComfort® headphones forever change air travel for passengers by drastically reducing noise and providing better in-flight entertainment sound quality than ever before.
An Entirely New Way To Amplify Live Music
By replacing conventional PA, floor monitors and backline amps, the Bose® L1® system creates a breakthrough in live music amplification. It relies on the unusual properties of a special loudspeaker, 7 feet tall and only 5 inches wide, which is placed behind each individual musician.
New Standard In Noise Cancelling Headphones
Already the market leader in noise cancelling headphones, Bose introduces the QuietComfort® 15 headphones, a major advancement in noise cancelling technology. The product quickly becomes the gold standard for frequent flyers and becomes a major commercial success.
A New Standard In Mobile Sound
The SoundLink® Wireless Mobile speaker wirelessly connects to a smartphone or other Bluetooth® enabled device, so music can be shared out loud almost anywhere. It delivers an unprecedented combination of performance, mobility and durability.
Another Breakthrough In Noise Cancelling Headphones
The QuietComfort® 20 headphones are the first in-ear noise cancelling headphones from Bose that deliver a stunning breakthrough in noise reduction, audio performance and comfort, and offer two ways to listen – one to shut out the world, and one to keep you connected. The company has been granted more patents for this product than for any other in its history.
Revolutionizing Wi-Fi Music, Listening At Home
SoundTouch™ Wi-Fi music systems bring lifelike sound to every room in the home. Users can now stream music wirelessly from the Internet, music libraries and other music services, at the simple touch of a button.
Soundlink Mini Takes Off
The ultra-compact SoundLink® Mini Bluetooth® speaker fits in the palm of your hand, connects wirelessly to a smart device or tablet and delivers a new level of performance for personal, out-loud listening. It quickly becomes the fastest-selling product in Bose® history.
Shhh gets smaller. We Introduce Our QuietComfort Earbuds
All the quiet of our best-in-class QuietComfort® noise cancelling headphones in a sleek, truly wireless earbud. The QuietComfort® Earbuds deliver big audio quality in a compact, comfortable design, and offer 11 levels of noise control so you can choose how much of the world to let in.
We Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop
With this year marking the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop, Bose celebrates the incredible impact that hip hop artists around the world have made over the last five decades. Bose looks forward to continuing to elevate the listening experience for those artists’ music, as well as those who will carry hip hop into the future.
SPIN
Here’s a look at some key moments through the last several decades.
First Issue of SPIN
SPIN makes an indelible mark on the world of music journalism with the release of its first-ever issue, featuring Madonna as its inaugural cover artist. This groundbreaking moment signaled the arrival of a new era in music and pop culture discovery.
At The Forefront
Throughout the 1990s, SPIN remained at the forefront of music journalism, providing unparalleled coverage of pivotal cultural moments that shaped the decade. From the seismic impact of grunge music to the meteoric rise of hip-hop, SPIN’s insightful reporting and analysis captured the pulse of the music industry and helped to define the era.
Discovering Sinead O’Conner
Founder Bob Guccione Jr. discovers the Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O’Connor after digging through discarded tape demos, rescuing O’Connor’s music from obscurity and recognizing her potential as a truly exceptional artist.
Miles Davis’ Final Interview
SPIN conducts the final interview with the legendary musician Miles Davis, mere months before his untimely passing in 1991.
Nirvana’s First Cover
SPIN Magazine makes history when it features the legendary band Nirvana on its cover, becoming the first national publication to do so.
Cypress Hill’s Black Sunday
SPIN unveils its 1993 article covering Cypress Hill’s groundbreaking LP Black Sunday. This iconic album, which cemented the group’s position as one of the most influential and trailblazing forces in hip-hop history, was noted for its unique fusion of hip hop, heavy metal, funk, and Latin American influences. “…the Cypress Hill sound has infiltrated hip hop with a viral insistence,” notes SPIN writer, Colson Whitehead.
SPIN’s Blur Article, “Tales From The Parkside”
“Not since England won the World Cup, not since Michael Caine, Jean Shrimpton, and David Bailey ate whelks in Carnaby Street, not since Lady Diana lowered her eyes and whispered “I do,” has there been such an outpouring of chest-beating, flag-waving, and unashamed patriotism in Britain”, writes SPIN editor Jonathan Bernstein in SPIN’s 1994 feature article on Blur’s third album Parklife.
Method Man Feature by Chris Norris
SPIN’s 1998 interview with Method Man takes readers on an exclusive behind-the-scenes journey into the making of the seminal film “Belly”. From chilling in the trailers with Nas to cruising around in set-borrowed police cars and pulling over unsuspecting citizens, SPIN’s coverage of Method Man offers a rare glimpse into the creative process behind this iconic movie.
Rock The Bells Tour
2007 was a huge year for hip hop as it marked the second year of the Rock The Bells Tour. Ghostface, Method Man, and their fellow Wu-Tang brethren all graced the stage as SPIN provided an up-close and personal look at the second edition of Rock The Bells, delving into the behind-the-scenes action, exploring the impact of the festival on the hip hop community, and providing in-depth analysis of the musical performances that electrified audiences night after night.
SPIN’s Final Printed Issue
Amidst the shifting landscape of modern journalism, SPIN discontinues its print edition, releasing the final printed issue in October 2012. With this bold move, SPIN fully embraces the digital age, positioning it as a trailblazer in online music and culture reporting.
SPIN Today
Today, SPIN remains committed to covering an array of genres and cultural topics, focusing on emerging artists and up-and-coming scenes, as well as mainstream artists who continue to break new ground.
Behind the Scenes
On The Social Front
Just dropped my@bose x@spinmag’s#DecadesOfSound
— methodman (@methodman)June 1, 2023
🔥 We talked about the 30 year anniversary of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).pic.twitter.com/iXgInfGB31
Decades Playlists
- 30 Years of Brit Rock
- 30 Years of East Coast Hip-Hop
- 30 Years of West Coast Hip-Hop