Skull & Bones

Released in 2000, Skull & Bones is the fifth studio album by Cypress Hill and represents their most explicit embrace of the rap-metal crossover movement. The album is famously divided into two discs: one dedicated to traditional hip-hop and the other to rock-oriented tracks. This structure was a response to their increasing popularity on the rock festival circuit and their influence on the burgeoning nu-metal scene. Produced largely by DJ Muggs, the 'Skull' side maintains the dark, sample-heavy aesthetic of their earlier work, while the 'Bones' side features a live band including members of Fear Factory and SX-10. The lead single '(Rap) Superstar' became a crossover hit, cleverly released alongside a 'Rock Superstar' version to appeal to both audiences. While some critics viewed the genre split as a gimmick, the album solidified Cypress Hill's status as cultural chameleons capable of bridging the gap between the hip-hop and alternative rock communities during a period of intense genre fusion.