Rise Up
by Cypress Hill
  • Record Label: Priority
  • Release Date: Apr 20, 2010
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Boston Globe
    60
    Like the best mashups, it doesn’t sound like it should make sense. That’s why it does.
  2. musicOMH.com
    60
    It delivers what you'd expect, but ambition is unfulfilled and the constant pursuit of seemingly random stylistic tangents reveals a lack of focus.
  3. Rolling Stone
    60
    Sure, 70 million bong hits have rendered B-Real and Sen Dog confused political theorists (complaining about taxes during a recession? What up, Glenn Beck?). But when they write what they know, they strike a nice balance between visions of bong-water Armageddon and Nineties light-'em-up boom-bap.
  5. Q Magazine
    60
    Inevitably, the revolution zeal dissipates, but their crowd-pleasing instincts remian intact. [May 2010, p.117]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. RapReviews.com
    55
    Weed rap is fine, but if Hill is looking to subvert the dominant paradigm, they should probably find a harder drug.
  7. Billboard.com
    55
    Although a love for hydro is Cypress Hill's claim to fame, it's the more substantial tracks on "Rise Up" that smoke the competition.
  8. Drowned In Sound
    50
    It goes without saying that they still possess a die-hard dedication for that certain herb, and if you don’t smoke the reefer you shouldn’t go anywhere near this record; it will leave you colder than Cheech and Chong’s Arctic Adventure
  9. Los Angeles Times
    50
    Unfortunately, the slick, overproduced headbanger music feels anachronistic and wouldn’t seem out of place on a Korn album. While Cypress Hill remains one of the greatest groups of all time, “Rise Up” mostly flops.
  10. Spin
    50
    Rise Up doesn't always meet the occasion, but it's Cypress' most consistently listenable album in 15 years.
  11. PopMatters
    50
    As much as B-Real still seems lively, Sen Dog seems to have smoked himself out of being a rapper. He sounds exhausted and unimaginative all over this record. He doesn’t even appear on all of the tracks. This imbalance, coupled with the array of random producers, causes an inconsistency in the LP’s sound that hurts Rise Up on tracks.
  12. Uncut
    40
    B-Real and Sen Dog's adenoidal cartton raps about beefs and bongs can still raise a smile when matched to a sparse, elastic beat, but the novelty of a Cypress Hill comeback has long since worn off by the 15th track. [May 2010, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. NOW Magazine
    40
    Skip the album purchase and download a few singles.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. ChunkDump
    Dec 23, 2020
    7
    a great mix of hard rock and rap. B Real and Sen Dogg are the duo to pull this project off of course it has its misses with me personally.a great mix of hard rock and rap. B Real and Sen Dogg are the duo to pull this project off of course it has its misses with me personally. favorite track would be "armada latina" 2010 was a weird year for this type of style. give it a listen.… Full Review »
  2. Urbanlistener
    Apr 24, 2015
    7
    While returning to its classic stoner headbanger style, Cypress Hill can't seem to assure a good cohesion between the styles of the album andWhile returning to its classic stoner headbanger style, Cypress Hill can't seem to assure a good cohesion between the styles of the album and assure a decent number of great tracks. While old fans of Cypress Hill might be satisfied by the album, influenced by the band's reputation as a pillar of hip-hop, the album may leave new listeners wondering why.… Full Review »
  3. homeboybonanza
    Aug 21, 2010
    2
    It's over for this band. Nothing to be disappointed about in the least. The band since Temples of Boom has continued to push the envelopeIt's over for this band. Nothing to be disappointed about in the least. The band since Temples of Boom has continued to push the envelope with different sounds but nothing to date has been truly as magical as albums 1 and 3.

    The record? Well, just because your friends or have a similar cultural similarity doesn't mean you should make then guest star on your album. Morello and Everlast tracks are absolute busts which after the anticipation of this album almost make you mad if not flat out wondering if they are using too much product in the studio.

    I'm sure this album will be a fan favorite in any barrio or set in LA but that is where it ends.

    Recommendation - find a producer that will match your talent and push you.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »