JRE #1285 – B-Real

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features rapper B-Real, delving into his experiences in the cannabis industry, his time in Cypress Hill and Prophets of Rage, and his passion for martial arts and paintball. Provocative topics include the corporate takeover of weed, the hypocrisy of anti-cannabis propaganda, the impact of legalization on the black market, and the enduring influence of Cypress Hill’s unique sound. Underlying themes explore the enduring power of music and activism, the challenges of navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving industry, and the resilience of an individual who has embraced unconventional paths to success.

Podcast Topics:

1. The Cannabis Industry: From Stoners to Activists

• B-Real’s journey from casual stoner to cannabis activist, inspired by figures like Jack Herer.
• The early days of Cypress Hill’s advocacy for weed, even before legalization.
• The corporate invasion of the weed industry and the potential for monopolies.
• The importance of quality control and the dangers of corporations cutting corners.

2. The Hypocrisy of Anti-Cannabis Propaganda

• The contrast between the negative portrayal of weed in the past and its current mainstream acceptance.
• The irony of corporations like Philip Morris and Altria trying to enter the cannabis market after years of opposition.
• The legacy of Jack Herer’s book “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” and its prescient warnings about corporate control.
• The persistence of negative stereotypes about stoners and the reality of cannabis’s impact on individuals.

3. The Culture Clash Between Weed and Corporations

• The clash between the authentic, countercultural roots of weed and the corporate desire for profit.
• B-Real’s skepticism about corporate marketing and its effectiveness in the cannabis space.
• The importance of understanding cannabis culture and its nuances for successful business ventures.
• The potential for corporate exploitation and the need for consumer education.

4. The High Cost of Legalization: Taxes and the Black Market

• The impact of high taxes on the price of cannabis, affecting consumers and cultivators alike.
• The potential for corporations to lobby for lower taxes to improve profit margins.
• The continued existence of the black market due to the cost of legal cannabis.
• The potential for the black market to thrive as corporations drive prices down.

5. The Evolution of Cypress Hill: From Underground to Mainstream

• Cypress Hill’s intention to be an underground group, defying mainstream expectations.
• The unexpected success of songs like “Insane in the Brain” and “Killaman” and their impact on the group’s trajectory.
• The influence of Cypress Hill’s sound on other artists and the legacy of their impact on hip-hop.
• The importance of consistency and hard work in maintaining longevity in the music industry.

6. The Role of Music and Activism in B-Real’s Life

• The evolution of B-Real’s writing style, from poetry to lyrics and journalism.
• Cypress Hill’s use of music to address social issues and raise awareness.
• B-Real’s commitment to using his platform to enlighten and inspire others.
• The influence of artists like KRS-One and Public Enemy on B-Real’s activism and musical style.

7. B-Real’s Unconventional Pursuits: Paintball, Martial Arts, and UFC

• B-Real’s passion for paintball and his competitive involvement, even during his music career.
• B-Real’s dedication to Shotokan karate and its impact on his physical and mental discipline.
• B-Real’s interest in UFC and his admiration for fighters like Lyoto Machida and Wanderlei Silva.
• B-Real’s open exploration of unconventional activities as a way to balance his life and express himself.

8. The Flat Earth Conspiracy: A Deeper Look at Conspiracy Theories

• B-Real’s humorous take on the flat earth theory and its inherent flaws.
• The discussion of the government’s role in promoting misinformation and controlling information.
• The allure of conspiracy theories and the psychology of those who believe them.
• The potential for misinformation to spread rapidly through social media and online platforms.

9. The Evolution of B-Real’s Vocal Style: From Rap to Opera

• The development of B-Real’s distinctive vocal style, influenced by artists like Ramelzee.
• The challenges of performing live with his unique vocal delivery and the need for vocal training.
• B-Real’s work with an opera singer coach and the techniques he learned to enhance his vocal control.
• The importance of vocal technique and its relevance across different musical genres.

10. The Hip-Hop Scene: From Open Mics to Mainstream Success

• The importance of word-of-mouth and endorsements in the early days of hip-hop.
• The challenges faced by Cypress Hill due to their unconventional sound and cannabis focus.
• The role of influential figures like EPMD and Ice Cube in Cypress Hill’s rise to fame.
• The significance of showcases and competitions in launching the careers of emerging artists.

11. The Legacy of Cool G Rap: A Forgotten Hip-Hop Icon

• B-Real’s admiration for Cool G Rap and his unique lyrical style.
• The impact of Cool G Rap’s influence on other artists and his enduring legacy in hip-hop.
• The reasons for Cool G Rap’s limited mainstream success and his choice to remain an underground force.
• The importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision and the potential for underground artists to find success.

12. The Significance of Cypress Hill’s Collaboration with Rage Against The Machine

• Cypress Hill’s friendship with Rage Against The Machine and their mutual influence.
• The impact of Rage Against The Machine’s cover of “Pistol Grip Pump” and its celebration of Cypress Hill’s legacy.
• The collaborative performance of “Pistol Grip Pump” at Rage Against The Machine’s final show.
• The power of collaboration and cross-genre influence in the music industry.

13. The Energy and Intensity of Mosh Pits

• B-Real’s experiences in mosh pits, from Limp Bizkit to Rage Against The Machine.
• The chaos and intensity of mosh pits, both from a participant’s and observer’s perspective.
• The unique phenomenon of the Viking Row and its historical and cultural significance.
• The energy and emotion that mosh pits create, reflecting a collective experience.

14. The Evolution of B-Real’s Relationship with Cannabis

• B-Real’s early experiences with cannabis and its impact on his life and career.
• The changing social perception of cannabis and the increasing acceptance of its use.
• B-Real’s exploration of CBD and its benefits, both personally and professionally.
• The future of cannabis and its potential for a more inclusive and progressive society.

15. The Impact of Mike Tyson’s Cannabis Use on His Fighting Career

• Mike Tyson’s use of cannabis and his belief that it enhances his focus and performance.
• The potential impact of prescription drugs on Tyson’s performance and the importance of finding the right balance.
• Tyson’s belief that cannabis played a role in his victory over Andrew Golota and his focus in that fight.
• The ongoing debate about cannabis and its potential benefits for athletes.

16. The Enduring Legacy of Mike Tyson

• The cultural impact of Mike Tyson and his position as a cultural phenomenon.
• The reasons for Mike Tyson’s dominance and his influence on the heavyweight division.
• The challenges Mike Tyson faced in his personal and professional life and the impact of those experiences.
• The lasting impression of Mike Tyson’s fighting style and his legacy as a boxing legend.

17. Conspiracy Theories in Boxing and Mike Tyson’s Success

• The potential for manipulation and control in the boxing world, influencing fighters’ careers.
• The impact of Don King’s influence on Mike Tyson’s career and his role in Tyson’s downfall.
• The potential for conspiracy theories to explain events in Tyson’s life and career.
• The complexities of power and influence in the world of professional sports.

Memorable Quotes:

• “We were stoners at first. Right? You know, that’s how you start. Like, you know, your friends says, hey, man, try this or you’re the 1 who says try this.” – B-Real acknowledges the common starting point for many cannabis users.
• “You gotta do the diligence on what this business is. You can’t cut corners on the cultivation. You know, you can’t cut corners on quality.” – B-Real emphasizes the importance of quality and ethical practices in the cannabis industry.
• “You can’t bullshit us with marketing and advertising. That shit is not gonna work.” – B-Real expresses his skepticism towards corporate marketing tactics in the cannabis space.
• “The music saved my life. Pretty much.” – B-Real reflects on the transformative power of music and its role in his personal journey.
• “It’s a different kind of education, you know, or wouldn’t it I wouldn’t take it back. Some of the things I would, you know, I definitely regretted while I was doing it for sure.” – B-Real reflects on the complexities of his gang-related past and the lessons he learned.