B-REAL Biography

Fast Facts

• Born to a father of Cuban descent and an Italian mother
• Quote: "Back then we were trying to do our music without letting our Latin background be the main factor․ Back in the day, when you were labeled a Latino rapper, the record companies would only market you to a Latin fan-base which didn't exist yet․"
• Quote: "Growing up on the West coast, there were very few rappers that were big․ There was stuff from the East coast that we had no idea existed and that, in turn, inspired us to do our thing․"
• Quote: "Hip hop went on to have a great run in California․ I just wish that the scene today was as vivid and strong as it was back then․"
• Quote: "The fact that we were able to achieve what we achieved, showed a whole generation behind us how you could have success without being labeled as just one thing․"
• Best known for his work with Cypress Hill, the group signed to their first major record label in 1991
• Former collaborations include tracks with members of Kush, Fear Factory and The Psycho Realm, among others
• Dropped out of high school after joining a group affiliated with the Bloods gang, but eventually left this lifestyle after being shot in the lung at 18-years-old