This past week, the legendary Cypress Hill returned to the UK in an almost homecoming fashion, and passed through the world-famous Brixton Academy. The venue was filled to capacity as expected, and anticipation was rife.

B-Real and Sen Dog appeared on stage first, offering a polite reminder that the Soul Assassins founding members have been in the game since 1991, a fact that was met with a rapturous response. Both B-Real and Sen Dog displayed both the natural and synchronised chemistry that their personal camaraderie suggests. Their years of recording and performing all over the world translates into the live environment brilliantly, and brings their music to life in a tangible and almost mystical manner.

Reaching into their treasure chest of canonical classics, hits and anthems, Cypress set the roof ablaze with 'Insane In The Brain', 'I Wanna Get High', 'Hits From The Bong' and 'Dr. Green Thumb'. Lyrics were delivered perfectly and they couldn't miss a beat even if they tried. B-Real's renowned articulation was intact in all its nasal glory, and Sen Dog's bully foot style was the perfect accompaniment. As the aforementioned song titles suggest, their love of the herbal medication was evident throughout, especially when B-Real was handed a blunt the size of a billy club. His lungs are obviously as durable as his musical catalogue.

Cypress Hill did much more than just put on a sterling performance but they also reinforced why their sound, image and culture remains a staple on an international scale. One look at the audience proved this - backpackers, hip-hop heads, punks and ravers were all in attendance, ready to throw their sets in the air. By the time the closing track 'Rap Superstar' was over, us mere mortals were fatigued and sweaty, but thoroughly thrilled.