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Cypress Hill are telling their story in a graphic novel

The 160-page book will mark the 30th anniversary of their debut album

Cypress Hill are marking the 30th anniversary since the release of their self-titled debut album by releasing a graphic novel telling the story of the legendary hip hop group.

The multi-platinum selling outfit have partnered with Z2 Comics for the graphic novel, which is titled Cypress Hill: Tres Equis.

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The summary of the book states: “1991: XXX years ago, a trailblazing trio made music history blending East Coast hip-hop fundamentals with West Coast chicano swagger to form a sound all their own. Before they became icons, Louis and Senen were just a couple teenage cholos from around the way, trying to stay out of trouble--Until a series of chance encounters with both sides of the law changed their path forever.”

Speaking about the graphic novel, Sen Dog said: “The story of Cypress Hill in a graphic novel is the perfect way to illustrate the time and place where the group was born.”

B Real said: “Art has always been a major influence in our lives and our music. As kids we would read comic books that were full of heroes achieving the impossible. 30 years later, I would have never thought we would get a chance to tell our story this way.”

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The book is co-written by Noah Callahan-Bever and Gabriel Alvarez, and co-illustrated by Felix Ruiz, Jefte Palo, Juan Gedeon, Damion Scott, Angel Hernandez and Paris Alleyne.

Gabriel Alvarez said: “I've always loved Cypress and comic books so them together is like nacho cheese and chips, Cheech reunited with Chong, or tequila mixed with lime. It's been fun re-connecting with Noah and every time I see the Cypress artwork I'm blown away. It's incredible. I can't wait to get my own copy. Thank you Z2 for making a dream come true. And thank you Cypress Hill for making some of the greatest music I've ever heard.”

Hoah Callahan-Bever said: “This is a dream project. Growing up I had two loves: comic books and hip hop music. I've been fortunate to spend the last 25 years working around hip-hop, as a journalist and music executive, but never got the opportunity to realize my dreams of making a comic. So to get to scratch that itch—and to do it in collaboration with,Cypress Hill, one of the greatest rap groups of all time; and Gabriel Alvarez, one of my mentors from ego trip, as well as the all-star line-up of artists that Z2 has assembled—is undeniably a professional grail moment.”

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The graphic novel is 160 pages and due out in August this year. Pre-order it here.

Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Digital Features Editor, follow him on Twitter

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