An independent collaboration between DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill and Sick Jacken of Psycho Realm/Sick Symphonies, The Legend of the Mask and the Assassin (featuring Cynic), combines Sick Jacken’s unparalleled lyrical skills with the breakthrough production of legend DJ Muggs.
“The idea of this album came from real life itself,” says Sick Jacken, who says the trio wanted to focus on the pulse of the streets instead of producing an album in a corporate tower.
Just like real life, The Legend of the Mask and the Assassin is everlasting – at least that is what DJ Muggs envisions. He cites examples of the Beatles and Led Zeppelin, whose music is still alive despite production generations ago.
“This album ain’t dated. Some kid will pick up this album in 25 years, listen to it and think it’s new,” says Muggs.
One thing Legend is not? It’s not pop culture. Both Jacken and Muggs make it a point to distance themselves from record labels, pointing out that Jimmy Hendrix didn’t have a record label when he made his great music.
While Muggs, Jacken and Cynic may tell you that the album is a classic, Legend also raises awareness about the diversity and range of hip-hop.
“Hip-hop is not just what you hear on the radio,” says Muggs.
“Every one of our albums is a concept record,” says Jacken. “We talk about the streets. We try to put that positive twist on it. We put that knowledge in it.”
The Legend of the Mask and the Assassin is currently available. DJ Muggs will perform with Cypress Hill Oct. 31 at House of Blues Sunset Strip. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/muggsvsjacken.
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