Sen Dog’s Musical Journey: From High School Inspiration to Thrash Metal Collaboration
The Early Days: Sen Dog’s First Concert Experience
Sen Dog, a founding member of the iconic hip hop group Cypress Hill, embarked on his musical journey during his high school years. This formative period was marked by a memorable experience that would shape his artistic path: attending his first concert featuring future members of the legendary thrash metal band Slayer.
A Lunchtime Performance at South Gate High School
While attending South Gate High School in South Gate, California, Sen Dog witnessed a remarkable performance by future Slayer members during lunchtime. Among them was Dave Lombardo, who would go on to become the band’s renowned drummer.
“It was the wildest stuff I had ever seen in my life. And people were loving it,” Sen Dog recalled in a 2009 interview with Australia’s “V Music.”
Inspiration from a Thrash Metal Icon
As fate would have it, Lombardo became a significant source of inspiration for Sen Dog and his peers in Cypress Hill. The drummer frequently passed by Sen Dog’s house while visiting his girlfriend in the neighborhood.
“We would be in front of my mom’s house, hitting beats on trash can lids and rhyming,” Sen Dog shared. “And (Lombardo) would come down and tell us, ‘Hey, you guys sound good. Keep it up.’ This guy’s band was already happenin, and, you know, this guy likes our stuff. That inspired us to keep going.”
A Lasting Bond: The Friendship Between Lombardo and Sen Dog
The friendship between Dave Lombardo and Sen Dog has endured for over four decades, with their families having been close even before their musical paths intertwined.
Childhood Connections and Lifelong Support
Sharing the Stage: A Historic Collaboration
After nearly 40 years of friendship, the two musicians finally shared the stage during a Cypress Hill concert in May 2025 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Sen Dog invited Lombardo to join the band on drums for a rendition of “Rock Superstar.”
Lombardo’s enthusiasm was palpable as he played, sporting a huge smile while behind the kit. The performance culminated in an exhilarating mashup of Cypress Hill’s hit with Slayer’s “Angel of Death,” showcasing the seamless blend of their musical worlds.
Conclusion
Sen Dog’s journey from a high school student inspired by thrash metal to a founding member of Cypress Hill exemplifies the interconnectedness of musical genres. The enduring friendship between Sen Dog and Dave Lombardo not only illustrates the power of mentorship and encouragement but also highlights the potential for collaboration across different musical realms. Their recent performance together serves as a testament to their shared history and the harmonious fusion of hip hop and metal.
FAQs
1. Who is Sen Dog?
Sen Dog is a founding member of the hip hop group Cypress Hill, known for his distinctive vocal style and contributions to the genre.
2. What was Sen Dog’s first concert experience?
Sen Dog’s first concert experience was witnessing a performance by future Slayer members during lunchtime at South Gate High School.
3. How has Dave Lombardo influenced Sen Dog’s music career?
Dave Lombardo encouraged Sen Dog and his friends during their early music endeavors, inspiring them to pursue their passion for music.
4. When did Sen Dog and Dave Lombardo perform together?
Sen Dog and Dave Lombardo performed together for the first time during a Cypress Hill concert in May 2025.
