B‐Real

Early Life

Born Louis Mario Freese in Los Angeles, B-Real moved with his mother and sister to South Gate at the age of five, later residing in Bell, California. He dropped out of Bell High School, where he befriended future Cypress Hill members Sen Dog and Mellow Man Ace. At 17, he survived a gang-related shooting that punctured his lung. B-Real married his long-time girlfriend in August 2008, and they have a daughter born in 2010, alongside an adult son from a previous relationship. He is also related to professional boxer Michael Carbajal.

Musical Career

B-Real is best known as one of the lead rappers of the influential hip-hop group Cypress Hill, formed in 1991 alongside Sen Dog. After being introduced to DJ Muggs, the group signed with Ruffhouse/Columbia Records and released their self-titled debut album, which sold over 2 million copies. B-Real developed a distinctive high-pitched, nasal rap style, inspired by hip hop pioneer Rammellzee, which garnered positive feedback and became a hallmark of his music. Cypress Hill's follow-up album, "Black Sunday," debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and sold 3.4 million copies, making them the first Latino rap group to achieve such success. B-Real has also been involved in various projects, including the rap metal band Kush and the supergroups Serial Killers and Prophets of Rage, while releasing solo albums like "Smoke N Mirrors" and "Tell You Something."