Hit 'em High (The Monstar's Anthem)
Cypress Hill
The Monstars' Anthem: A Battle Cry of Dominance and Power
“Hit 'em High (The Monstar's Anthem)” by Cypress Hill is a powerful and aggressive anthem that captures the essence of dominance, competition, and unyielding confidence. The song, featured in the 1996 film *Space Jam*, is performed by a supergroup of hip-hop artists including B-Real, Coolio, Method Man, LL Cool J, and Busta Rhymes. Each artist brings their unique style to the track, creating a dynamic and energetic piece that embodies the Monstars' intimidating presence on the basketball court.
The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors that emphasize the Monstars' superiority and relentless drive to conquer. B-Real's verse sets the tone with lines like “Goin' straight through the hole / You ain't got no game,” illustrating the Monstars' unstoppable force. Coolio continues this theme with “Inch by inch and step by step / I'm closing in on your position and destruction is my mission,” highlighting the meticulous and calculated approach to their domination.
Method Man, LL Cool J, and Busta Rhymes each add their own flair, further reinforcing the Monstars' fearsome reputation. Method Man's “Insane like a runaway train” and LL Cool J's “Lightning strikes and the court lights get dim” evoke a sense of chaos and inevitability, while Busta Rhymes' “Pick up your chest / Here's an example of how I can stress your full court press” showcases the Monstars' confidence and skill. The recurring chorus, “If I hit 'em high, hit 'em high, hit 'em high / And you hit 'em low, hit 'em low, hit 'em low,” serves as a rallying cry, uniting the Monstars in their quest for victory.
The song not only serves as a motivational anthem for the Monstars but also reflects the competitive spirit and bravado often found in hip-hop culture. The collaboration of these iconic artists creates a powerful and memorable track that continues to resonate with fans of both the film and the genre.