Cypress Hill accused of ripping off tune

Cypress Hill are being sued by a blues musician who claims the group stole his beat.

Syl Johnson, 72, alleges that the LA hip hop artists plagiarised his 1969 song 'Is It Because I'm Black?' for their track 'Lock Down', also known as 'Interlude', which featured on their 1993 platinum LP Black Sunday.

Johnson is suing the group as well as record and music publishing companies for $29 million (£15.7 million), TMZ reports.

Cypress Hill were recently honoured at the VH1 Hip Hop Honours, which recognises old school and golden age hip hop rappers and contributors.