RockMoto

I have about as much in common with Sen Dog as I do with Barack Obama. I do not know how it feels to be him. When he talks about making music with extraordinary producers, missing his family in Cuba or growing up around the LBC, I can only sit back and learn a few things.

But when Sen talked about motorcycling, I was right there with him. In all honesty, I’ve never heard anyone describe it better. Even Roland Sands, born and bred in the industry, was standing there shaking his head in amazement. You think you’ve heard everything anyone could possibly say about being on a bike, and then Sen drops the simplest, truest thing you’ve ever heard. It's not like he waxed crazy poetic; he just sat there and told us in very plain words that motorcycling lives in your heart.

We shot the interview at Roland Sands Design – it was Sen’s first visit to the shop, but it probably won’t be his last. He and Roland vibed like they’d known each other for years. Hours after the interview ended we were still rolling tape, because the story kept going. It was amazing to watch the synergy between the two artists, riders, Long Beach natives. Sen talked about finding inspiration at his first Slayer show, and Roland talked about going to school with Snoop Dogg. It was like being privy to a little slice of history, when you’re just lucky to be in the room.

We did the shoot at Roland’s shop for two reasons: first, because it seemed like a good fit with Sen’s style; second, because we had a mission we wanted only Roland to fulfill. In honor of Cypress Hill’s new album, Rise Up (drops on April 20), we wanted to created a one-of-a-kind helmet inspired by the album and hand-drawn by Roland himself. Bell Helmets kindly donated a white Custom 500, which Roland is in the process of customizing now. And guess what? We’re not keeping it. No, my friends, this helmet is for one of you.

Within a few days, we’ll be launching a contest to give away the helmet, along with cds, vinyl and free motorcycle training. Keep an eye out for the teaser video, which gives you the question you have to answer to enter the contest – and to find the answer, you’ll have to watch the RockMoto episode. Sneaky, eh? It’ll be worth it. This is my favorite interview. JP