Outlier returns with a fresh take on one of the most recognizable crossover songs of the early 2000s, releasing a new cover of “Superstar,” featuring Sen Dog of Cypress Hill and Hyro The Hero, alongside an official music video.
Originally released by Cypress Hill, “(Rock) Superstar” helped break down genre barriers by blending hip-hop, rock, and metal at a time when crossover music was still uncommon. The song became a Top 20 rock radio hit and appeared in films including Training Day and Little Nicky. The original version also featured contributions from Chino Moreno, Everlast, and Slash, helping define an era of genre-blending music.
For Outlier frontman Joey Arena, the song holds personal meaning beyond nostalgia.
“‘Superstar’ was more influential to me than I realized growing up,” Arena shares. “No matter what station you turned on, this song was everywhere. A friend used to pick me up for school and we’d play it nonstop for months. I grew up listening to everything — nu metal, hardcore, grunge, jazz, classic rock, pop punk, and a lot of ’90s and early 2000s hip-hop. I never believed an artist should stick to one sound.”
Arena explains that the decision to cover the track came from a desire to honor its fearless approach to blending styles while bringing his own perspective to it.
“I wanted to cover this song not just because it’s nostalgic, but because of what it represents,” he says. “It gave me the chance to show another side of my music and my love for hip-hop while still respecting the original.”
The project took on added significance with the involvement of Sen Dog himself, who appears both on the track and in the music video.
“Having Sen Dog be part of this was incredible,” Arena adds. “He fully supported the vision, spent the entire day filming with us across multiple locations, and brought an authenticity that meant everything to the project.”
Arena also enlisted Hyro The Hero, whose powerful vocal style and experience in rap and metal helped elevate the track’s energy.
The release aims to inspire artists to step outside expectations and create without limits, continuing the same spirit that made “Superstar” impactful in the first place.
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