Latino hip-hop legends Cypress Hill have canceled a concert scheduled for next week at the Rialto Theatre in Tucson to protest Arizona's controversial immigration law.

A post that went up Monday on their Web site reads:

"In a show of resistance to the criminalization of immigrant communities and in opposition to SB1070, recently signed into Arizona legislation, Cypress Hill has elected to cancel a performance scheduled in Tucson for May 21, 2010. This decision was made in an effort to show support and solidarity with those, undocumented and otherwise, being directly affected by this unconstitutional 'law.' Cypress Hill recognizes those living in the struggle for their basic civil rights. Rise Up!"

It should be noted that "Rise Up" is also the name of Cypress Hill's first album in six years, which hit the charts last month at No. 19.

The theater's general manager, Curtis McCrary, told the Tucson Sentinel he understood Cypress Hill's stance but tried to talk them into voicing their concerns onstage.

"It's a completely unjust law," he said. "And one of the worst things about this law is that it's bad for business."

Tucson Weekly has posted a copy of the plea McCrary sent to Cypress Hill, urging them to reconsider. You can read it here: tucsonweekly.com.



Reach the reporter at ed.masley@arizonarepublic or 602-444-4495.