Cypress Hill founding member Senen "Sen Dog" Reyes is the subject of a new documentary detailing his life as a Cuban refugee [1].
The project highlights the intersection of Latino identity and mainstream hip-hop. By documenting Reyes' rise to prominence, the film examines how immigrant experiences shape the cultural landscape of American music.
The documentary, titled "Mi Familia: Sen Dog and the American Dream," began production on Feb. 18, 2026 [2]. Produced by Bon Accord Picture Company, the film chronicles the journey of Reyes from his birthplace in Pinar del Río, Cuba [1], to his life in the U.S.
After arriving as a refugee, Reyes settled in South Gate, Los Angeles [1]. He credited his early environment and media consumption for his artistic development. "I grew up in South Gate, listening to Soul Train on Saturdays, and that shaped my love for music," Reyes said [1].
The production has attracted high-profile collaborators, including Will.i.am and Pitbull [3]. Will.i.am said that working with Reyes on the project is an honor and described the rapper's story as the American Dream [3].
According to a press release from Bon Accord Picture Company, the documentary will explore the transition of Reyes from a refugee to a hip-hop legend [2]. The project aims to document his personal history, and his influence on Latino representation within the genre [4].
Complementing the film's themes, the De Los Podcast released an episode featuring Reyes on June 10, 2026 [1]. The episode provides further insight into his heritage and the music scene in Los Angeles.
“"I grew up in South Gate, listening to Soul Train on Saturdays, and that shaped my love for music."”
The focus on Sen Dog's refugee background underscores a broader trend in hip-hop historiography that seeks to credit the specific immigrant contributions to the genre's evolution. By highlighting the Cuban-American experience in Los Angeles, the project provides a blueprint for how Latino artists navigated the predominantly Black and White spaces of early mainstream rap.
