Sublime was an American ska punk band from Long Beach, California, formed in 1988. The band consisted of Bradley Nowell (vocals, guitar), Eric Wilson (bass), and Bud Gaugh (drums). Their music was a mix of punk, reggae, ska, and hip-hop, and their lyrics often dealt with social and political issues.

Sublime’s rise to fame began with the release of their debut album, “40oz. to Freedom,” in 1992. The album was a critical and commercial success and helped to establish Sublime as one of the leading bands in the ska punk genre. The album’s hit single, “Date Rape,” received significant airplay on college radio stations and helped to further increase the band’s popularity.

Sublime’s second album, “Robbin’ the Hood,” was released in 1994 and featured a more experimental sound than their debut album. The album received mixed reviews from critics, but was still a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies.

Tragically, Bradley Nowell died of a heroin overdose in 1996, just before Sublime’s self-titled third album was released. The album was a massive commercial success, selling over 6 million copies and achieving multi-platinum status. The album’s hit singles, “What I Got,” “Santeria,” and “Wrong Way,” received significant airplay on mainstream radio stations and helped to further increase the band’s popularity.

Despite the success of their third album, Sublime disbanded in 1996 following Nowell’s death. However, their music continued to be popular, and their influence on the ska-punk genre and the wider music industry was significant. In 2009, the surviving members of Sublime reunited under the name Sublime with Rome, with Rome Ramirez replacing Nowell as the band’s lead vocalist.

Sublime’s rise to fame was a result of their unique blend of punk, reggae, ska, and hip-hop, as well as their socially conscious lyrics. Their success was cut short by the tragic death of Bradley Nowell, but their music continues to be popular and influential to this day.