Hed PE

Hed PE

Hed PE performing live in 2008. From left to right: Mawk Young, Tiny Bubz, Jared Gomes, DJ Product © 1969 and Jaxon Benge.
Background information
Also known as (hed) planet earth
(həd) p.e.
Origin Huntington Beach, California
Genres Rap metal[1]
Years active 1994–present
Labels Jive, Koch, Suburban Noize
Associated acts Subnoize Souljaz
Website NewWorldOrphans.com
Members
Jared Gomes
Jaxon
Mawk
DJ Product © 1969
Trauma
Past members
Wesstyle
Sonny Mayo
Chizad
Devin Lebsack
Moke
B.C. Vaught
Christopher Hendrich
The Finger
TiLo
Alfunction
Tiny Bubz

Hed PE, also known as (hed) planet earth and stylized as (həd) p.e., is an American rap metal[1][2][3] band from Huntington Beach, California. Formed in 1994, the band performs a style of music which they refer to as "G-punk". Their music is primarily based in a fusion of punk and hip hop, but they have also been known to incorporate elements of heavy metal, reggae and other genres. After releasing three albums on Jive Records, Hed PE left the label to record independently, eventually signing with Suburban Noize Records in 2006. To date, they have released seven studio albums, one live album and one compilation album.

Contents

History

Formation and major-label debut (1994–1999)

The band was formed by rapper Jared Gomes, also known as "M.C.U.D." (MC Underdog),[4] and guitarist Wes Geer, who became friends amidst the Orange County hardcore punk scene.[5] Gomes and Geer recruited guitarist Chizad, bassist Mawk, drummer B.C. Vaught and DJ Product © 1969. They named the group "Hed", which stands for "higher thought".[6] The band built a following with their energetic performances at local venues,[5] and released the self-financed extended play, Church of Realities. Legal issues forced Hed to change their name, adding "PE", which stood for "Planet Earth".[4][6]

Hed PE signed with Jive Records, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1997.[7] In his review of the album, Allmusic's Steve Huey wrote that Hed PE "[are] rhythmically looser and funkier than many similar rap-metal bands, although comparisons to Rage Against the Machine are still apt. There are some slow and/or unfocused moments [...] but overall, its aggression will probably play well with late-'90s metal and punk fans."[8] Due to the label's contractual terms and the disappointing sales of the album, the band found themselves unable to repay the cash advances given to them by Jive. Gomes is quoted as saying "We had these romantic visions of the music industry, and we thought it would be cool to be a punk band on a rap label. So we fulfilled that dream, but it was also probably the worst thing that could have happened. [...] We've had offers from Sony and others that we can't take because we owe Jive so much money."[9]

Broke and Blackout (2000–2004)

On June 6, 2000, Hed PE appeared on the tribute album Nativity in Black II, covering Black Sabbath's "Sabbra Cadabra".[5] Hed PE released their second studio album, Broke on August 22, 2000. It peaked at #63 on the Billboard 200, while its first single, "Bartender", peaked at #23 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and at #27 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.[10] Allmusic's Jason D. Taylor wrote: "Broke may have not found as much success in the competitive mainstream market as some would have liked, and even despite its distinct departure from the group's debut, it is an album that shows more vision than other rap-tinged rock albums to come out in 2000."[11] Rolling Stone writer Rob Kemp wrote that "The missing element in too many rap-metal bands is hip-hop's sense of bravado and celebration. (Hed) PE -- like Kid Rock -- are the rare rap-metal act willing to admit that good times actually exist. [...] Rap metal has found its Mötley Crüe."[12] The most negative response to the album came from critics who viewed its lyrics as misogynistic.[13][14]

On October 27, 2000, Gomes was arrested for possession of marijuana while the band was performing in Waterbury, Connecticut. He was released on a US$1,500 bond.[15] In 2001, Hed PE performed on the Ozzfest tour alongside bands such as Korn, Static-X, and System of a Down.[5] A music video for "Killing Time", the second single from Broke, was produced in promotion of the film 3000 Miles to Graceland, which featured the song on its soundtrack.[16]

Hed PE released their third studio album, Blackout, on March 18, 2003. It peaked at #33 on the Billboard 200, while its title track peaked at #21 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and at #32 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.[17] Allmusic's Johnny Loftus wrote that "While it expands on melodic elements that had previously played a supporting role in the band's sound, Blackout also delivers truckloads of crushing guitar and pounding rhythm. And whether or not it is the presence of a top-line producer, (hed) pe have figured out a way to imbue their aggressive mix of heavy rock and hip-hop with some serious hooks."[18] Rolling Stone writer Pat Blashill wrote that "Even within the intentionally brainless world of rap metal, (hed) PE are dumb, dumb, dumb. And by that, we mean dumb-bad."[19] Guitarist Jaxon joined the band in late 2003. He is the fourth person to fill this position.[20]

Only in Amerika (2005)

Hed PE left Jive Records, releasing their fourth studio album, Only in Amerika, on Koch Records on October 19, 2004. It peaked at #20 on the Top Independent Albums chart and at #186 on the Billboard 200.[21] In his review of the album, Johnny Loftus wrote "It wants to be a confrontational megaphone in the ear of conservatives, but Jahred's torrential rhetoric is too messy and blatantly offensive to incite anything but superficial anger, and the music -- though occasionally explosive -- takes a backseat to the ranting."[22]

Suburban Noize Records (2006 onward)

In 2006, Hed PE signed with Suburban Noize Records, recording their fifth studio album, Back 2 Base X. The album was intended as a return to the basics of rock music, and did not rely as heavily on studio enhancement as previous releases.[23] The album was released on June 6, 2006, the same day as The Best of (həd) Planet Earth, a compilation album produced by Jive Records without the band's authorization or consent.[23] Back 2 Base X peaked at #12 on the Top Independent Albums chart, #154 on the Top Internet Albums Chart and at #154 on the Billboard 200.[24] Allmusic's Rob Theakston wrote that "Back 2 Base X suffers from the same problems as Amerika: it tries to be conceptual in thought à la Tool and vicious in its political commentary à la Fugazi or System of a Down, but somehow falls short by sounding like an angry stoner on a soapbox. It won't win any new fans, but existing fans of (hed) pe's work won't be turning their backs away from the band in anger anytime soon, either."[25]

On June 26, 2007, the band released their sixth studio album, Insomnia. It peaked at #16 on the Top Independent Albums chart, and at #138 on the Billboard 200.[26] The album's lead single, "Suffa", became one of the most requested tracks at Sirius Satellite Radio's Hard Attack, while the song's music video was voted one of the Top 10 of 2007 on MTV's Headbangers Ball.[27] Hed PE released their first live album, The D.I.Y. Guys, in 2008.[27] On January 13, 2009, they released their seventh studio album, New World Orphans. It was released in three different versions that each contain a different set of bonus tracks.[28] In 2009, drummer Trauma joined the band. He is the sixth person to fill this position.[20] In 2010, the band's song "Renegade" was featured on the soundtrack for the film The Losers.[29]

Style and influences

Hed PE performs a style of music which they have referred to as "G-punk",[4][9] a phrase inspired by the term used to describe the style known as "G-funk",[7] itself a reference to the P-Funk collective. Hed PE's music is a fusion of styles ranging from hip hop and reggae to punk rock, hardcore punk and heavy metal.[28] Although Hed PE has sometimes been described as rap rock, they do not consider themselves a part of this genre.[23] Frontman Jared Gomes is quoted as saying "It is hard because people wanna describe music with words and that in itself is a difficult task. I think that it is a misconception that we were part of some trend or whatever. We don't look at ourselves like that. [...] We just consider ourselves musicians, artists. We don't consider ourselves "rap-rockers" or whatever."[23]

The band's influences include Beastie Boys,[20] Black Sabbath,[6] Bob Marley,[30] Led Zeppelin,[6] Nine Inch Nails,[20] The Notorious B.I.G.[31] and Rage Against the Machine.[6] Hed PE's second album, Broke, incorporated classic rock and world music influences,[5] while Back 2 Base X was influenced by classic punk bands such as the Sex Pistols and the Clash, Insomnia was influenced by thrash metal bands such as Slayer,[32] and New World Orphans was influenced by Suicidal Tendencies and Minor Threat.[33] Guitarist Jaxon has been credited for encouraging a heavier, hardcore punk-influenced musical style.[20]

Band members

Former members

Discography

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Huey, Steve. "Review of (hed) pe". Allmusic. http://www.allmusicguide.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:difuxqyjldte~T1. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  2. ↑ Broke album review at Rolling Stone
  3. ↑ Blackout album review at Rolling Stone
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Scire, Dawn (2003-03-14). "(hed) p.e.'s frontman touches down.". Sarasota, Florida: Sarasota Herald-Tribune. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-22696815_ITM. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 McIver, Joel (2002). Nu-metal: The Next Generation of Rock & Punk. Omnibus Press. pp. 61. ISBN 0711992096. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Echeverria Jr., Steve (March 4, 2005). "Check your HED; HED p.e. declares independence.". Sarasota, Florida: Sarasota Herald-Tribune. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-19003844_ITM. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Biography of Hed PE". Allmusic. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:09fpxqrhldfe~T1. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  8. ↑ Huey, Steve. "Review of (hed) pe". Allmusic. http://www.allmusicguide.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:difuxqyjldte~T1. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Owen, Arrissia (November 25, 1999). "Not So Hed, Not so (pe)". OC Weekly. http://www.ocweekly.com/1999-11-25/features/not-so-hed-not-so-pe/1. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  10. ↑ "Charts and awards for Broke". Allmusic. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:djfyxqekldhe~T31. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  11. ↑ Taylor, Jason D. "Review of Broke". Allmusic. http://www.allmusicguide.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:djfyxqekldhe~T1. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  12. ↑ Kemp, Rob (October 3, 2000). "Review of Broke". Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/pe/albums/album/248422/review/6068272/broke. Retrieved 9 December 2008. 
  13. ↑ Tussing, Lauren Consuelo (April 14, 2003). "Misogyny doesn't end in the studio". Boise, Idaho: The Arbiter. http://media.www.arbiteronline.com/media/storage/paper890/news/2003/04/14/Ae/hed-Planet.Earth-2215223.shtml. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  14. ↑ Gonzales, Ron (December 17, 2004). "Label switch frees HED p.e.". Albuquerque, New Mexico: The Journal. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-5431972_ITM. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  15. ↑ Dansby, Andrew; Florio, Steven; Heller, Greg; Uhelszki, Jaan; Vineyard, Jennifer (November 2, 2000). "Really Randoms: Robbie Williams, Eminem". Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/robbiewilliams/articles/story/5923718/really_randoms_robbie_williams_eminem. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  16. ↑ Van Horn, Teri (January 17, 2001). "(hed) pe Shoot Video For Song On 'Graceland' Soundtrack". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1438002/20010117/hed_pe.jhtml. 
  17. ↑ "Charts and awards for Blackout". Allmusic. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3zfuxqqald6e~T3. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  18. ↑ Loftus, Johnny. "Review of Blackout". Allmusic. http://www.allmusicguide.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3zfuxqqald6e~T1. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  19. ↑ Blashill, Pat (March 25, 2003). "Review of Blackout". Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/pe/albums/album/292005/review/6067614/blackout. Retrieved 9 December 2008. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 Friedman, David (March 26, 2009). "(hed) p.e. brings N.W.O. Tour to Hartford". Danbury, Connecticut: The News-Times. http://www.newstimes.com/ci_11998218. Retrieved 4 April 2009. 
  21. ↑ "Charts and awards for Only in Amerika". Allmusic. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:w9fyxq9sld0e~T3. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  22. ↑ Loftus, Johnny. "Review of Only in Amerika". Allmusic. http://www.allmusicguide.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:w9fyxq9sld0e~T1. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 "Interview with (hed)P. E.". Live-Metal. July 28, 2006. http://www.live-metal.net/features_interviews_hedpe.html. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  24. ↑ "Charts and awards for Back 2 Base X". Allmusic. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3pfpxqudldde~T3. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  25. ↑ Theakston, Rob. "Review of Back 2 Base X". Allmusic. http://www.allmusicguide.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3pfpxqudldde~T1. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  26. ↑ "Charts and awards for Insomnia". Allmusic. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kvfpxz85ldhe~T3. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Hed PE - Biography". Suburban Noize Records. http://suburbannoizerecords.com/hedpe_bio.php. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Sculley, Alan (August 28, 2008). "(Hed) p.e. wants (no) interference". Naperville, Illinois: The Wichita Eagle. http://www.kansas.com/entertainment/story/509949.html. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
  29. ↑ Anderson, Kyle (April 23, 2010). "Prepare For 'The Losers' With Beck, Poison And P.O.D.". MTV News. http://newsroom.mtv.com/2010/04/23/the-losers-soundtrack-playlist/. Retrieved 18 May 2010. 
  30. ↑ "(hed) PE". The Bradenton Herald. March 4, 2005. http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/BH/lib00016,108B505253F5E872.html. Retrieved 2008-10-05. 
  31. ↑ Baril, Jason (April 4, 2003). "On stage: Hed p.e. headlines Bumstock". The Maine Campus. http://media.www.mainecampus.com/media/storage/paper322/news/2003/04/10/Style/On.Stage.Hed.P.e.Headlines.Bumstock-414585.shtml. Retrieved 2008-10-05. 
  32. ↑ "(HED)P.E Announces Co-Headlining Tour With Kingspade". The Gauntlet. January 5, 2008. http://www.thegauntlet.com/article/189/11183/(hed)pe.html. Retrieved 2008-10-07. 
  33. ↑ Friedman, David (March 26, 2009). "Latest (hed) p.e. album has plenty of messages". The News-Times. 

External links

Hed PE
Jared Gomes | Jaxon | Mawk | DJ Product © 1969
Wesstyle | Sonny Mayo | Chizad | Devin Lebsack | Moke | B.C. Vaught | Christopher Hendrich | The Finger | TiLo | Tiny Bubz
Studio albums
(həd)pe | Broke | Blackout | Only in Amerika | Back 2 Base X | Insomnia | New World Orphans | Truth Rising
EPs
Church of Realities  | (truth) E.P.
Live album
The D.I.Y. Guys
Compilation albums
The Best of (həd) Planet Earth | Major Pain 2 Indee Freedom: The Best of Hed P.E.
Related articles
Hed PE discography