Hed PE

Hed PE
Hed PE performing in 2008. 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	Punk rock, hip hop
Years active	1994–present
Labels	Jive, Suburban Noize
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 rock band from Huntington Beach, California. Formed in 1994, the band performs a style of music which it refers to as "G-punk", a fusion of punk rock and hip hop. 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 eight studio albums, one live album and two compilation albums.

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),^[1] and guitarist Wes Geer, who became friends amidst the Orange County hardcore punk scene.^[2] 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 education".^[3] The band built a following with their energetic performances at local venues,^[2] 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".^[1][3]

Hed PE signed with Jive Records, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1997.^[4] In his review of the album, Allmusic's Steve Huey wrote "There are some slow and/or unfocused moments [...] but overall, its aggression will probably play well with late-'90s metal and punk fans."^[5] 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."^[6]

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".^[2] 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.^[7] 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."^[8] The most negative response to the album came from critics who viewed its lyrics as misogynistic.^[9][10]

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.^[11] In 2001, Hed PE performed on the Ozzfest tour alongside bands such as Korn, Static-X, and System of a Down.^[2] 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.^[12]

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.^[13] 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."^[14] Guitarist Jaxon joined the band in early 2004. He is the fourth person to fill this position.^[15]

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.^[16] 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."^[17]

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.^[18] 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.^[18] Back 2 Base X peaked at #12 on the Top Independent Albums chart, and at #154 on the Billboard 200.^[19] 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."^[20]

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.^[21] 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.^[22] Hed PE released their first live album, The D.I.Y. Guys, in 2008.^[22] 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.^[23] In 2009, drummer Trauma joined the band. He is the sixth person to fill this position.^[15] The band's eighth studio album, Truth Rising, was released on October 26, 2010 to mixed reviews.^[24][25]

Style

Music and lyrics

Hed PE performs a style of music which they have referred to as "G-punk",^[1][6] a phrase inspired by the term "G-funk",^[4] 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, hard rock and heavy metal.^[23][24] Other elements that have been incorporated into this style include blues,^[24] funk,^[26] jazz^[26] and industrial.^[24] Jared Gomes' vocal style ranges from melodic singing to rapping and death growls.^[25][27] The band's lyrics draw from a number of subjects, including the existence of extraterrestrial life,^[28] criticism of organized religion,^[28] the 9/11 Truth movement,^[24][25] cannabis use^[17] and sexual intercourse.^[24]

Influences

The band's influences include Beastie Boys,^[15] Black Sabbath,^[3] Bob Marley,^[29] Led Zeppelin,^[3] Nine Inch Nails,^[15] The Notorious B.I.G.^[30] and Rage Against the Machine.^[3] Hed PE's second album, Broke, incorporated classic rock and world music influences,^[2] 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,^[31] and New World Orphans was influenced by Suicidal Tendencies and Minor Threat.^[32] Guitarist Jaxon has been credited for encouraging a heavier, hardcore punk-influenced musical style.^[15] Hed PE influenced Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park; according to the band Korn, Fred Durst listened to Hed PE throughout the production of Limp Bizkit's debut, Three Dollar Bill, Yall$.^[33][34]

Band members

• Jared Gomes — vocals (1994-current)
• Mawk (Mark Young) — bass (1994-current)
• DJ Product © 1969 (Doug Boyce) — turntables (1994-current)
• Jaxon — guitar (2004-current)
• Trauma — drums (2009-current)

Former members

• The Finger — keyboard (1994-1996)
• Chizad — guitar (1994-2002)
• Wesstyle — guitar (1994-2003)
• B.C. Vaught — drums (1994-2003)
• Sonny Mayo — guitar (2002-2003)
• Christopher Hendrich — drums (2004)
• Moke — drums (2004-2006)
• Devin Lebsack — drums (2006-2007)
• Tiny Bubz - drums (2007-2008)

Discography

Main article: Hed PE discography

• Hed PE (1997)
• Broke (2000)
• Blackout (2003)
• Only in Amerika (2004)
• Back 2 Base X (2006)
• Insomnia (2007)
• The D.I.Y. Guys (2008)
• New World Orphans (2009)
• Truth Rising (2010)

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} 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. 
2. ^ ^{a b c d e} McIver, Joel (2002). Nu-metal: The Next Generation of Rock & Punk. Omnibus Press. p. 61. ISBN 0-7119-9209-6. 
3. ^ ^{a b c d e} 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. 
4. ^ ^{a b} Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Biography of Hed PE". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p215807. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
5. ^ Huey, Steve. "Review of (hed) pe". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r307971/review. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
6. ^ ^{a b} 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. 
7. ^ "Charts and awards for Broke". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r494161. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
8. ^ Taylor, Jason D. "Review of Broke". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r494161/review. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
9. ^ 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. 
10. ^ 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. 
11. ^ 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. 
12. ^ 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. 
13. ^ "Charts and awards for Blackout". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r632070. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
14. ^ Loftus, Johnny. "Review of Blackout". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r632070/review. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
15. ^ ^{a b c d e} 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. ^{[dead link]}
16. ^ "Charts and awards for Only in Amerika". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r710469. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
17. ^ ^{a b} Loftus, Johnny. "Review of Only in Amerika". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r710469/review. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
18. ^ ^{a b} "Interview with (hed)P. E.". Live-Metal. July 28, 2006. http://www.live-metal.net/features_interviews_hedpe.html. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
19. ^ "Charts and awards for Back 2 Base X". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r828700. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
20. ^ Theakston, Rob. "Review of Back 2 Base X". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r828700/review. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
21. ^ "Charts and awards for Insomnia". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r1069106. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
22. ^ ^{a b} "Hed PE - Biography". Suburban Noize Records. http://suburbannoizerecords.com/hedpe_bio.php. Retrieved 2008-08-23. 
23. ^ ^{a b} 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. ^{[dead link]}
24. ^ ^{a b c d e f} "Truth Rising Review". Kik Axe Music. http://kikaxemusic.com/reviews/album-reviews/item/2071-hedpe-truth-rising-review. Retrieved 3 November 2010. 
25. ^ ^{a b c} "Truth Rising Review". 411mania. http://www.411mania.com/music/album_reviews/160094. Retrieved 3 November 2010. 
26. ^ ^{a b} Boehm, Mike (October 29, 1996). "Mix of Rap, Punk Portends hed Start". Los Angeles Times. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/16564837.html?dids=16564837:16564837&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Oct+29%2C+1996&author=MIKE+BOEHM&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Mix+of+Rap%2C+Punk+Portends+hed+Start%3B+%22Church+of+Realities%22+(no+label)+**+1%2F2&pqatl=google. Retrieved 2008-10-30. 
27. ^ "Truth Rising Review". Kik Axe Music. http://kikaxemusic.com/reviews/album-reviews/item/2071-hedpe-truth-rising-review. Retrieved 3 November 2010. 
28. ^ ^{a b} "Interview with Jared Gomes of Hed PE". Rock Edition. http://www.rockedition.com/interviews/interview-with-jared-gomes-of-hed-pe/. Retrieved 3 November 2010. 
29. ^ "(hed) PE". The Bradenton Herald. March 4, 2005. http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/BH/lib00016,108B505253F5E872.html. Retrieved 2008-10-05. 
30. ^ 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. ^{[dead link]}
31. ^ "(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. 
32. ^ Friedman, David (March 26, 2009). "Latest (hed) p.e. album has plenty of messages". The News-Times. 
33. ^ http://digitalhippos.com/featured-artist/interview-hed-pe
34. ^ http://www.beat.com.au/music/2011/01/24/hed-pe/coming-out-commercial-label-territory-corner-hotel-countless-times-difficult-changes-drastic-change

External links

• Official website