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HED PE

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Band Timeline

1994

Formation of Hed PE

Hed PE was formed in 1994 in Huntington Beach, California by vocalist Jared Gomes, also known as M.C.U.D., and guitarist Wes Geer. The two became friends in the Orange County hardcore punk scene and recruited other members including guitarist Chizad, bassist Mawk, drummer B.C. Vaught, and DJ Product © 1969. Initially named Hed, derived from a song by Gomes titled "Heavy Head," the band released their self-financed EP Church of Realities. Legal issues prompted them to append "PE," which stands for Planetary Evolution, later changed to Planet Earth, to their name.
1997

Major-label debut with Jive Records

Hed PE signed with Jive Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1997. The album showcased their unique fusion of gangsta rap and punk rock, a style the band terms "G-punk," with some reggae influences. While the album received mixed critiques with some moments perceived as unfocused, it was recognized for its aggressive energy that appealed to late-1990s metal and punk fans. Despite this, disappointing sales and unfavorable contractual terms led to significant debt to the label, restricting their future opportunities with other major labels.
2000

Release of second album Broke and increased recognition

Hed PE appeared on the tribute album Nativity in Black II covering Black Sabbath's "Sabbra Cadabra" on June 6, 2000. Later that year, on August 22, they released their second studio album, Broke, which peaked at No. 63 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's first single, "Bartender," achieved considerable success, reaching No. 23 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks and No. 27 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. Broke marked a stylistic evolution for the band, though it garnered some criticism for controversial lyrics from detractors considering it misogynistic, which frontman Jared Gomes contested as intentional provocation. During this period, Gomes was arrested for marijuana possession while on tour.
2001

Ozzfest tour participation and increased exposure

In 2001, Hed PE participated in the prestigious Ozzfest tour, which significantly elevated their exposure by sharing the stage with major acts such as Korn, Static-X, and System of a Down. This opportunity allowed them to reach a wider mainstream audience and solidify their presence in the alternative and metal scenes. The band also promoted their single "Killing Time" with a music video connected to the film "3000 Miles to Graceland," further expanding their visibility.
2006-2010

Independent releases and signing with Suburban Noize Records

After releasing three albums on Jive Records, Hed PE departed from the label due to prior contractual difficulties and began recording independently. In 2006, they signed with Suburban Noize Records, where they were able to release new music with greater creative control. During this era, the band became known for their involvement in the 9/11 Truth movement, incorporating related themes into their lyrics and concerts. This period included the release of the concept album New World Orphans, which reflected these ideological interests.
2014

Signing with Pavement Music and continued output

Since 2014, Hed PE has been signed with Pavement Music, overseeing the release of their album Evolution on July 22, 2014. By this time, the band had developed a discography consisting of sixteen studio albums, a live album, and three compilations, selling over 700,000 albums worldwide. Their ongoing commitment to blending genres like punk, rock, hip hop, and reggae has maintained their unique position in the music industry as pioneers of the G-punk style.

Albums

hed-pe_1st_album
(həd) pe
13 tracks
1997
hed-pe_2nd_album
Broke
12 tracks
2000
hed-pe_3rd_album
Blackout
16 tracks
2003
hed-pe_4th_album
Only in Amerika
14 tracks
2004
hed-pe_5th_album
Back 2 Base X
13 tracks
2006
hed-pe_6th_album
Insomnia
14 tracks
2007
hed-pe_7th_album
New World Orphans
21 tracks
2009
hed-pe_8th_album
Truth Rising
22 tracks
2010
hed-pe_9th_album
Evolution
12 tracks
2014
hed-pe_10th_album
Forever!
12 tracks
2016
hed-pe_11th_album
Stampede
11 tracks
2019
hed-pe_12th_album
Class of 2020
10 tracks
2020
hed-pe_13th_album
Califas Worldwide
21 tracks
2022
hed-pe_14th_album
DETOX
10 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

M.C.U.D.

1994

Spoken vocals

Lead vocals

Mawk

1994

Bass guitar

DJ Product

N/A

Sampler

Turntable

Jaxon Benge

N/A

Guitar

Sonny Mayo

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Wes Geer

1994
2003

Guitar

BC The Mizak Diza

1994
2003

Membranophone

Anthony “Tiny” Biuso

2007
2009

Drums (drum set)

Chad Benekos

1994
2002

Guitar

Mark Bistany

N/A
N/A

Story of HED PE

Hed PE: A Nu-Metal Colossus

Hed PE, a name synonymous with raw energy and a genre-bending sound, emerged from the vibrant Huntington Beach, California, punk scene in 1994. The band, known for their unique blend of gangsta rap and punk rock, which they coined "G-punk", has also incorporated elements of reggae into their music, creating a truly eclectic soundscape.

Their iconic name, often stylized as (hëd)p.e., (hed) Planet Earth, or (Hed)PE, stands for Higher Education Planet Earth/Planetary Evolution.

Early Days and Major Label Success:

Vocalist Jared Gomes, better known as "M.C.U.D." (MC Underdog), and guitarist Wes Geer were the founding fathers of Hed PE. They joined forces with guitarist Chizad, bassist Mawk, drummer B.C. Vaught, and DJ Product © 1969 to create a potent sonic force.

The band's first three albums, released on Jive Records, solidified their position as a major force in the nu-metal scene. They would later chart their own course, leaving the major label to pursue independent ventures.

Independent Spirit and The "9/11 Truth" Movement:

After parting ways with Jive Records, Hed PE signed with Suburban Noize Records from 2006 to 2010. During this period, the band became increasingly vocal about their involvement in the 9/11 Truth movement, incorporating themes of government conspiracy and the questioning of official narratives into their music and live shows. This particularly resonated in their album "New World Orphans."

Since 2014, Hed PE has been signed with Pavement Music. Their discography is expansive, boasting fourteen studio albums, a live album, and three compilation albums. Their music has reached over 700,000 fans worldwide, cementing their legacy as a band that broke boundaries and challenged the status quo.

Hed PE's Lasting Impact:

The band's impact on the music scene is undeniable. They fused heavy metal, rap, and punk rock in a unique and impactful way. Their rebellious spirit, strong messages, and captivating live performances have created a loyal and passionate fanbase that continues to grow. Hed PE remains a vital force in the nu-metal scene, a band that never shies away from pushing creative boundaries and delivering their music with raw passion and unwavering conviction.

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