SHAZAM

Huntington Beach, CA's (hed) p.e. (the "pe" stands for "Planet Earth") was founded in 1994 by frontman Jahred (aka M.C.U.D., aka Jerred Shaine), whose goal was to fuse the region's long-standing punk rock heritage with G-funk-inflected hip-hop -- a sound he labeled "G-punk." Three years and a self-financed 1995 EP entitled Church of Realities later, (hed) p.e. (also comprising lead guitarist Wesstyle, rhythm guitarist Chizad, bassist Mawk, drummer B.C., and DJ Product on turntables and samples) released their eponymous debut through Jive Records, then hit the road with Ozzfest and bands like Korn, Static-X, and System of a Down. A second album, Broke, followed in the year 2000, and a third, Blackout, in 2003, after which (hed) p.e. switched labels from Jive to Koch, and underwent something of an overhaul (welcoming new guitarist Jaxon and drummer Moke) prior to recording their fourth album, 2005's Only in Amerika. The all-new Back 2 Base X and the Best of (hed) Planet Earth compilation arrived in 2006, followed by Flat Bill Hat in the summer of 2007, and New World Orphans in 2009. A second compilation titled Major Pain 2 Indee Freedom: The Best of Hed P.E. was released in 2010, featuring a new track and a limited-edition DVD of the group performing live in Los Angeles. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, Rovi