They fuse punk energy with hip hop lyrics and instrumentation to form a sound they call “G-punk” (A combination of G-Funk and Punk). They have also been known to experiment with various other musical genres, such as reggae.
History:
(həd) pe was formed in 1994 by African-American / Brazilian-American MC Jahred Shane (aka M.C.U.D.) and lead guitarist Wesstyle, both of whom saw each other in attendance at many of the same shows in the Los Angeles and Southern Californian underground scene. They began writing songs and teamed up with Mawk (Bass guitar) who had previously been in a California-based Funk band with Jahred, Chizad (Guitar), B.C. (Drums), and DJ Product 1969 (Turntables) to form (həd) pe. Same year (1994) they also released first 8-track demo tape containing Stitches (available only on this tape), Hill (same version later released on Church of Realities) and Epilogue (later released on Serpent Boy single). Not many copies has been made, but really rarely fans put them on auctions. Recently, one copy was sold for $280.
Their first album was the Church of Realities EP, produced by Wesstyle & released independently in 1995. Upon signing to Jive Records they came out with their self-titled major label debut, which featured rerecorded versions of many of the Church of Realities songs. These earliest recordings have a gritty, striking energy to them which members of the band have attributed to their use of amphetamines. Their biggest hit was the 2000 album Broke, which saw them experimenting with a smoother hip hop influence and an arguably more focused energy to their music. Broke featured guest appearances by Serj Tankian from System of a Down and Morgan Landers from Kittie on the track “Feel Good”. The band released the first single of their sophomore album, Broke, “Bartender” which got some air play on MTV.
It’s been claimed that pressure from the record label lead the band to pursue a more mainstream, accessible sound with the 2003 album Blackout[citation needed]. Whatever the reason, it was not as successful as Broke had been, and in its wake many of the original members of the band went their separate ways. Sonny Mayo, formerly of Snot and Amen (Currently of Sevendust), picked up guitar duties for touring after Chizad left the band. The band also parted ways with their label of six years, Jive Records, at this time.
After signing to indie label Koch Records and adding guitarist Jaxon and drummer Moke (Formerly of Otep) to the line-up, (həd) pe frontman Jahred reworked some material he had originally written for a side-project with Fenix Jones and released the album Only in Amerika in 2005. (həd) pe continued to pursue their energy filled rap-metal in this album as well.
In June 2005 the band appeared on the cover of Origivation Magazine. The article was titled “Under F_cking Rated”.
At the end of 2005, HED p.e. signed with Suburban Noize Records, and released Back 2 Base X on June 6, 2006.
Included within their very busy Tour Schedule during 2006, they toured W. Europe and the UK alongside Anglo-Welsh band, Weapons and labelmates OPM. They have also just completed a national tour alongside Papa Roach on the 2006 Zippo Hot Tour.
As of right now in 2007, (hed)p.e. has just released a new album titled Insomnia. The album features many political songs while fusing their rapcore sound with 70’s rock music, reggae, and old school R&B. The first single off the album Insomnia is entitled Suffa.
Current members:
* Jahred Shane aka M.C.U.D (Paolo Sergio Gomes) - vocals /in band since beginning/
* DJ Product (Doug Boyce) - turntables/back vocals (mostly screaming) /in band since beginning/
* Mawk (Mark Young) - bass guitar /in band since beginning/
* Jaxon (Jackson Benge) - guitar - /joined after Blackout release/
* Devin Lebsack - drums /joined after signing to Suburban Noize Records/
* Tiny - drums /joined after the recording of the new album Insomnia. Devin left because of family issues, but is returning to the band A.S.A.P./
Ex-members:
* Moke (Mark Bistany) - drums /played only on Only In Amerika/
* Chizad (Chad Benekos) - guitar /since beginning, left after Blackout release/
* B.C. (Ben Vaught) - drums /since beginning, left after Blackout release/
* Wesstyle (Wes Geer) - guitar /since beginning, left after Blackout release (with Chizad as they claim to be “guitar brothers”)/
* Sonny Mayo - guitar /joined only to support Blackout tour/
* The Finger (Ken Sachs) - keyboard /since beginning, left after Church Of Realities, but he still has good relations with band/
* TiLo (Tim Murray) - back vocals /heard only on Church Of Realities, after that he has joined Methods of Mayhem)
sundown
(hed) PE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can see the sun going down
I can see the sun going down
I can see the sun going down
Well I tried to make some sense of all this
I tried to work it out
I don't know how i got caught up in the middle of all this
Well I tried to change the channel and move on
I tried to bite my tongue
I don't know how I could be so fuckin stupid for so long
I dont know why I had to be the one
This has gotta be some misunderstanding
No, this is not my point of view
It's all over
(When you know it's all over)
I know you feel it
(I know you feel it)
It's all over
(You know it's all over)
How can I hold on?
It's all over
(You know it's all over)
I know you feel it
(I know you feel it)
It's all over
(You know it's all over)
But it's all I do
Ooooh
Well I feel like such a clown this time
Well I feel like giving up
Every single one of my friends let me down this time
When I was dying, they were living it up
Well I could not control the wound over stars or myself
I cannot control the sun
I don't know how I could sleep in that bed for so long
I don't know why I had to be the one
This has gotta be some misunderstanding
No, this is not my point of view.
It's all over
(When you know it's all over)
I know you feel it
(I know you feel it)
It's all over
(You know it's all over)
How can I hold on?
It's all over
(You know it's all over)
I know you feel it
(I know you feel it)
It's all over
(You know it's all over)
But it's all I do
Ooooh
I can see the sun going down
I can see the sun going down
I can see the sun going down
I can see the sun going down
Well it feels so quiet before the storm
Well it feels just like a dream
I shelter myself in hope
I know why the caged bird sings...
The lyrics to (hed) PE's song Sundown appear to express the singer's disillusionment and disappointment with his present circumstances. The repeated phrase "I can see the sun going down" seems to symbolize the passage of time, as well as the inevitability of endings and new beginnings. The first verse suggests that the singer is trying to make sense of something confusing and overwhelming, but ultimately feels trapped and wants to escape. He acknowledges his own mistakes or foolishness and is frustrated by his inability to control his situation.
The second verse reveals that the singer feels abandoned by his friends and is struggling to come to terms with his own powerlessness. He compares himself to a clown and feels like giving up, but at the same time, he holds onto hope that things will get better. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the finality of whatever has transpired and suggests that the singer is trying to let go, even though it's difficult. The final line of the song, "I know why the caged bird sings," is a reference to the Maya Angelou poem of the same name, which explores themes of freedom and confinement, and suggests that even in the darkest moments, there is still hope.
Line by Line Meaning
I can see the sun going down
The singer is observing the sunset.
I tried to make some sense of all this
The singer attempted to understand their circumstances.
I tried to work it out
The singer attempted to find a solution.
I don't know how I got caught up in the middle of all this
The artist is unsure how they ended up in their situation.
I just know I got to get the fuck out
The artist has decided to leave their situation.
I tried to change the channel and move on
The singer attempted to shift their focus elsewhere.
I tried to bite my tongue
The singer attempted to refrain from speaking out.
I don't know how I could be so fuckin stupid for so long
The artist is unsure why they made unwise choices for a prolonged period of time.
I dont know why I had to be the one
The artist is uncertain why they are the one experiencing their circumstances.
This has gotta be some misunderstanding
The artist believes there is a miscommunication or mistake.
No, this is not my point of view
The singer disagrees with the perspective of others involved in the situation.
It's all over (When you know it's all over)
The situation has reached its conclusion.
I know you feel it (I know you feel it)
The singer acknowledges that others are also affected by the situation.
How can I hold on?
The singer is struggling to cope with the situation.
But it's all I do Ooooh
Despite the situation being difficult, the singer doesn't know what else to do.
Well I feel like such a clown this time
The artist feels foolish for their actions or decisions.
Well I feel like giving up
The artist is considering abandoning their efforts to improve their situation.
Every single one of my friends let me down this time
The singer's friends failed to support them during their difficult time.
When I was dying, they were living it up
The singer's friends were enjoying themselves while the singer was struggling.
I could not control the wound over stars or myself
The artist was unable to prevent harm to themselves or others involved in the situation.
I cannot control the sun
The artist acknowledges that some things are beyond their control.
I don't know how I could sleep in that bed for so long
The artist is unsure why they remained in a situation that caused them discomfort.
This has gotta be some misunderstanding
The singer believes there has been a miscommunication or mistake.
It feels so quiet before the storm
The artist senses an impending negative event.
It feels just like a dream
The current circumstances seem surreal to the singer.
I shelter myself in hope
The singer is finding comfort in optimism.
I know why the caged bird sings...
The singer is aware of why someone in a difficult situation expresses themselves, like a bird singing in a cage.
Contributed by Jasmine A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ludeykrus
One of my favorite 'slow songs' from a hard artist. I can't remember how I came across the MP3 from them originally, but it definitely cemented them in my mind for the rest of my life. Wish they would release it on CD.... See you in the Meadow, buds....
@user-qy7cn5wo7p
Man. Hed pe. Just. An amazing band.
@JimsGamingCave
I've been listening to this song for... God knows how long. Since I was a teenager, I suppose. I'm 26 now, & I still come back to this channel from time to time. Sundown is truly one of (hed)'s better songs for sure. The vibe from it is very nice. Enjoy it, y'all.
@brunorodrigues8178
I wish they had officially released this song. It's a great song
@berlynnakland4099
I'm a huge hed pe fan, didn't like this song the first time I listened. Now I just can't stop listening to it. So addicting
@FallenNightmare696
I love getting baked and just listening to this song for hours on repeat!!!!
@83JFRED
I wish they would have redone this song and put in on their new album "Evolution". I think i'd be perfect as a bridge song between the last heavy song and the 3 reggae songs:)
@iheartcudi97
This song makes me think of when time goes by fast and you try to keep up with all of the changes, but you cant. idk why tho.
@XjoeystraightedgeX
i love hed pe thanks for putting this up
@elijahelement
this makes me think about when u want the sun to stay up for more time in the day and all u can do is watch the sun go down