Hed PE

Biography

Hed PE (typeset as (həd)p.e., (hed) Planet Earth, (Hed)pe or (Hed)PE) is an American rock band from Huntington Beach, California. Formed in 1994, the band is known for its eclectic genre-crossing style, predominantly in the fusion of gangsta rap and punk rock it has termed "G-punk", but also for its reggae-fused music.
After releasing three albums on Jive Records, Hed PE left the label to record independently. Hed PE was signed with Suburban Noize Records from 2006 until 2010. Since 2006, the band has become known for its involvement in the 9/11 Truth movement, referencing it in many of their song lyrics and concerts, as well as the concept of the album New World Orphans×New World Orphans13 January 2009 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 24 tracks1New World (intro)1:022Live or Die Free1:593Bloodfire2:484Ordo (ab Chao)2:435Stay Ready4:166Family2:477Stepping Stone3:158Renegade3:299Everything All the Time3:0310Mortgage Crisis (intro)0:2011Middle Class Blues1:4412Flesh and Blood4:1813Nibiru (intro)0:3014Planet X3:4415Higher Ground3:5816A Soldiers (intro)0:1317Tow the Line3:5918Self Aware3:0919Lost History (intro)0:2320This Love3:0721Work On This4:2622Babylon Fall3:3223Born2Ride (demo)3:2824Girlfriend (demo)4:32. Since 2014, the band has been signed with Pavement Music.
To date, Hed PE has released sixteen studio albums, one live album and three compilation albums, and has sold over 700,000 albums worldwide.

Formation and major-label debut (1994–1999)

The band was formed by vocalist Jared Gomes, also known as "M.C.U.D." (MC Underdog), and guitarist Wes Geer, who became friends amidst the Orange County hardcore punk scene. Gomes and Geer recruited guitarist Chizad, bassist Mawk, drummer B.C. Vaught and DJ Product © 1969. They named the group "Hed", which was based on a song written by Gomes called "Heavy Head". The band built a following with their energetic performances at local venues, and released the self-financed extended play, Church of Realities. Legal issues forced Hed to change their name, adding "PE", which stood for "Planetary Evolution (later changed to planet earth) ".
Hed PE signed with Jive Records, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1997. 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." 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."

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". Hed PE released their second studio album, Broke×Broke18 August 2000 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1Killing Time3:562Waiting to Die3:163Feel Good4:154Bartender4:015Crazy Legs4:286Pac Bell4:547I Got You3:448Boom (How You Like That)3:579Swan Dive3:3610Stevie3:3311Jesus (of Nazareth)5:3612The Meadow / [vocal track outtakes]9:32 on August 22, 2000. It peaked at No. 63 on the Billboard 200, while its first single, "Bartender×Bartender2000 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 4 tracks1Bartender (Clean Version)3:552Bartender (Dirty Version)4:033Crazy Legs4:064Bad Dream3:52", peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and at No. 27 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. 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." The most negative response to the album came from critics who viewed its lyrics as misogynistic. Jared Gomes denied that he was sexist in a 2001 Kerrang! magazine feature about sexism in rock music, saying that some of his lyrics were deliberately controversial in order to provoke a reaction from people. He also noted that his lyrics offended other members in Hed PE, but they "live[d] with it".
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. In 2001, Hed PE performed on the Ozzfest tour alongside bands such as Korn, Static-X, and System of a Down. 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.
Hed PE released their third studio album, Blackout×Blackout18 March 2003 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 16 tracks1Suck It Up3:562Bury Me3:063Dangerous3:274Blackout3:535Get Away3:196Crazy Life3:447Half the Man4:438The Only One3:339Other Side3:3710Flesh and Bone3:4911Octopussy0:4512Carnivale4:0013Fallen4:0214Revelations3:5215Dracula4:0916Blackout, on March 18, 2003. It peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard 200, while its title track peaked at No. 21 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and at No. 32 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. 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." Guitarist Jaxon joined the band in early 2004. He is the fourth person to fill this position.

Only in Amerika (2004)

Hed PE left Jive Records, releasing their fourth studio album, Only in Amerika×Only in Amerika22 February 2005 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Foreplay1:322Represent4:213The Truth3:044Wake Up4:365War3:496The Box3:287CBC3:338Voices3:149Raise Hell5:1010Amerikan Beauty3:5611Chicken4:2312Daydreams2:4313Not Ded Yet3:3214The G-Ride3:07, on Koch Records on October 19, 2004. It peaked at No. 20 on the Top Independent Albums chart and at No. 186 on the Billboard 200. 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."

Suburban Noize Records (2006–2010)

In 2006, Hed PE signed with Suburban Noize Records, recording their fifth studio album, Back 2 Base X×Back 2 Base X6 June 2006 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Listen2:532Novus Ordos Clitorus3:143Lock and Load3:034White Collars3:225Get Ready2:526Sophia3:237Peer Pressure0:458Beware Do We Go3:539Daze of War5:1310Sweetchops3:0611So It Be3:5612Let’s Ride4:0913The Chosen One3:1714Niteclub In Bali (Bonus Track For Japan)2:45. 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. The album was released on June 6, 2006, the same day as The Best of (həd) Planet Earth×The Best of (həd) Planet Earth7 January 2006 · Album · CompilationSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 15 tracks1Suck It Up3:572Bartender4:013Blackout3:534Killing Time3:535Ken 20125:066Waiting to Die3:157Serpent Boy5:518Swan Dive3:359Darky5:1010Other Side3:3611Ground2:2912Firsty2:3013The Meadow (Special Like You)4:3214Tired of Sleep (T.O.S.)3:5115Feel Good4:14, a compilation album produced by Jive Records without the band's authorization or consent. Back 2 Base X peaked at No. 12 on the Independent Albums chart, and at No. 154 on the Billboard 200. 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."
On June 26, 2007, the band released their sixth studio album, Insomnia×Insomnia17 July 2007 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Madhouse2:062Walk on By4:283Game Over5:004Habeus3:435Suffa2:586Comeova2nite4:197C2GU1:528RTO4:389Mirrorballin4:3110Tienanman Squared3:3111Children4:0312Atlantis A.D.5:5913Wind Me Up5:1514Don't Let Me Down7:19. It peaked at No. 16 on the Independent Albums chart, and at No. 138 on the Billboard 200. 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. Hed PE released their first live album, The D.I.Y. Guys×The D.I.Y. Guys8 July 2008 · Album · LiveSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Madhouse (live)2:062Not Dead Yet (live)0:383Game Over (live)1:404Peer Pressure (live)0:455Sophia (live)3:356The Truth (live)3:127RTO (live)3:438Niteclub in Bali2:129Get Em Up4:2910War on the Middle Class2:0511Ordo AB Chao2:4312Bloodfire2:4813Real Talk1:3414[untitled]2:09, in 2008. On December 20, 2008, Hed PE released their new single "Renegade" with the drummer Christopher Hendrich who appeared in the music video as well. On January 13, 2009, they released their seventh studio album, New World Orphans×New World Orphans13 January 2009 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 24 tracks1New World (intro)1:022Live or Die Free1:593Bloodfire2:484Ordo (ab Chao)2:435Stay Ready4:166Family2:477Stepping Stone3:158Renegade3:299Everything All the Time3:0310Mortgage Crisis (intro)0:2011Middle Class Blues1:4412Flesh and Blood4:1813Nibiru (intro)0:3014Planet X3:4415Higher Ground3:5816A Soldiers (intro)0:1317Tow the Line3:5918Self Aware3:0919Lost History (intro)0:2320This Love3:0721Work On This4:2622Babylon Fall3:3223Born2Ride (demo)3:2824Girlfriend (demo)4:32. It was released in three different versions; each contains a different set of bonus tracks. In 2009, drummer Trauma joined the band. He is the sixth person to fill this position. The band's eighth studio album, Truth Rising×Truth Rising26 October 2010 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 27 tracks · 2 discsDisc 11Silence Is Betrayal (intro)1:302Truth Rising1:423It's All Over3:424The Capitalist Conspiracy (intro)0:175No Rest for the Wicked3:576This Fire3:357Takeover3:348Stand Up4:009Beijo na boca (intro)0:4310Menina2:4911Universal Peace (intro)0:4012Forward Go!4:4813Bad News3:5014Deepthroat (intro)1:2315Murder4:4616The Hed Honcho (outro)1:1117Children of the Fall3:2718Enough Secrecy (intro)0:2619No More Secrets4:4920Whitehouse1:1621We Are the Ones (intro)0:1622It's Alright!6:39Disc 21Judgement Day (Exclusive)5:252Takeover7:153No More Secrets (Renegade remix)10:314The Love You Show (Exclusive)4:425A Conversation With Jahred About the Truth Movement31:57, was released on October 26, 2010, to mixed reviews. It would be the last album the band recorded for Suburban Noize, which Gomes described as having "imploded on itself" approximately around 2010, leaving the band without a label for the next four years.

Evolution and Forever! (2014–2019)

Hed PE subsequently signed with Pavement Music. In a 2012 interview, frontman Jared Gomes stated that their album for 2013 titled Ascension would be released within the first half of 2014. Towards the end of 2013, DJ Product mysteriously left the band with no explanation and no comment from the other members. On January 1, 2014, Gomes stated on the band's official Facebook that the new upcoming (hed) PE album will be named "Evolution×Evolution22 July 2014 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1No Turning Back5:262Lost in Babylon4:393Jump the Fence5:0742 Many Games4:245No Tomorrow3:226Let It Rain4:147One More Body4:038Never Alone3:309The Higher Crown1:4010Nowhere 2 Go5:4111Let It Burn5:2312Hold On4:55" and to be released within the year.
On May 13, 2014, On the band's official Facebook page, they released the official announcement of when the band's new album Evolution will hit stores. The album is set for release July 22, 2014. They also released a teaser of the tone of the new album on their Facebook page and soon after, the track "One More Body".
In 2015, it was confirmed that 12-year guitarist Jaxon Benge and original bassist Mark Young had left the band. They were replaced by guitarist Greg "Gregzilla" Harrison and bassist Kurt "Kid Bass" Blankenship, leaving vocalist Jared Gomes as the group's only remaining original member.

Stampede!, Class of 2020, Sandmine, Califas Worldwide and Detox (2019–present)

On June 21, 2019, the band released a new 10-track album titled Stampede×Stampede21 June 2019 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1NOAPOLOGIES5:022CANIROCK3:403PWF3:494BOSSUP4:235WHYNOTME2:436RISE3:437UNTOUCHABLE4:048NARRAGANSETT4:129DIEANOTHERDAY4:2810TIMEOFMYLIFE5:06!, which was noted for taking a departure from the style of their previous albums through the inclusion of auto-tune on many of the tracks. In August 2020, Hed PE released the album Class of 2020×Class of 202021 August 2020 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1First Blood2:202Watch It Burn2:563No Days Off2:294Death Awaits2:275Last Call3:296Ole Times Sake3:127Greedy Girl5:488Nothing Lasts 4ever (The Ballad of C19)3:469We the People3:4410Overdue2:53 which was described as a return to the original G-punk sound of the band. The record saw a reunion with original guitarist Chad "Chizad" Benekos for the first time in nearly two decades, who performed in the song "Greedy Girl". Original member DJ Product © 1969 also returned to play on the album as well as create the artwork for the record which was a throwback to their album Broke×Broke18 August 2000 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1Killing Time3:562Waiting to Die3:163Feel Good4:154Bartender4:015Crazy Legs4:286Pac Bell4:547I Got You3:448Boom (How You Like That)3:579Swan Dive3:3610Stevie3:3311Jesus (of Nazareth)5:3612The Meadow / [vocal track outtakes]9:32 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its release. On May 7, 2021, the band announced the extended play Sandmine, which was released on July 23, 2021. A lyric video accompanied the release, created by Eitan Melody from EITANS DESIGNS and featuring artwork by Remy Dovianus. On October 22 of the same year, the band announced the studio album Califas Worldwide×Califas Worldwide4 February 2022 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 21 tracks1Not Today3:222Choose Sides3:313Fuck What You Say1:254Your Pride3:475Across the Universe3:416All That Matters3:357Leave Em All Behind4:428Hurricane2:589Nothing2:4610Stand or Fall1:4411Hate (Is the Weapon)2:5712Stop Time4:0013Time Is Up4:2014Portal3:0615Enemies3:1016Crazy I Like2:5417Just Like You4:4118One Nite2:3219Illuminated2:5820Red Herring3:2921PMA All Day2:59, which was released on December 17, 2021. For the 20th anniversary of Broke, on April 8, 2022, the band released "Bartenders", a remake of "Bartender×Bartender2000 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 4 tracks1Bartender (Clean Version)3:552Bartender (Dirty Version)4:033Crazy Legs4:064Bad Dream3:52" featuring Dropout Kings and DJ Lethal. On October 14, 2022, the band released a rerecorded version of their song "Let's Ride" with Madchild for a deluxe edition of their album "Back 2 Base X×Back 2 Base X6 June 2006 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Listen2:532Novus Ordos Clitorus3:143Lock and Load3:034White Collars3:225Get Ready2:526Sophia3:237Peer Pressure0:458Beware Do We Go3:539Daze of War5:1310Sweetchops3:0611So It Be3:5612Let’s Ride4:0913The Chosen One3:1714Niteclub In Bali (Bonus Track For Japan)2:45". On February 5, 2023, the band released a cover of the Ramones song "I Wanna Be Sedated". During that same year, Hed PE released three singles, "Detox×DETOX15 December 2023 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1No Way Out4:022Detox3:453Waiting to Die3:384Too Late4:105This Dream3:596Compromise4:157Rat Race2:408Going Nowhere4:119Pour My Wine4:1010PCH4:40", "Too Late×Too Late13 October 2023 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Too Late4:10" and "Waiting×Waiting10 November 2023 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Waiting3:37", from their next studio album Detox, due on December 15, 2023. The band's next album New and Improved×New and Improved30 May 2025 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 13 tracks1Every Breath You Take2:422Just Can’t Get Enough3:023Always on My Mind2:454Red Red Wine4:275I Melt With You4:056You Shook Me All Night Long3:187I Ran (so Far Away)3:518Just a Friend4:139Time After Time3:3810Back in Black3:1911Bartender (re-recorded)4:0512Raise Hell (re-recorded)5:1213Raise Hell (re-recorded) (remix)6:18, a collection of song covers and re-recordings of "Bartender" and "Raise Hell", was released on May 30, 2025. They co-headlined Michigan Metal Fest in August of that year with Chelsea Grin and Hatebreed.

Music and lyrics

Hed PE performs a style of music which they have referred to as "G-punk", a phrase inspired by the term "G-funk". Hed PE has also described its music as "schizophrenic". Hed PE's music is a fusion of styles ranging from hip hop, reggae, and ska to hard rock, punk, and heavy metal. Jared Gomes' vocal style ranges from melodic singing to rapping, screaming, and death growls. The band's lyrics draw on a number of subjects, including social justice, the existence of extraterrestrial life, criticism of organized religion, the 9/11 Truth movement, cannabis use and sexual intercourse.
Gomes, in addition to the 9/11 Truth movement, has expressed support for social liberal politicians such as Nancy Pelosi and president Barack Obama. However, Gomes' 2004 lyrics for Only in Amerika supported American nationalism, and called for brutal retaliation against Al Qaeda for the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Influences

The band's influences include Beastie Boys, Black Sabbath, Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, Nine Inch Nails, Notorious B.I.G. and Rage Against the Machine.
Hed PE's second album, Broke×Broke18 August 2000 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1Killing Time3:562Waiting to Die3:163Feel Good4:154Bartender4:015Crazy Legs4:286Pac Bell4:547I Got You3:448Boom (How You Like That)3:579Swan Dive3:3610Stevie3:3311Jesus (of Nazareth)5:3612The Meadow / [vocal track outtakes]9:32, incorporated classic rock and world music influences, 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, and New World Orphans was influenced by Suicidal Tendencies and Minor Threat. Guitarist Jaxon has been credited for encouraging a heavier, hardcore punk-influenced musical style.

Current members

Jared "M.C.U.D." Gomes – lead vocals, melodica (1994–present)
Kurt "Kid Bass" Blankenship – bass (2015–present)
Nathan Javier – guitar (2021–present)
Stephen Arango – drums (2024–present)