Metalboy helped a little too..
6.2.00
If it is absolutely necessary to classify music with descriptive labeling, then “Broke” (Jive Records), is a magnum opus of rap, funk, hip hop, and metal. It’s too bad it didn’t come out sooner, however. It would have been nice to see some of that Limp Bizkit hype (and money!) go to this band. Not to worry though, (hed)pe isn’t riding on anybody’s coattails. They’ve woven their own version of them. Let’s see who hops on this trip.
Enter M.C.U.D., who rocks the mic like a freak on crystal meth, Wesstyle and Chizad, (the latter being my favorite (hed)pe ‘character’) on psycho guitars, BC thumping out the phat beats on drums, Mawk making it seem so easy on bass, and DJ Product handling the turntables with smooth precision. The collective abilities that are (hed)pe create an action-packed roller coaster ride, with soaring highs and death defying lows on “Broke”. If there were ever a CD that could make up for all the time it took for me to finally get into (hed)pe, it would be this one.
The band recruited producer Machine on “Broke”, which could very well be some of his finest work yet. Thick beats and tight guitars intermingle perfectly throughout the entire album. With so many killer songs to choose from, it’s difficult to pick a favorite.
“Waiting to Die” and “I Got You” were the first two I heard from the cassette sampler; both of which completely blew me away. One really unique track entitled “Feel Good” features guest appearances by Serje Tankian of System of A Down, and Morgan Lander of Kittie tearing it up on the sidelines. Get ready for impact on the August 8th release date. I give this CD a 10… Brian?
In the last year since Slipknot’s debut release, there hasn’t been a CD that has had the same kind of impression on me. Until now. (hed)pe’s latest incarnation “Broke” goes a step beyond with a mixture of hip-hop, hardcore, and reggae. M.C.U.D.’s vocal style is so strange at times, with the way he manipulates his vocal chords, it’s awesome.
There were a few tracks on the CD that really caught my ear, and they are all different in terms of style. There’s ‘Pac Bell’ a song filled with mostly hip-hop beats and M.C.U.D.’s vocals, the slow calmness of ‘The Meadow’, and the craziness of the opening track ‘Killing Time’. (hed)pe have really outdone themselves this time around with ‘Broke’.
Over all the whole CD is phenomenal and a must have for anyone. I don’t care if you only listen to country, buy this CD, if only to say, ‘Yes, I own the new (hed)pe cd.’
Lesa Pence
Brian May
