Raised in the tough urban environment of San Diego, California, this rapcore outfit (the acronym stands for Payable On Death) was formed in 1992 by Marcos (guitar) and Wuv (drums). Wuv’s cousin Sonny Sandoval (vocals) joined the duo shortly afterwards, as the band built up a strong regional reputation in the local punk clubs, including the now defunct Soma, playing support slots to visiting bands including Green Day, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Cypress Hill. The band, which by now included bass player Traa, formed their own independent label, Rescue Records. Their independent releases, Snuff The Punk, Brown, and Live, developed their highly aggressive fusion of metal, hardcore and hip-hop, although the band’s born-again Christian faith remained central to their music. The success of Brown, which sold over 30,000 units, led to the band signing a deal with Atlantic Records in August 1998. They recorded their major label debut in Hollywood with producer Howard Benson. The band found the time to issue an independent release, The Warriors EP, before The Fundamental Elements Of Southtown appeared in August 1999. The band’s ferocious live sound and spiritual determination appeared undimmed by their new major label status, and the album deservedly broke into the Billboard Top 200 shortly after its release. Their second major label recording, 2001′s Satellite, was even more successful, achieving platinum status within weeks of its release.
