Founded in Los Angeles in the late 80's as part of the thriving hardcore scene, downset has evolved into an icon of sorts. As the original blenders of rap, funk, hardcore, punk, metal, and socially aware lyrics, they drew influences from
Black Flag to
Black Sabbath ,
Public Enemy to
Bob Marley . Becoming a huge draw, the industry took notice and they caught the attention of Mercury/PolyGram Records and released their self titled debut in 1994.
From California, they perfected their unique, in your face assault of rap/rock fusion pounding street anthems, along with artists like Rage Against The Machine and KoRn, who helped to pave the way for the hip-hop/metal explosion of the late 90's.
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The band features Rey Oropeza (Vocals), Chris Lee (Drums), Ares Schwager (Guitars), and Rico Villasenor (Bass).
In 1992, Social Justice (1987-92) changed their name to downset and released their self-titled debut album on Abstract Records (1994). The album was praised by critics, exploring various social issues in their songs, including the death of Oropeza's father by the LAPD in the song .
Later in 1994, downset. signed a deal with Mercury Records (Polygram), and released Downset their self-titled effort in the same year. In 1996, the band released their most commercially successful album, Do We Speak a Dead Language?, through Mercury.
Making their departure from Mercury Records, downset were scooped up by Epitaph Records and released their 3rd album, Check Your People in 2000. That same year, rumours circulated that Oropeza was to resume Rage Against the Machine's Zach de la Rocha vocalist position after Zach left.
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