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Linkin Park's Roots: What's in A Name? Although now seemingly everywhere, Linkin Park once started out as a small unknown band originally named "Xero," making their first recordings in emcee Mike Shinoda's apartment in Southern Cali in 1996. Xero, which originally started out minus vocalist/screamer Chester Bennington, was soon signed by Zomba Music Publishing, however, after playing their very first show with then unknown act System of A Down and still unknown SX-10. Adding Bennington in 1998 to complete their ensemble, Xero soon renamed themselves "Hybrid Theory" to suggest the style of their music, the now super-popular rap/rock hybrid. Writing furiously and desperately searching for a major label, Hybrid Theory soon had their prayers answered in the spring of 2000 when Warner Bros. picked them up, asking that they change their name due to copyright reasons (another band already had the rights to the name). Finding themselves nameless, LP ultimately became the "Linkin Park" you know and love today after the sextet decided they liked the name of Santa Monica's Lincoln Park landmark, but changed the spelling so that they could use the website of the same name as their own (plus it just looks so damn cool too). In the end, all the previous writing would pay off when they signed with Warner Bros., however, for they entered the studio immediately after signing and in less then 6 months had managed to write, produce and set up an advertising campaign for their hugely successful debut release Hybrid Theory which was released in November 2000. The Theory Behind Hybrid Theory Citing such diverse influences as The Roots, Aphex Twin, Nine Inch Nails and the Deftones, Linkin Park has crafted Hybrid Theory with a solid mixture of organic melodies and infectious rhythms. Employing noteworthy producer Don Gilmore (who has produced releases for such poppy but successful bands as Eve 6, Sugar Ray and Pearl Jam), it should be no surprise that LP's debut contains a very melodic poppier version of rap/rock than most rap/rock bands have. And while this pop aspect has been largely responsible for much of the band's received criticism, it is also largely responsible for the appeal of the album as a whole. The name Hybrid Theory aptly portrays both the band's personality and what it has accomplished on that album. In it, LP mixes rock and rap influences handily and with much skill. Chester's amazing throaty growls work well with Mike's fast-paced rhyme spinning, and neither truly dominate but instead compliment each other. Furthermore, skribbler and all-around technologist Mr. Hahn deftly combines the driving beat of hip-hop and the ambience of techno to the hard rock sound inherently produced by their guitar, bass, and drums setup of Delson, Ferrel, and Bourdon respectively. Despite the extremely smooth combination of styles and inherent pop that lies therein, the band goes out on a limb with the 11th (and second to last) track on Hybrid Theory called "Cure for the Itch." It is a Break-Beat track employed to both entertain and allow Mr. Hahn to show off his skills. And while this track is a seemingly odd addition to what is otherwise a mostly rap/rock album, it brings to the forefront the band's techno and hip-hop underpinnings that can be heard throughout the album, punctuating the truth in the CD's title "Hybrid Theory," and topping off an already well-rounded album. LP's Current Projektz: Since the release of their debut album, Linkin Park has been touring incessantly, sharing the stage with the likes of P.O.D, Deftones, and Papa Roach as well as headlining their own tours. Aptly demonstrating just how much LP have blown up recently, they just finished their own Projekt: Revolution Tour, headlining over such popular acts as Cypress Hill, Adema, and DJ Z-trip. LP is also rumored to possibly release another CD later this year, but with no official confirmation (and considering the fact that they have done nothing but incessantly tour since the release of "Hybrid Theory") it is considered highly unlikely. Nonetheless, both Mr. Hahn and Mike Shinoda did find enough time between tours to record the current hit-single "It's Going Down" with veteran turntablists The X-Ecutioners which can be found on The X-Ecutioners' latest release Built From Scratch. Linkin Park: In the End All in all, Linkin Park is a promising up-and-coming band that most likely has a bright future ahead of it. They have received more than their fair share of criticism for being "just another rap/rock band," but anyone who seriously listens to their album more than one or two times (and I say this looking in the direction of many music critics), will find that Linkin Park is much more than that. Hybrid Theory is undeniably predictable and none too risky, but while LP has not pushed the envelope with their music, they have instead produced a very polished and enjoyable model of what rap/rock can and should be. And considering that it came from ones so young and new to the industry, it bodes well for both the future of rap/rock as well as LP and music fans alike. And if this hasn't even BEGUN to quench your LP Desires, check out:
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