Weapons of Mass Creation
Weapons of Mass Creation also known as WOMC is a hip hop band based in Anaheim, California that plays a blend of hip hop, soul, funk and cumbia among other styles. The band views music as a form of activism and has explored themes of generational trauma, police brutality and misogyny through their music.[1]
Weapons of Mass Creation | |
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Background information | |
Also known as | WOMC |
Origin | Anaheim, California, United States |
Genres | |
Years active | 2014–present |
Members | Joules Jacob Crudo Luis Moe Budda Solitude Silas EQ HiiKu |
Website | womc714 |
Career
Before 2014 WOMC performed under the band name Franco Funktion, composed solely of the Franco siblings Julia, Jacob, Joseph, Luis, and Moses.[2] The musical project was put on hold after the siblings went off to pursue higher education at different institutions in the UC system: UCLA, UCSC and UCSD. In 2014, Josh Quiñonez, family friend and former rapper with group Analytiks, was invited to join the Francos to form Weapons of Mass Creation. Their debut EP titled Five out of Five was released in March 2016 and covered themes of immigration, police brutality, sexism and capitalism.[3] Also in 2016, they released "Rest in Paint" a track dedicated to Gustavo Najera, an old friend who was murdered by Anaheim police.[3][1]
WOMC released their 2nd EP, Labor of Love on September 28, 2019, at the Long Beach Museum of Art.[4] That same year, they added band member and younger Franco sibling Silas to the group. WOMC received recognition from the OC Weekly as the BEST HIP HOP Act of 2019.[1] The band began performing Labor of Love throughout Orange County and Los Angeles, until the COVID-19 pandemic forced their performances to a standstill.[2] The band used this as an opportunity to focus on their individual artistry and reinvent their collective sound.[2][1] In June 2021, they released their single, "All I Do" which strayed from their usual sound to a more bouncy, upbeat love song.[2] In February 2023, WOMC released a single titled "Suave".[5]
Members
The members of the band include:[1][2][3]
- Julia Franco (Joules): Vocals, songwriting
- Jacob Franco: Bass, vocals, songwriting
- Joseph Franco (Crudo): Keys, composer/producer
- Luis Franco: Guitar, vocals, songwriting
- Moses Franco (Moe Budda): Drums, emcee, composer/producer
- Josh Quiñonez (Solitude): Vocals, songwriting
- Silas Franco: Saxophone, vocals
- Enrique Quiñonez (EQ): Vocals, songwriting
- HiiKu (JEFFPESOS): Keys, composer/producer
Discography
Extended plays
Title | Details |
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Five out of Five |
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WOMC Mixtape |
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Live at Sanctuary Sound |
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Labor of Love |
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Family Business |
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Source: Bandcamp[6]
References
- Madarang, Charisma (January 19, 2022). "How Anaheim-Born Hip Hop Group Weapons of Mass Creation Started the Revolution at Home". KCET. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- Castaneda, Vera (June 25, 2021). "'We have a lot to say': Weapons of Mass Creation debuts new single". Daily Pilot. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- San Román, Gabriel (July 19, 2016). "Weapons of Mass Creation are Stockpiling Songs of Freedom – OC Weekly". www.ocweekly.com. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
- San Román, Gabriel (2019). "Weapons of Mass Creation Return with Tranquil Tunes for Turbulent Times – OC Weekly". www.ocweekly.com. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
- "14 New Songs to Listen to This Week From Nino Augustine to Enyel C". Remezcla. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
- "Weapons Of Mass Creation". Weapons Of Mass Creation. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
External links
- WOMC website
- WOMC SoundCloud