Even about two decades and a few hits later, American hip-hop/rock band Flipsyde‘s MC Piper aka Jinho Ferreira says not much has changed about their songwriting. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he says over an email interview.

Their latest song, “Imagine Peace,” is a typical sonic slice of what made Flipsyde gain popularity in the early 2000s — a buoyant beat and rap flow that’s reflective of west coast hip-hop, vocalist-guitarist Steve Knight’s sublime hooks and a radiant lead from guitarist Dave Lopez. Thematically, Piper talks about love in current times and how to stay persistent in finding answers. The rapper adds, “We’re being overwhelmed by everything in the headlines. Global warming, racism, terrorism, war, school shootings […] We decided to take this opportunity to also call attention not just to the problems, but the solution as well – which is love and peace.”

As a band that’s previously envisioned a peaceful world, Piper says their understanding of human nature is what makes them return to the topic. He says, “We understand there will always be a negative energy in the world as there will always be a positive energy. The dark and the light are present in every human being. So we try to write songs that address the human spirit, and if we do our job well, they will always be relevant.”

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