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Brokencyde (stylized as brokeNCYDE) is an American hip hop group from Albuquerque, New Mexico, founded in 2006. The group's lineup consists of Michael "Mikl" Shea and Julian "Phat J" McLellan, and musically are one of the founding groups in the crunkcore genre, which (in general description) is crunk hip hop music with screamed vocals.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Formation, record deal and debut album (2006–2009)

[edit]
Main article: I'm Not a Fan, But the Kids Like It!

Brokencyde was founded by singers Se7en and Mikl. The name of the group supposedly originated from the idea that their music was "broke inside" due to personal problems.[6] After the band began promoting themselves online, members Phat J and Antz joined Brokencyde. They released their debut mixtape, The Broken!, in July 2007, followed by another mixtape, Tha $c3ne Mixtape (2008).

Brokencyde toured with bands such as Breathe Carolina,[7] The Morning Of,[8] Karate High School, and Drop Dead, Gorgeous. In July 2008, Brokencyde appeared on MTV's Total Request Live, where they performed the single "FreaXXX" on the segment "Under the Radar". They signed with Suburban Noize Records later that summer, and released the BC13 EP on November 11, 2008 during a promotion with the retail chain Hot Topic.[9]

In 2008, the group performed dates on the Millionaires-headlined "Get F$cked Up" tour, and appeared twice on "Fearless Music TV", performing "Sex Toyz" and "FreaXXX" in December 2008.[10]

The group's first full-length release, I'm Not a Fan, But the Kids Like It!, debuted at #86 on the Billboard 200 in July 2009.[11] Brokencyde was featured on the US Warped Tour 2009,[12] but left the tour in August to play featured appearances in Europe.[13]

Later Brokencyde played dates on "The Original Gangstour" tour with Eyes Set to Kill, And Then There Were None, and Drop Dead, Gorgeous. They played dates on the "Saints and Sinners Tour 2009" with Senses Fail, Hollywood Undead, and Haste The Day.[14]

Will Never Die, Guilty Pleasure and departure of Phat J and Antz (2010–2014)

[edit]
Main articles: Will Never Die and Guilty Pleasure (Brokencyde album)
Brokencyde performing in 2010

In early 2010, the band released two songs for free download on their Myspace. The songs were "I'm Da Shizzit" and a cover of the song "Sexy Bitch" by David Guetta. In the summer Brokencyde co-headlined the 2 DRUNK 2 FUCK tour with Jeffree Star. Soon after the tour ended they announced that they were in the studio. In the beginning of fall their new album was announced to be complete with the title of Will Never Die. The album was released on Break Silence Recordings on November 9. In winter 2010, Brokencyde co-headlined the KA$H 4 KU$H tour with the Millionaires. On October 30, the video for "Teach Me How to Scream" was released via MySpace.

In April 2011, the members of Brokencyde assaulted Punchline drummer Cory Muro at Smiling Moose in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This resulted in Muro needing three staples in his head and his friend Johnny Grushecky having a broken nose.[15]

The group released their third studio album Guilty Pleasure on November 8, 2011. An updated version was later released on March 13, 2012 titled Guilty Pleasurez which the band is supporting with a European "Guilty Pleasurez" tour.[16]

In 2012, Brokencyde played dates on the "Fight to Unite Tour" alongside other acts including Blood on the Dance Floor, Deuce (formerly of Hollywood Undead), Polkadot Cadaver, William Control and The Bunny the Bear.[17] On October 29, 2012, Julian "Phat J" McClellan announced via his official YouTube page that he was amicably leaving Brokencyde to pursue a solo career.[18]

All Grown Up (2014–2018)

[edit]

In December 2014, Brokencyde launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, seeking US$30,000 to help fund the recording and marketing of a new album titled All Grown Up.[19] By the time the funding period ended in February 2015, the band only managed to raise US$1,421 from 33 backers — less than 5% of their intended goal.[20] Nevertheless, the group still self-released a 23-track album titled All Grown Up.

0 to Brokencyde, Se7en's departure and the return of Phat J (2018–present)

[edit]

In April 2018, the band announced that they had signed a deal with Cleopatra Records through which they would be releasing their fourth album on Cleopatra Records' imprint, X-Ray Records.[21] The album, 0 to Brokencyde, was released on June 22, 2018.[22]

In 2022, it was announced that Se7en had taken a leave from the group and that Phat J had returned to the lineup.[23]

Musical style and lyrics

[edit]

Brokencyde are a crunkcore band, fusing elements of screamo and electro music. The band members are self-described "scene kids"; Kerrang! referred to them as a "Myspace band" due to their use of the platform to gain a following early in their career. Metal Hammer also gave them this label.[24] AllMusic stated that the band "combines screamo and crunk into a high-energy party music hybrid," also stating that the band incorporates elements of pop rap, emo and dance music. Kerrang! referred to the band's lyrics as "seriously questionable". AllMusic said their lyrics were "filled with sick jokes and emotional outbursts." The band has explored topics such as sexual intercourse, panties and dancing in its lyrics.[25][26]

Critical reception

[edit]

Brokencyde is widely panned by critics. Cracked.com contributor Michael Swaim said the band sounded like "a Slipknot-Cher duet",[27] while another Cracked contributor Adam Tod Brown commented on their song FreaXXX "I hate that song so much that I would hold it face down in a bathtub until it drowns if I could."[28]

British comic book writer Warren Ellis considered Brokencyde's "FreaXXX" music video "a near-perfect snapshot of everything that's shit about this point in the culture".[29] A writer for the Warsaw Business Journal attempted to describe their music: "Imagine an impassioned triceratops mating with a steam turbine, while off to the side Daft Punk and the Bee Gees beat each other to death with skillets and spatulas. Imagine the sound that would make. Just try. BrokeNCYDE is kind of like that, except it also makes you want to jab your thumbs into your eyeballs and gargle acid."[30]

The New Musical Express stated in a review of I'm Not a Fan, But the Kids Like It!, that "even if I caught Prince Harry and Gary Glitter adorned in Nazi regalia defecating through my grandmother's letterbox I would still consider making them listen to this album too severe a punishment."[31]

August Brown of the Los Angeles Times writes:

"This 'Albucrazy'-based band has done for MySpace emo what some think Soulja Boy did for hip-hop: turn their career into a kind of macro-performance art that exists so far beyond the tropes of irony and sincerity that to ask 'are they kidding?' is like trying to peel an onion to get to a perceived central core that, in the end, does not exist and renders all attempts to reassemble the pieces futile."[32]

In the late 2010s and early 2020s, several music critics[who?] described Brokencyde as an antecedent to hyperpop artists like 100 gecs.[33][34][35]

Members

[edit]

Timeline

Discography

[edit]
LPs
Year Title Label Release date
2009 I'm Not a Fan, But the Kids Like It! BreakSilence June 16, 2009
2010 Will Never Die BreakSilence November 9, 2010
2011 Guilty Pleasure BreakSilence November 8, 2011
2016 All Grown Up Self-released February 14, 2016
2018 0 to Brokencyde Cleopatra, X-Ray June 22, 2018
EPs
Year Title Label Release date
2008 BC13 Mix April 28, 2008
2008 BC13 Suburban Noize October 21, 2008
2022 From The Mud PushDrive October 31, 2022
2023 K$ EP (collab with BoyBandTroy) June 2, 2023
2024 Polaroid Of My Heartbreak PushDrive May 10, 2024
2024 While It Lasted PushDrive October 18, 2024
Other releases
Year Title Label Release date
2007 The Broken! Self-released July 7, 2007
2008 Tha $c3n3 Mixtape Self-released 2008
2012 The Best Of BC13 BreakSilence February 23, 2012
2012 DJ Sku Presents: Brokencyde Vol. 1 Self-released February 23, 2012

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Brokencyde

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Brokencyde (stylized as brokeNCYDE) is an American musical group from , founded in 2006 by David "Se7en" Gallegos and Michael "Mikl" Shea. The duo pioneered the genre, fusing bouncy Southern hip-hop beats with vocals, electronic elements, and party anthems aimed at a MySpace-era audience. Their breakthrough single "Freaxxx" in 2008 propelled them to fame, leading to their debut album I'm Not a Fan, but the Kids Like It! (2009) on BreakSilence Recordings, which debuted at number 86 on the Billboard 200. The band emerged from the underground scene in Albuquerque, initially performing at local venues and building a following through online platforms like . Their music featured high-energy tracks with explicit , auto-tuned , and screamed choruses, often accompanied by raccoon-inspired hair and provocative fashion that amplified their rebellious image. They toured extensively, including the full Vans Warped Tour circuit, and shared stages with acts like , , and . Despite their commercial peak, Brokencyde faced significant backlash, becoming one of the most polarizing and hated bands of the era, with online death threats, physical altercations at shows, and widespread criticism for their chaotic, irony-laden style. Following the release of subsequent albums like Will Never Die (2010) and Guilty Pleasure (2011), the group's lineup evolved; Se7en departed in 2022, leaving the current duo of Mikl Shea and Julian "Phat J" McLellan. They have continued touring internationally, releasing new music including the While It Lasted EP (October 2024) and the Kush & Kandi single (April 2025), and accumulating over 20 million video views across platforms, with collaborations from artists such as E-40, Paul Wall, and Kottonmouth Kings. In recent years, Brokencyde's influence has been reevaluated positively, recognized as precursors to genre-blending acts like 100 gecs and hyperpop artists who thrive on absurdity and digital-native sounds. As of November 2025, the band remains active, maintaining a dedicated fanbase through social media and live performances.

History

Formation and early releases (2006–2009)

Brokencyde was formed in 2006 in , by vocalists David "Se7en" Gallegos and Michael "Mikl" Shea. The duo coined the band's name as a stylized representation of "broken inside," reflecting personal struggles that influenced their early creative output. Initially a two-piece act, they soon added rappers Phat J and to expand their live setup during local performances in the Albuquerque area, where they honed a high-energy stage presence blending rap verses with screamed choruses. The group self-identified their sound as "," a term they originated to describe their fusion of hip-hop beats, vocals, and electronic production elements. Early local shows at venues like The Launchpad helped build a following among scene kids and users, emphasizing party anthems and provocative lyrics that resonated with late-2000s . These performances laid the groundwork for their online breakthrough, as homemade videos captured their chaotic live energy and began circulating on platforms like . In July 2007, Brokencyde released their debut , The Broken!, independently through their own Seven Sound Entertainment imprint. The project featured raw, DIY production showcasing their genre-blending style, with tracks like "Schizophrenia!!!" and "Dead B4 I Died" highlighting Se7en's harsh screams alongside Mikl's melodic raps. A key moment came with the music video for "Freaxxx" from the mixtape, uploaded to in 2008, which went viral and amassed over 4 million views by 2009, propelling the group from local obscurity to national online buzz. Capitalizing on this digital momentum, Brokencyde signed with in the summer of 2008. The label quickly issued their BC13 EP in November of that year, distributed through stores, which further amplified their exposure with remixed versions of early tracks like "Freaxxx" and "Sex Toyz." This deal marked their transition from independent artists to a professionally backed act, setting the stage for full-length recording sessions. The group's debut studio album, I'm Not a Fan, But the Kids Like It!, was recorded in 2008–2009 and produced primarily by Slantize, Shadowville Productions, and Mike Kumagai, incorporating polished electronic beats and guest features to refine their formula. Released on June 16, 2009, via BreakSilence Recordings (a Suburban Noize imprint), the album debuted at number 86 on the , selling over 6,000 copies in its first week. Key singles included "Booty Call" featuring , which emphasized their party-rap edge, and "Freaxxx," bridging their era to mainstream attention. To promote the release, Brokencyde embarked on their first major U.S. tour, including a prominent slot on the 2009 from late June to August, performing alongside acts like and The Devil Wears Prada, which solidified their presence in the alternative and punk scenes.

Mainstream breakthrough and initial lineup changes (2010–2014)

Brokencyde reached a commercial peak with the release of their second studio album, Will Never Die, on November 9, 2010, via BreakSilence Recordings under the Suburban Noize label group. The album included tracks like "FreaXXX" and "Bree Bree" as promotional singles, emphasizing high-energy party anthems and themes of resilience against detractors, as suggested by the title track and overall messaging. Building on their underground viral success from earlier MySpace-era videos, the release marked their transition to broader exposure, with the band performing extensively across that year, including over 90 shows. In 2011, Brokencyde followed up with their third album, Guilty Pleasure, released on November 8 through the same label. The record shifted toward slightly more mature lyrical explorations within their crunkcore framework, incorporating features from artists like Paul Wall and Tre Nyce on songs such as "Phenomenon" and "Burnin'," though it continued to draw controversy for its explicit content and party-oriented themes. Touring remained a key focus, with appearances on the Vans Warped Tour and international dates in Europe, alongside reduced but active U.S. performances totaling around 25 shows. These efforts highlighted their growing, if polarizing, mainstream presence amid ongoing debates over the genre's explicit nature. Lineup instability began to emerge during this period. In 2012, founding member Julian "Phat J" McLellan, who contributed as rapper, producer, and , announced his amicable departure via a YouTube video to focus on a solo career, citing creative differences. Phat J had been integral to the band's sound since joining in 2007, handling synthesizers, programming, and backup vocals on albums like Will Never Die. The group continued with remaining core members but faced further changes in 2013 when Anthony "Antz" Trujillo exited due to personal reasons, reducing the lineup and impacting live production dynamics. Despite these shifts, Brokencyde maintained momentum through 2013–2014 with European headline tours alongside acts like Millionaires, including stops in the UK and . However, tensions with Suburban Noize grew over creative control and promotion, prompting a gradual move toward independent releases by late 2014 as the band sought greater autonomy following 's modest reception.

Independent phase and crowdfunding efforts (2014–2018)

Following their departure from Suburban Noize Records in 2014, Brokencyde transitioned to an independent phase marked by financial hurdles and creative autonomy as a duo consisting of Se7en and Mikl. In December 2014, the group initiated an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign titled "Brokencyde Forever" to fund the recording, marketing, and touring for their upcoming album All Grown Up, setting a goal of $30,000; however, it concluded in February 2015 having raised only $1,421 from 33 backers, achieving less than 5% of the target and resulting in substantial production delays. Despite these setbacks, Se7en and Mikl self-recorded the album in a home studio and released independently on February 14, 2016, comprising 23 tracks with contributions from producers and Mike Cee; the project adopted a more polished production while evolving toward themes of maturity, diverging from the band's earlier explicit content. Promotion for the album remained constrained without label backing, limiting its reach and commercial performance, though singles such as "I'm Broken" highlighted the duo's refined approach. From to 2018, Brokencyde scaled back touring amid declining industry relevance, with Se7en and Mikl directing efforts toward personal endeavors outside the band. The absence of Phat J, who had departed in , further altered the group's dynamic during this period. To reconnect with supporters, the duo ramped up social media activity on platforms like and , teasing new material and fostering direct fan interaction as part of broader rebranding attempts.

Label return, further changes, and recent activities (2018–present)

In 2018, Brokencyde signed a record deal with , marking their return to a major independent label after years of independent releases. This partnership resulted in the release of their fifth studio , 0 to Brokencyde, on , 2018, which featured high-energy tracks blending with hip-hop elements, including singles such as "Psychos" and "Marijuano$" that highlighted the band's signature party anthems. By 2022, the band's lineup underwent significant changes, with longtime member Se7en departing after 16 years, reducing the group to a duo consisting of Mikl Shea and the returning Phat J (Julian McLellan), who rejoined following a decade-long hiatus. This shift emphasized a streamlined creative dynamic focused on trap and hip-hop influences. The duo continued releasing music independently through platforms like PushDrive, beginning with the EP From the Mud in 2022, which explored themes of resilience and featured collaborations such as with Dot Dot Curve on "Make Her Say Ooo." In 2023, they issued the collaborative EP K$ with BoyBandTroy, incorporating raw trap beats and features from Deuce on tracks like the title song. Subsequent EPs Polaroid of My Heartbreak (May 10, 2024) and While It Lasted (October 2024) delved into more introspective lyrics amid trap-influenced production, reflecting personal growth and emotional vulnerability. In 2024, they released the single "Dont You Mention My Name" featuring Lil Lotus. Into 2025, releases included the single "Used to Be" and the EP Johnny Bravo. Brokencyde maintained an active touring schedule, including the "Don't Cause a Scene Tour" in late 2024. As of November 2025, they had recently completed East Coast shows on November 13 in ; November 14 in ; and November 15 in , with additional performances scheduled for November 16 in ; November 17 in ; and November 19 in . Earlier in October 2025, the band performed shows including October 25 in , and October 30 in , Oklahoma. The band revived their online presence through Instagram (@therealbrokencyde), where they shared updates on tours, new music teasers, and fan interactions, fostering renewed engagement with their audience.

Musical style and influences

Genre development and characteristics

Brokencyde pioneered the crunkcore genre upon their formation in 2006, establishing it as a distinctive fusion of crunk hip-hop beats, screamo vocals, 8-bit electronic sounds, and Auto-Tuned rapping that blended elements of Southern rap energy with post-hardcore intensity and digital synth aesthetics. This self-created style emerged from the mid-2000s scene subculture, where the band combined pre-programmed hip-hop rhythms with electronically processed screams and raps to create a high-octane, party-oriented sound. Central to crunkcore's characteristics are its high-energy lyrics centered on themes of , drugs, and , delivered through abrupt shifts between melodic Auto-Tuned and raw, guttural screaming that heighten the chaotic vibe. The genre prominently features chiptune-inspired synths for a nostalgic, video game-like texture, paired with heavy bass drops and bouncy electronic beats that drive its danceable yet aggressive structure. These sonic elements, including layered drum machines and distorted vocal effects, emphasize a hedonistic, unapologetic party anthem formula without relying on traditional instrumentation. Throughout their career, Brokencyde's evolved from a raw, lo-fi mixtape aesthetic in early tracks like "Freaxxx" (2008), characterized by minimal production and DIY experimentation, to a more polished incorporation of trap influences and experimentation in their EPs, as heard in "Polaroid Of My Heartbreak" (2024) and the "Used To Be" single (2025), where cleaner synth layers, emotive vocal processing, and glitchy maximalism add contemporary electronic flair. This progression reflects broader shifts in electronic music, maintaining core traits while integrating trap's rhythmic complexity and 's glitchy, maximalist edges as of 2025. Early production techniques centered on DIY methods, with using accessible home studio software for beat creation and vocal manipulation in makeshift setups, fostering the genre's initial , independent . Later works transitioned to mixing, enhancing clarity in synth arrangements and bass elements while preserving the high-energy fusions that define .

Key influences and evolution

Brokencyde's musical style drew heavily from Southern hip-hop and , particularly the high-energy beats and techniques pioneered by artists like , which informed their party anthems and vocal effects. The group also incorporated elements from and acts such as Attack Attack! and The Devil Wears Prada, evident in the screamed vocals layered over hip-hop rhythms that defined early . Additionally, broader electronic influences contributed to their synth-driven production, blending with the raw aggression of and hardcore scenes to create a hybrid sound rooted in the mid-2000s underground. The early scene kid subculture, amplified by MySpace's viral ecosystem, profoundly shaped Brokencyde's aesthetic, from their colorful, rebellious imagery to the DIY promotion that propelled tracks like "Freaxxx" into niche fame. This era's fusion of fashion, internet memes, and experimentation provided the cultural backdrop for their explicit, playful lyrics and visuals, positioning them as icons of suburban youth rebellion. Over time, Brokencyde's sound evolved from the irreverent, explicit of their releases—characterized by humorous, party-focused themes—to a more introspective maturity in their 2016 album , where they refined their production and explored personal growth while retaining core hip-hop and elements. By the late 2010s and into the 2020s, they shifted toward trap influences, incorporating heavier bass and trap beats, alongside nods to emerging styles seen in artists like , though their work prefigured such genre-blending. Member changes further drove these shifts; Se7en's screamed and rapped vocals provided the aggressive, emotional core, while Phat J's addition brought rap-heavy flows and growled elements, emphasizing hip-hop dynamics in later tracks.

Members

Current members

As of 2025, Brokencyde operates as a duo based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with Michael "Mikl" Shea and Julian "Phat J" McLellan forming the core active lineup. Michael "Mikl" Shea, born July 20, 1985, serves as the band's founder and primary producer, having initiated Brokencyde in 2006 alongside early collaborator David "Se7en" Gallegos. A native of Albuquerque, Shea handles the electronic production elements, including beats, synthesizers, and DJ duties that define the group's crunkcore sound, while also contributing clean and rap vocals. Following significant lineup shifts, including the departure of Se7en in 2022, Shea has assumed full leadership, steering the band through independent releases and tours, such as the 2025 "Dont Cause a Scene Tour" across the U.S. East Coast. His consistent presence since inception has been pivotal in maintaining the band's evolution toward trap-influenced crunkcore. Julian "Phat J" McLellan, who originally joined in 2007, rejoined the group in 2022 after a decade-long hiatus, bringing renewed energy to their performances and recordings. As the primary rapper and vocalist, McLellan focuses on delivering lyrical content, growled vocals, and stage presence, complemented by his skills on keyboards and programming that enhance the live electronic aspects. During his absence from 2012 to 2022, McLellan pursued a solo career in hip-hop, releasing independent works that shifted toward a more laid-back style, which has since influenced Brokencyde's contemporary lyrical approach and hybrid sound upon his return. His reintegration has facilitated collaborative projects like the 2025 single "Johnny Bravo," underscoring his role in revitalizing the duo's output.

Former members

David "Se7en" Gallegos co-founded Brokencyde in 2006 alongside Michael "Mikl" Shea, serving as the band's primary screamer and rapper during its formative years and contributing significantly to its early viral popularity on platforms like . Gallegos remained a core member through the group's major label releases and independent transitions until 2022, when he departed the band. Following his exit, Gallegos has pursued solo music endeavors under his stage name , releasing tracks that blend rap and electronic elements reminiscent of his Brokencyde work. Anthony "Antz" Trujillo joined Brokencyde in 2008, providing hypeman duties, backup vocals, and live production support to enhance the band's high-energy performances. Trujillo was part of the lineup during the release of albums like Will Never Die (2010) and Guilty Pleasure (2011), contributing to the group's crunkcore sound through additional unclean vocals and programming. He departed in 2014 amid the band's shift to independent operations, after which his public musical activities have been minimal.

Timeline

YearKey Lineup EventActive Members
2006Formation of the bandSe7en, Mikl
2007Phat J joinsSe7en, Mikl, Phat J
2008Antz joinsSe7en, Mikl, Phat J, Antz
2009Release of debut album as full quartetSe7en, Mikl, Phat J, Antz
2012Phat J departsSe7en, Mikl, Antz
2014Antz departs, band continues as duoSe7en, Mikl
2022Se7en takes leave; Phat J returnsMikl, Phat J
2025Current lineupMikl, Phat J

Discography

Studio albums

Brokencyde's debut studio album, I'm Not a Fan, But the Kids Like It!, was released on June 16, 2009, through BreakSilence Recordings. Featuring 17 tracks, the album was produced by Mike Kumagai with contributions from band members Se7en and Mikl on select songs. Key highlights include the track "Freaxxx," which exemplifies the group's style blending hip-hop beats with screamed vocals and party anthems. The band's second studio album, Will Never Die, arrived on November 9, 2010, via BreakSilence Recordings and consists of 18 tracks centered on themes of resilience and perseverance amid industry challenges. Production involved Se7en and Mikl along with other contributors, emphasizing high-energy electronic elements. The "Booty Move" captured the album's playful, dance-oriented vibe and served as a fan favorite. Guilty Pleasure, released on November 8, 2011, by BreakSilence Recordings, marks the third studio effort with 12 tracks that delve into more explicit lyrical content and compared to prior releases. Self-produced elements by Se7en and Mikl are present, but with additional production; the album maintains the group's signature chaotic sound but incorporates edgier hooks. Standout tracks like "Pornstar" underscore its provocative edge. Following a period of independent activity, All Grown Up emerged on February 14, 2016, as a self-released album comprising 23 tracks, funded through crowdfunding efforts. Produced by Se7en and Mikl with others, it reflects a more polished evolution while retaining core crunkcore roots, with songs addressing personal growth and band dynamics. Notable inclusions are "The One" and "Cookin," which highlight introspective yet upbeat production. The fifth studio album, 0 to Brokencyde, was issued on June 22, 2018, under and features 14 tracks incorporating trap influences alongside traditional elements. Se7en and Mikl handled production with collaborators, blending heavier bass and modern hip-hop flows. Key tracks such as "Trap Scene" illustrate this stylistic shift toward contemporary urban sounds.

Extended plays

Brokencyde's extended plays have served as concise vehicles for experimentation and career pivots, often bridging gaps between full-length albums with a focus on raw energy and evolving production styles. The band's inaugural EP, BC 13, arrived on October 21, 2008, via , comprising five tracks that captured their nascent aesthetic through aggressive beats and provocative lyrics. Titled after the group's original name (Brokencyde Thirteen), it included standout cuts like "Freaxxx," "Sex Toyz," "Schitzo," "Ho Fo Sho," and "Bree Bree," which blended hip-hop influences with elements in a lo-fi, mixtape-inspired format that helped build their underground following. Following a period of lineup changes and label shifts, Brokencyde issued From the Mud on October 31, 2022, through PushDrive Records, shortly after the departure of longtime member Se7en in 2021. This five-track EP, featuring "Crunk Kings!," "Going Ghost," "Make Her Say Ooo" (with Dot Dot Curve), "Shoreline" (with Kyle Lucas), and "My Oh Face," emphasized resilient themes and trap-infused , signaling a refreshed post-hiatus sound while nodding to their Albuquerque origins. In a collaborative pivot, Brokencyde teamed with BoyBandTroy for the *KEP∗on[June2](/page/June2),2023,afour−trackprojectthatventuredintoexperimentaltrapterritorywithheavy[auto−tune](/page/Auto−Tune)andelectronicflourishes.Trackssuchas"NoGoingBack,""O.D.,""K EP* on [June 2](/page/June_2), 2023, a four-track project that ventured into experimental trap territory with heavy [auto-tune](/page/Auto-Tune) and electronic flourishes. Tracks such as "No Going Back," "O.D.," "K" (featuring Deuce), and another untitled closer highlighted darker, introspective vibes amid pounding basslines, expanding the band's sonic palette beyond traditional . Brokencyde's most recent EP, Polaroid of My Heartbreak, dropped on May 10, 2024, via PushDrive, delivering five emotionally charged tracks that leaned into and emo-pop introspection. Including "Write It on the Wall," "X's and O's," "Fit In," "Broken Hearted Letters," and "Perfect," the release explored heartbreak and vulnerability with melodic hooks and raw vocals, tying into broader reflections on personal growth during their ongoing revival phase. In October 2024, Brokencyde released the EP While It Lasted independently, consisting of tracks focusing on contemporary themes.
TitleRelease DateLabelTracks
BC 13, 2008Suburban Noize5
From the MudOctober 31, 2022PushDrive5
K$ EP (with BoyBandTroy)June 2, 2023Independent4
Polaroid of My HeartbreakMay 10, 2024PushDrive5
While It LastedOctober 17, 2024IndependentUnknown

Mixtapes and other releases

Brokencyde's early career was marked by the release of their debut , The Broken!, on July 7, 2007, through Seven Sound Entertainment as a digital file comprising 10 tracks such as "Dead B4 I Died" and "Schizophrenia!!!." This self-released project was distributed for free online, allowing it to gain initial traction within underground scenes via platforms like . The showcased the group's raw sound, blending screamed vocals, rap, and electronic elements in a lo-fi production style. Following this, Brokencyde issued THA $C3N3 MiXTaPe in 2008 as another self-released digital mixtape, featuring 18 tracks including "Freaxxx," "SCHITZO!!!," and "Get ." Available as files at 128 kbps, it expanded on their party-oriented themes with more polished beats and guest contributions, further solidifying their presence in the emerging genre. The mixtape's online accessibility contributed to its viral spread among scene enthusiasts during the late 2000s era. In addition to mixtapes, Brokencyde released various singles and appeared on compilations between and , often as promotional or collaborative efforts outside their main albums. For instance, the track "Schitzo" appeared on the 2012 compilation The Best of BC13, a 17-track retrospective issued by BreakSilence Recordings that curated early material like "Freaxxx" and "Booty Call" (featuring ). Other notable singles from this period include the 2009 promo "Get /40 Oz" on and the 2010 double single "Teach Me How To Scream / Da ," released digitally through BreakSilence Recordings to hype their live performances. These releases highlighted the group's focus on high-energy, scene-specific anthems. Post-2018, Brokencyde continued with sporadic one-off singles, such as " God" in 2021, self-released via Push Drive Studios as an to reconnect with fans amid their independent phase. This track, along with later efforts like the 2024 single "DTF" and "Dont You Mention My Name" (featuring ), maintained their signature blend of rap and electronic production without tying into full-length projects. In 2025, they released the single "Kush & Kandi" on April 18 and "Used To Be" on August 22, alongside the EP .

Reception

Critical reception

Brokencyde faced intense early backlash from critics between 2009 and 2011, often derided as one of the worst acts in music history due to their fusion of crunk, screamo, and Auto-Tune-heavy rap. Outlets like MetalSucks labeled their work a "shitstain on the ass of the universe," highlighting the perceived assault on musical taste through juvenile, misogynistic lyrics and overproduced electronic elements. NME described their debut album I'm Not a Fan, but the Kids Like It! as an auto-tuned, crack-addled Cher-like hybrid of genres that demanded wary respect akin to a sci-fi threat, underscoring criticisms of its chaotic and immature delivery. The Boston Phoenix further critiqued their "blandly misogynistic lyrics" set against "catlike wailing" and excessive Auto-Tune, portraying the sound as a formulaic mess that epitomized scene subculture excess. During their mid-career phase from 2014 to 2018, reviews of albums like All Grown Up offered mixed assessments, with some niche publications noting a shift toward greater cohesion despite ongoing mockery. Sputnikmusic praised the record as the band's "best effort" to date, citing improved vocal flow, more relaxed production, and defined song structures that toned down the hyper-active antics of prior releases, suggesting a measure of artistic maturation. However, the album still drew ridicule for its failure to fully escape repetitive trap formulas and lingering juvenile themes, failing spectacularly in weaker moments according to the same review. In the 2020s, Brokencyde has undergone reevaluation, with critics crediting their genre-blending as an influence on and modern experimental acts. A Vice article positioned them as ahead of their time, arguing their crass, screamed deliveries and hip-hop-metal mashups prefigured the ironic, boundary-pushing style of artists like , transforming past disdain into recognition of pioneering absurdity. Recent 2024 EP releases, such as Polaroid of My Heartbreak, have received positive nods for nostalgic appeal and evolutionary steps, with Album of the Year calling it one of the group's strongest projects through better production and thematic depth on relationships. Rate Your Music users echoed this, finding the emo-pop and elements "interesting" and potentially listenable unironically, signaling a nostalgic embrace of their scene roots.

Commercial performance and fanbase

Brokencyde's debut studio album, I'm Not a Fan, But the Kids Like It! (2009), marked their commercial peak, debuting at number 86 on the chart and selling over 6,000 copies in its first week. Subsequent releases, including Will Never Die (2010), Guilty Pleasurez (2011), and All Grown Up (2016), did not achieve comparable chart success or sales figures, reflecting a decline in mainstream visibility amid shifting trends. In the streaming era, Brokencyde experienced a resurgence, particularly with early hits gaining renewed traction on digital platforms. The official for "Freaxxx" (2008) amassed over 6.6 million views on by November 2025. Recent extended plays, such as While It Lasted (2024), have seen increased engagement on , where clips from tracks like "Used to Be" highlight the band's style and attract younger audiences revisiting 2000s aesthetics. The band's fanbase originated in the MySpace era, centered among "scene kid" communities drawn to their high-energy, party-oriented sound and provocative imagery. This dedicated following sustained live performances, with Brokencyde selling out shows across the U.S. during their 2009 appearances and maintaining momentum through smaller venue tours in 2025, such as the "Teach Me How to Scene Tour." The group's explicit lyrics and themes often sparked backlash from parents in the 2010s, who criticized the content as inappropriate for teenage fans, contrasting with the unwavering loyalty of their core supporters.

Cultural impact and legacy

Brokencyde is widely credited with coining and pioneering the genre, a fusion of hip-hop, , and electronic elements that emerged in the late 2000s and influenced subsequent genre-blending acts in the alternative music scene. Their self-defined sound, exemplified by tracks like "Freaxxx," combined bouncy Southern hip-hop beats with vocals, setting a template for experimental hybrids that later informed the movement. Music critics have drawn parallels between Brokencyde's chaotic mixes and the work of , noting how both acts pushed boundaries with auto-tuned , and punk influences, positioning Brokencyde as an early antecedent to hyperpop's ironic, high-energy aesthetic. The band's rapid rise via also cemented their status as an early example of internet-fueled backlash, with "Brokencyde hate" becoming a hallmark of online music in the late 2000s. Their 2008 single "Freaxxx" received 10,000 more downvotes than upvotes on , sparking widespread derision, death threats, and even hoax campaigns like "Mothers Against Brokencyde," which highlighted the era's polarized digital reactions to non-conformist artists. By the late and into the , this vitriol evolved into ironic appreciation, as retrospective analyses reframed their work as prescient post-ironic art that anticipated the self-aware humor in modern alternative genres. In 2025, Brokencyde's ongoing tours, including dates across the U.S. such as performances in and , symbolize their enduring resilience amid past controversies and industry challenges like show cancellations. Member Phat J reflected on this trajectory in a 2021 interview, describing the band's "rise and fall" as a test of perseverance rooted in their background, emphasizing how they refused to yield to online "computer warriors" and death threats while focusing on creating escapist music for fans. This narrative of comeback underscores their role as a cultural touchstone for artists navigating backlash and revival in the digital age.

References

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  2. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/brokencyde-mn0001768285
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  63. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/artist/7640-brokencyde/
  64. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TH5ibABP4U
  65. https://www.abqgreenroom.com/post/scenedom-brokencyde
  66. https://www.livenation.com/artist/K8vZ917u8nV/brokencyde-events
  67. https://www.shazam.com/events/%25D1%2581%25D1%2588%25D0%25B0/-/brokencyde-266962025
  68. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8dByGbLGYs
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