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Ex Battalion (mononymously referred to as ExB; also stylized in all caps) is a Filipino hip hop collective from Muntinlupa City, Philippines, primarily known for their hit single "Hayaan Mo Sila" that went #2 on the Billboard Philippine Top 20. The group has numerous local hits that dominated Philippine social media and they are credited for "revolutionizing" Pinoy hip hop to a new modern sound.[2] The hip-hop collective currently consists of Skusta Clee, Flow G, Brando, Emcee Rhenn, and King Badger as the main members. Other members include JRoa, Yuridope, Bullet-D, Jnske, Jekkpot, Huddass, Cent, and E.I.J.[3] The group was founded by Jekkpot, Cent, and Honcho, formerly Bosx1ne. The latter reportedly left the group in late 2022.[4]

Key Information

To date, they have garnered a total of over 2 billion views and over 5 million subscribers on YouTube.[5] All members have also appeared in television and film, they starred in their first box-office feature "Sons of Nanay Sabel" in 2019, although it was not commercially successful.[6]

History

[edit]

2012-2016: Formation, early releases and rise to prominence

[edit]
Official Logo (2012–2022)

In 2012, Ex Battalion was formed and founded by Bosx1ne (now known as Honcho), and rap battle emcees Jekkpot and Cent as a rap battle group, both of the latter left before their establishment as a music group but had joined several barangay rap battles before being into music.[7] In January 2016, the group was formed into a musical group and as a hip hop collective and released their first album entitled "X" on digital platforms. They eventually recruited several artists to join their group after the release. The first three members were Bosx1ne, social media personality Jon Gutierrez (who performs under the mononym "King Badger") and Flow-G. Bosx1ne then invited former reality talent show participant JRoa and O.C. Dawgs member Skusta Clee to collaborate in their first track "Kakaiba" until eventually becoming members.[8]

On 25 September 2016, three months after the release of their first smash-hit single, they released another single called "No Games".[9] The track's music video was immediately uploaded on YouTube and subsequently garnering over 16 million views in a span of a just two months.

On 6 December 2016, they released "Tell Me" and the track's music video on YouTube. Social media personality Toni Fowler was featured on the video which helped the track to gain initial traction.

2017–2019: Sub-unit and peak popularity

[edit]

In January 2017, the collective scored their first Billboard Philippine Top 20 hit as "No Games" entered the local chart and peaked at number 10 after several weeks.

However, on 7 November 2017, JRoa announced his intent to leave the group to focus on his solo musical career after releasing just one album in the label and appearing in several songs with the collective. Roa said that the group will still be the same "with or without him". Other members like Flow G and Bosx1ne accepted Roa's decision and pledged to support him on his future plans. Roa (which renamed and reverted as John Roa), joined Viva Records as a solo artist. On the same day, the group also released "Hayaan Mo Sila", inspired by DJ Khaled's "I'm the One".

On 3 January 2018, the official music video of "Hayaan Mo Sila" was taken down by YouTube after hitting almost twenty million views due to a copyright claim by the producer of the beat, Diamond Style, who claims that Ex Battalion only purchased a $25 lease which covers up to 2,000 streams and up to 250,000 views only. After the event, speculations swirled online regarding the alleged use of the beat without permission; Ex Battalion explained and admitted that they have not purchased the exclusive rights of the beat by which they only got from the producer's YouTube channel.[10][11] After a few days, it was also removed from streaming services and digital stores. It was eventually restored in the stores including the music video on YouTube, after the issue was resolved two weeks later. Due to the massive attention, the track also rose up the charts, peaking at #2 on the Philippine Top 20. "Hayaan Mo Sila" was poised to be number one the following week after hitting #2. However, Billboard Philippines then ceased from publishing weekly charts.

On 12 March 2018, the collective released their new single entitled "SouthBoys" on YouTube in another collaboration with O.C. Dawgs. Special appearances in the video included Jnske, and Bullet-D. Two of which are from O.C. Dawgs. The video became the number 1 trend in the YouTube PH platform several hours after the upload.[12] On 13 March 2018, it was announced that the collective will be handled and managed by Filipino comedian Ai-Ai delas Alas, who they previously collaborated with in the track entitled "Walang Pinipili" (lit. Choosing Nobody), after signing a management contract.

On 9 April 2018, the collective released "Unreleased (Mahirap Na)" as Kakaiboys, a sub-unit which featured only three members from the group, composed of Skusta Clee, Flow G, and Bosx1ne. The music video was released on the group label's official YouTube channel.

On early 2019, Delas Alas resigned as the group's manager. Delas Alas reasoned her inability to handle the ego of certain members who are "behaving unprofessionally".[13] After Ex Battalion starred in their first box-office film, Sons of Nanay Sabel in May 2019, it was reported that Bosx1ne announced his separation from the group on 9 May 2019, citing personal reasons in an apparent publicity stunt for their movie. However, Bosx1ne remaining with the collective was confirmed when he still appeared with his own verse in the music video of their single entitled "Pakinabang" which they released on 5 August 2019. Bosx1ne changed his screen name to Honcho in mid-2020.[14]

Outside music, Flow G launched a business venture "Brand for 199x" & has released a track named "Deym" with a video advertisement, involving Skusta Clee as an ambassador of the brand. After the upload, Netizens slamed the two members for allegedly plagiarizing the song "Ddaeng" by BTS, released on SoundCloud in 2018, and have made #SkustaCleeisGoingtoJailParty a trending topic on Philippine Twitter.[15] However, a few weeks later, the group's management denied allegations and stated that the two pieces are 'inherently different' and claimed that they used a generic triplet flow. The management also added that "There will be no jail time involved even if there is a conviction of copyright infringement".[16]

2020–2022: JRoa's return to the group and Post-Honcho era

[edit]

On 14 December 2020, after being spotted hanging out with the group again after a long time, John Roa (or simply JRoa) released his new single "Woah" under Ex Battalion Music and Viva Records, marking his return to the group as the vocalist.[17]

On 4 February 2021, Flow G teamed up with Gloc-9's talent management Asintada.[18]

In April 2021, Honcho announced a lenten special EP titled "Rosario", which he would be releasing on YouTube one track a day from 1 to 4 April, starting with the first song entitled "Ulap" featuring Jekkpot, Brando, and MC Einstein.[19]

On 5 April 2021, the collective released their new single entitled "Yearly" on YouTube with special appearances of the sub-members in the video included Jekkpot, Yuri Dope, MC Einstein, Huddass, and E.I.J., the collaborative track is produced by Flip-D and Thyro Alfaro. OneMusicPH described it as "a piercing and elaborately structured diss track."[20]

In November 2021, the group announced that they will be holding their first major stage concert at Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the whole collective performing including sub-members from the Ex Battalion Music label, their first show is entitled "EVOLUXION".[21]

In August 2022, Ex Battalion released their new track "Chismis", with the lyrics clearly referencing the group's founder Honcho being ousted from the group.[22] It was reported that Honcho allegedly punched fellow member Skusta Clee after an altercation about transparency with their earnings. After the incident, Skusta Clee announced that "the group is still complete" in a cryptic post with a photo of all members without their founder, indicating Honcho has left the group. Since then, Honcho has released solo work on his own after succeeding releases by Ex Battalion without him. Although, no member has spoken up confirming the issues and there were no legal action taken to court regarding the matter from anyone in both parties.[23]

2024-present: Feud with Honcho

[edit]

On January 1, 2024, Ex Battalion member Yuridope released a diss track titled "Brrt Pow!" featuring groupmates Flow G and Emcee Rhenn on YouTube.[24] On the same day, Honcho responded with "Kaya Pala" (lit. '"I can"'), released under DeeFyre Records, with lyrics indicating that he can go solo without the group.[25]

On March 7, 2024, Ex Battalion members Skusta Clee and Flow G released the Trifecta (EP). Deserve, one of the EP's tracks, is a subliminal response to the group's founder with Clee's verse saying "Sa sobra mong hapdi, tinataboy ka ng 'yong squad" (lit. '"Because of how you act, your squad is pushing you away"').[26] The track's music video has 4 million views to date.

On August 26, 2024, a track named "Go", which Honcho was featured on, was released by the former member. It featured instances on Honcho throwing jabs at the group.[27] On the track, Honcho directly slams the group with the lines "Nakita mo naman kung pa'no ko pinalaki (sila)" (lit. '"You saw how I raised (them)"') which references how he majorly contributed to the group members to go mainstream.

Members

[edit]
Current members
Past members
  • Honcho (formerly part of Kakaiboys[d]) (status disputed since 2022)– founder, rapper
  • MC Einstein[e] – vocalist[28]
  • KentMNL[f] – rapper[28]
  • Ritzz[g] – rapper[28]
Other members

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
List of albums with selected details
Title Album Details Ref.
X
Track listing
  • 1. "Mukhang Malabo"
  • 2. "Nakakabaliw"
  • 3. "Second Chance"
  • 4. "Tagapagligtas"
  • 5. "San Ba Ako Nagkulang"
  • 6. "Dahil Sayo"
  • 7. "Darating Din"
  • 8. "Hindi Lahat"
  • 9. "Makakabawi Rin"
  • 10. "Tuloy Lang"
  • 11. "Twerk"
  • 12. "Rated X (Remix)"
  • 13. "Hit 'n Run"
  • 14. "Nakaraan"
  • 15. "Balik Sa Umpisa"
[30]
Ex Battalion the Concert
Track listing
  • 1. "Hayaan Mo Sila (Inspired by I'm the One)"[h]
  • 2. "Fallin'"
    (feat. Muffin)
  • 3. "Day Dreaming"
  • 4. "Frontpage"
    (feat. Abaddon)
  • 5. "Walang Tayo"
  • 6. "Rose"
  • 7. "Aagawin"
  • 8. "Do That For Me"
  • 9. "Kakaiba"
    (feat. Skusta Clee)
  • 10. "No Games"
    (feat. Skusta Clee)
  • 11. "Tell Me"
  • 12. "Need You"
  • 13. "Fuck Buddy"
    (feat. Skusta Clee)
  • 14. "Come with Me"
    (feat. Bosx1ne, Flow G, King Badger & JRoa)
  • 15. "Di Ako Fuckboy"
    (feat. Agsunta)
  • 16. "Bootyful"
    (feat. JRoa, Emcee Rhenn, Flow G, Brando & Bosx1ne)
[31]
Best Seller
Track listing
  • 1. "Fun"
  • 2. "43x"
  • 3. "For Me"
    (with sub-member Yuridope)
  • 4. "All Night"
  • 5. "Hamig"
  • 6. "Make Her Dance"
  • 7. "Legacy"
[32]

Extended plays

[edit]
List of extended plays with selected details
Title Album Details Ref.
6 Years
Track listing
  • 1. "Ikaw Kase"
  • 2. "Ginalingan"
  • 3. "Nandyan Agad Ako"
  • 4. "Mahal Mo Ba Ko"[i]
    (feat. Mikkae Ella)
[33]

Singles

[edit]

As a lead artist

[edit]
List of singles, with year released and album name shown
Year Title Peak chart position Album Ref.
PHL 20
[34]
2016 "Kakaiba"
(featuring Skusta Clee) 		— Ex Battalion the Concert
"No Games"
(featuring King Badger and Skusta Clee) 		— Non-album single
"Tell Me" — Ex Battalion the Concert
2017 "Need You" —
"Sana Ikaw Na Nga"
(featuring Bryan Chong) 		— Non-album single
"Bootyful"
(featuring JRoa, Emcee Rhenn, Flow G, Brando and Bosx1ne) 		— Ex Battalion the Concert
"Come With Me"
(featuring Bosx1ne, Flow G, King Badger and JRoa) 		—
2018 "Hayaan Mo Sila"
(featuring O.C. Dawgs) 		2 [35]
"Southboys"
(featuring O.C. Dawgs) 		— Non-album singles
"Follow My Lead"
(featuring Chicser and Sachzna Laparan) 		—
"Unreleased (Mahirap Na)"
(as Kakaiboys) 		—
"Superhero Mo"
(featuring Alden Richards) 		—
"Ikaw Kase" — 6 Years (EP) [35]
2019 "Ginalingan" —
"SingSing" — Abay Babes (Original Movie Soundtrack) [36]
"Sama-Sama" — Sons Of Nanay Sabel (Original Movie Soundtrack)
"Pakinabang" — Non-album singles [37]
"Baby Cakes (Kiss Mo 'Ko)"
(featuring Bullet D of O.C. Dawgs) 		—
"Miss Flawless" —
2020 "Bounty (Makukuha Rin Kita)" —
2021 "Yearly" — [38]
"Atin" — [38]
2022 "Bullet Sun" — [39]
"Chismis" — [40]
"We The Best" — [41]
"Idol (TikTok)" — [42]
2025 "Fun" — Best Seller [43]

Charts

[edit]
Chart Performance
Year Title Peak (Philippine Top 20) Peak (Philippine Hot 100)
2016 "No Games" 10 –
2017 "Hayaan Mo Sila" 2 10

Filmography

[edit]

Films

[edit]
Year Film Film production Notes
2019 Sons of Nanay Sabel (S.O.N.S.) Viva Films Debut film appearance and major movie project

Television

[edit]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee(s)/work(s) Result Ref.
Wish Music Awards 2018 Wish Hip-Hop Song of the Year "Hayaan Mo Sila"
(with O.C. Dawgs) 		Nominated [44]
PMPC Star Awards for Music 2019 Rap Artist of the Year "Superhero Mo"
(feat. Alden Richards) 		Won [45]
2021 Music Video of the Year "Miss Flawless"
(Bosx1ne, Flow G feat. Sachzna) 		Won [46]
Rap Artist of the Year Won

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ex Battalion

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ex Battalion, colloquially known as Ex B, is a Filipino hip-hop collective from City, , renowned for revitalizing and mainstreaming modern Pinoy hip-hop through relatable, street-infused tracks and infectious hooks. Formed in 2012 as a rap battle group originating from local rap battles, with their musical debut in 2016, the group rose to fame with their 2017 breakout single "Hayaan Mo Sila," which topped local radio charts and became one of the most streamed songs in the that year. Originally a 14-member ensemble blending trap beats with laidback, clever verses, Ex Battalion's core lineup has included prominent artists such as Skusta Clee, Flow G, Brando, Emcee Rhenn, and King Badger, though some members like JRoa and Honcho have since departed. Signed to Viva Records, they debuted with the album X in 2016, featuring tracks like "Twerk" and "Mukang Malabo," and later contributed to soundtracks such as the 2019 film Sons of Nanay Sabel with the carrier single "Sama-Sama." Their music has dominated Philippine social media and streaming platforms, earning accolades for energizing the local hip-hop scene and achieving high Billboard Philippine chart placements, including "#2" for "Hayaan Mo Sila." After a hiatus, as of 2025, the collective remains active, releasing new music such as the album Best Seller that highlights their enduring influence on Filipino rap.

History

Formation and early career (2012–2016)

Ex Battalion was formed in 2012 in , , by underground rappers Bosx1ne (now known as Honcho), Jekkpot, and Cent, initially as a rap battle group rooted in the local hip-hop scene. The trio, emerging from street rapping and barangay-level contests, aimed to compete in freestyle battles, drawing from the raw energy of Filipino underground culture. This foundation reflected the group's early focus on competitive lyricism rather than commercial production, with Bosx1ne serving as the primary leader and later CEO. The lineup quickly expanded from its founding three members to a collective of around 14 by , incorporating talents including the founders Bosx1ne, Jekkpot, Cent, along with , , Brando, Emcee Rhenn, King Badger, Bullet-D, Jnske, KentMNL, Huddass, Ritzz, , JRoa, Yuridope, and E.I.J., many of whom brought experience from prior rap crews. This growth allowed for diverse vocal styles and collaborative dynamics suited to battle formats, though it introduced logistical hurdles in coordinating rehearsals and appearances among members with varying personal commitments. Early releases during this period were modest, consisting of underground mixtapes, debut singles, and their first studio album X in , which emphasized themes, freestyles, and gritty narratives of street life, distributed primarily through local networks and online platforms. From 2014 to 2015, the group gained initial recognition through notable performances in local rap battles and small venues across , including fiestas and underground events where they honed their group synergy and crowd engagement. These appearances solidified their presence in the Filipino hip-hop underground but were hampered by limited resources and a lack of mainstream exposure, as the collective balanced day jobs and personal obligations while navigating the competitive local scene. Despite these challenges, the period laid the groundwork for evolving toward a broader hip-hop sound in subsequent years.

Breakthrough and peak success (2017–2019)

In 2017, Ex Battalion achieved their mainstream with the release of the single "Hayaan Mo Sila," a collaboration featuring the sub-unit , which peaked at number 2 on the Philippine Top 20 chart in 2018. The track, inspired by DJ Khaled's "I'm the One," blended hip-hop with P-pop elements, showcasing the group's fusion style and propelling them from underground rap battle roots to national prominence. Its official , uploaded in November 2017, amassed over 21 million views by early 2018, contributing to the song's viral spread across platforms. The formation of O.C. Dawgs as a sub-unit, comprising members Skusta Clee, Flow G, and Honcho (formerly Bosx1ne), further amplified Ex Battalion's output during this period, with their contributions emphasizing melodic hooks within the collective's hip-hop framework. This era saw the release of their second studio album Ex Battalion the Concert in August 2017 under Ex Battalion Music, capturing live performances and tracks like "Fallin'" and "Day Dreaming," which highlighted their evolving sound and garnered significant streaming traction. In 2018, they partnered with Viva Records for releases including the EP 6 Years, marking a commercial expansion that integrated their music into film soundtracks and broadened their reach in the Philippine entertainment industry. Ex Battalion's peak success manifested in high-profile live performances, including their titular concert in and appearances at events like the Adrenaline Rush Concert in 2018, where they performed hits to enthusiastic crowds. These shows, combined with music video productions under Viva, drove fanbase growth on social media, with platforms like and seeing rapid increases in followers and engagement as "Hayaan Mo Sila" dominated playlists and . By , the group's streaming numbers had solidified their status, with the single exceeding tens of millions of plays, establishing them as key figures in Filipino hip-hop's mainstream ascent.

Lineup changes and transitions (2020–2023)

Following the group's breakthrough hits like "Hayaan Mo Sila," Ex Battalion faced internal shifts starting with JRoa's temporary departure in early 2019 to pursue a solo career under Viva Entertainment. This move strained group dynamics, as JRoa had been a key vocalist and songwriter since joining in 2016, but he initiated reconciliation in June 2019, emphasizing restored friendship and potential collaborations. By April 2020, JRoa rejoined for a remix of "Hayaan Mo Sila," signaling his full return and helping stabilize the collective amid reduced live activities due to the . Bosx1ne, the group's founder, changed his to Honcho in mid-2020 while the collective navigated personal and industry challenges. This period saw reduced group activity, with Honcho's eventual exit in August 2022 following an alleged altercation with , marking the end of his leadership role and leading to a more streamlined lineup. The departure contributed to a transitional phase, as the group adapted to fewer core contributors and focused on individual ventures alongside collective efforts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ex Battalion maintained visibility through virtual releases and performances, including a lyric video for the earlier hit "Nandyan Agad Ako" in May 2020 and the single "Bounty" later that year. In December 2021, they held the "Evoluxion" concert at Araneta Coliseum without a live audience, streaming the 2.5-hour event virtually to fans and highlighting their resilience in the entertainment industry. These adaptations, produced in collaboration with Frontrow, underscored the group's unity, with 14 members listed at the time, including JRoa, Flow G, Skusta Clee, Honcho, Brando, Emcee Rhenn, and King Badger. By 2022–2023, the core lineup solidified around , , Brando, Emcee Rhenn, and King Badger, releasing singles like "Kung Tayo" (), "," and "Bullet Sun" to sustain momentum. Efforts to remain relevant included leveraging for fan engagement and smaller projects, such as sub-unit tracks, amid evolving hip-hop trends and post-pandemic recovery, allowing the group to refocus on creative output without the full original roster.

Feuds, hiatus, and comeback (2024–present)

In early 2024, Ex Battalion became embroiled in a public feud with former member Honcho (also known as Bosx1ne), marked by the release of diss tracks and exchanges on platforms. On January 1, 2024, group member Yuridope dropped the track "Brrt Pow!" featuring and Emcee Rhenn, which targeted Honcho with addressing betrayal and group dynamics. The dispute centered on allegations of creative credits and contributions to the group's earlier hits, escalating through online posts and responses from both sides. Following the internal tensions highlighted by the feud, Ex Battalion entered a hiatus spanning late 2023 to early 2025, allowing members to focus on individual endeavors amid ongoing lineup adjustments. This period of inactivity lasted approximately two years, with no official group releases after their 2022 projects. The group staged a surprise comeback on April 12, 2025, releasing seven new music videos simultaneously on their YouTube channel, announced through Instagram posts that generated immediate buzz among fans. Key tracks included "Legacy" led by Skusta Clee, "For Me" featuring Flow G and Yuridope, and collaborations showcasing the core lineup of Flow G, Brando, Skusta Clee, King Badger, and Emcee Rhenn. These releases emphasized trap-influenced beats and visual storytelling, reviving the group's signature hip-hop style. The 2025 output received strong acclaim for its energy and cohesion, with tracks like "Legacy" highlighting Skusta Clee's lyrical prowess and group chemistry. Live performances followed at events such as the Aurora Music Festival in May 2025, where Ex Battalion delivered sets of the new material to enthusiastic crowds. As of November 2025, the group remains active, having compiled the releases into their second studio album Best Seller on April 11, 2025, with teases of potential concert tours circulating in fan communities.

Members

Current members

As of 2025, Ex Battalion's active core consists of five primary members who spearheaded the group's comeback with the release of seven in , marking their return after a hiatus. These members—Flow G, Brando, , King Badger, and Emcee Rhenn—collaborate on production, songwriting, and performances, blending rap and melodic elements in tracks like "" and "Legacy." (real name: Daryl Jake Borja Ruiz) serves as a and , often delivering the group's key vocal hooks and melodic verses. He has been instrumental in crafting the emotive choruses for hit singles such as "Hayaan Mo Sila" (2017), which propelled the collective to mainstream fame, and continues to anchor the melodic aspects in 2025 releases like "43x." His versatility in switching between and has solidified his role as a central figure in the group's sound. (real name: Archie Basilio dela Cruz) acts as the main and occasional , influencing the group's rhythmic flows and beat selection. Known for his sharp and energetic delivery, he takes lead verses in comeback tracks such as "" and "Legacy," where his production touches emphasize trap-infused beats. Flow G's contributions extend to co-writing, helping maintain the collective's street-oriented hip-hop identity. Brando (real name: James Brando) focuses on intricate and group cohesion, providing thoughtful, narrative-driven rap sections that tie songs together. In the 2025 videos, he features prominently in tracks like "43x," contributing verses that highlight personal growth and themes. His emphasis on poetic helps balance the group's high-energy anthems with introspective depth. Emcee Rhenn (real name: Rhenn Mangabang) handles MC duties and live performance energy, excelling in crowd-hyping ad-libs and dynamic presence. He brings to tracks like "Legacy," where his rapid-fire flows and charismatic delivery amplify the group's live-show appeal. Rhenn's role ensures high engagement in performances, drawing from his experience in rap battles and concerts. King Badger (real name: ) is a rapper with roots in , known for aggressive, punchline-heavy styles and recent video appearances that showcase his competitive edge. In the 2025 comeback, he delivers standout verses in "Fun" and "43x," incorporating battle-inspired bravado that energizes the tracks. His background in freestyle competitions adds authenticity to the group's raw hip-hop ethos. Supporting member Yuridope (real name: Elvin Santos) contributes selectively to current projects, appearing on the track "For Me" from the April 2025 drop, where he provides additional rap layers and production support. His involvement underscores the collective's collaborative structure without full-time core status.

Former members

Honcho, formerly known as Bosx1ne, co-founded Ex Battalion in 2012 alongside Jekkpot and Cent, serving as the group's leader, primary , and key songwriter responsible for crafting many of their early hits. He departed the in 2019 amid reports of creative differences and a desire to explore individual projects. His exit marked a significant transition for the group, though he remained influential in Filipino hip-hop through his production legacy. In 2024, a public feud emerged when Ex Battalion affiliates Yuridope, , and Emcee Rhenn released the diss track "Brrt Pow!", directly targeting Honcho and highlighting ongoing tensions from his departure. JRoa, real name John Neil Torrente Roa, joined as an early vocalist and contributed melodic hooks to tracks like "Need You" and "Kakaiba." He left in late 2017 to pursue a solo career, signing with Viva Records shortly after, which allowed him to release independent material and establish himself as a . Despite a reconciliation in 2019 that saw collaborative appearances, his full-time involvement ended, leaving his post-2023 status with the group ambiguous amid shifting lineups. Several other early members departed between 2019 and 2021, often to focus on solo pursuits or due to reduced activity within the , contributing to the group's evolution from a large ensemble to a tighter core. These include Bullet-D, Jnske, Jekkpot, Huddass, Cent, E.I.J., KentMNL, Ritzz, and , who were part of the original 14-man lineup that helped build Ex Battalion's raw hip-hop foundation through influences and group verses. Jekkpot, in particular, played a foundational role in the group's and early creative direction before transitioning to independent work. Their departures underscored the challenges of maintaining a large hip-hop , but their initial contributions laid the groundwork for the group's breakthrough sound.

Musical style and influences

Genre and songwriting

Ex Battalion's music embodies a fusion of Pinoy hip hop and trap, infused with pop sensibilities that appeal to millennial audiences through relatable, light-hearted narratives. Their songs predominantly feature Tagalog lyrics delving into themes of street life, personal struggles, and romantic relationships, often delivered with cheeky humor and to resonate with everyday Filipino experiences. This blend has been credited with modernizing Pinoy hip hop, transitioning it from underground scenes to mainstream appeal. The group's songwriting process draws from their origins in rap battles, where collaborative freestyles formed the core of their creative approach, emphasizing raw energy and honed in contests. Over time, this evolved into more structured songwriting, incorporating pre-composed verses and meticulously crafted hooks to suit commercial releases and , as seen in their shift toward infectious, repeatable choruses in breakout tracks. Bosx1ne, a founding member, plays a key role in developing these hooks, ensuring they capture the collective's laidback yet street-savvy vibe. In terms of , Ex Battalion employs trap-influenced beats characterized by heavy bass lines and rhythmic drums, complemented by R&B-inflected melodic elements that enhance their auto-tuned vocals for a polished, modern sound. Local influences are woven in through wordplay and subtle nods to Filipino culture, evolving from the raw, unfiltered style of their 2012 beginnings to the refined, viral-ready tracks that propelled their success by 2017. For instance, "Hayaan Mo Sila" exemplifies this maturation with its engaging, ruminative flow and trap production that balances introspection with broad accessibility.

Collaborations and sub-units

O.C. Dawgs, a hip-hop group consisting of , Bullet D, and Jnske that joined Ex Battalion in 2016, collaborated with the collective on the track "Hayaan Mo Sila" in 2017, a fusion of hip-hop and melodic elements that achieved massive streaming success and chart performance upon its release. The group expanded its reach through key collaborations with Viva artists during their signing to Viva Records from 2018 to 2019, including soundtrack contributions and joint releases that integrated pop and hip-hop influences from the label's roster. Partnerships with other hip-hop acts, such as CK YG, further enriched their output, as seen in member-led features that bridged Ex Battalion's style with emerging talents in the scene. In their 2025 comeback after a two-year hiatus, Ex Battalion dropped seven new tracks, some involving external producers to incorporate fresh production techniques and diversify their sound with R&B-infused elements. These efforts not only revitalized the group's presence but also demonstrated sonic experimentation, blending core hip-hop roots with smoother, genre-blending releases to attract wider audiences.

Discography

Albums and EPs

Ex Battalion's discography includes a mix of studio albums and extended plays that showcase their evolution from underground hip-hop roots to mainstream success, often self-produced under their Ex Battalion Music label. Their debut studio , X, released on February 3, 2016, marked the group's formal entry into the scene with 15 tracks blending raw rap verses and melodic hooks. Key highlights include "Mukang ," which explores themes of in relationships, and "Nakakabaliw," a high-energy track featuring group members' signature rapid-fire flows; the was distributed digitally and helped establish their presence in the Philippine hip-hop landscape. Following their initial release, Ex Battalion dropped their second studio album, Ex Battalion the Concert, on August 19, 2017, a 16-track project capturing live energy with studio polish and featuring collaborations that broadened their appeal. Standout tracks like the "Hayaan Mo Sila (Inspired by I'm the One)" with , which became a viral hit emphasizing resilience against critics, and "Fallin' (feat. )," a romantic , propelled the album to commercial prominence through streaming platforms. Production was handled internally by members such as and , incorporating guest appearances from on "Frontpage" and others, reflecting the group's collaborative ethos. The album's success solidified their breakthrough, amassing millions of streams and setting the stage for wider recognition. In 2018, the group released the EP 6 Years on August 6, commemorating their formation with three introspective tracks produced by Ex Battalion Music. The EP features "Ikaw Kase", highlighting emotional vulnerability; "Ginalingan"; and "Nandyan Agad Ako (feat. )", emphasizing themes of loyalty and support in relationships. The EP's concise format allowed for deeper personal storytelling, receiving positive reception for its mature sound amid their rising fame. Distributed via digital platforms, it served as a bridge between full-length projects, emphasizing growth in songwriting and production. The EP Sons of Nanay Sabel (Original Movie Soundtrack) arrived on , 2019, tying into the group's acting venture in the film of the same name, with six tracks crafted to complement the movie's narrative of family and struggle. Notable cuts include "Sama-Sama," an uplifting anthem promoting unity produced with input from the full collective, and "Bagong Simula (feat. )," which integrates cinematic elements and guest vocals for thematic depth. Self-released under Ex Battalion Music, the EP blended hip-hop with pop sensibilities, achieving solid streaming numbers and reinforcing their presence. Marking their comeback after a period of lineup changes and hiatus, Ex Battalion released the studio Best Seller on April 11, 2025, a seven-track project of new material featuring refreshed lineups and production by members like and Flip-D. Highlights encompass "Fun," a party-oriented opener with energetic flows from Brando and King Badger, "43x" addressing personal triumphs, and "For Me (feat. Yuridope)," showcasing sub-unit dynamics with melodic rap elements. The , available on major streaming services, represents a return to form with polished beats and guest features, capturing renewed commercial momentum in the Philippine rap scene.

Singles

Ex Battalion's breakthrough came with the 2017 single "Hayaan Mo Sila," a collaboration with that blended hip-hop with catchy hooks and became a viral sensation through its official directed by the group. Released on November 6, 2017, the track's energetic production and relatable lyrics about resilience propelled it to widespread popularity on platforms like , where it amassed millions of views shortly after launch. The featured dynamic visuals of the group performing in urban settings, emphasizing their collective energy and contributing to its status as a defining moment in their early career. Following their initial success, Ex Battalion released "Nandyan Agad Ako" in 2018, featuring , as part of the 6 Years EP that highlighted themes of and support in relationships. The track's smooth R&B-infused beat and emotional delivery resonated with listeners, and its accompanying audio release on platforms like helped sustain the group's momentum during a period of lineup stability. This single exemplified their strategy of pairing introspective lyrics with accessible melodies to appeal to a broad Filipino audience. In line with their pattern of leveraging visual content for promotion, Ex Battalion incorporated into their release approach for later singles, often dropping them simultaneously with audio to maximize online engagement. For instance, "Kakaiba," a 2016 collaboration featuring Jroa and , showcased their early experimental style with playful verses over a trap-influenced beat, gaining traction through fan-shared clips on before formal video rollout. As featured artists, Ex Battalion contributed to standout tracks on other projects, such as their appearance on the soundtrack with "Superhero Mo," where they provided rap verses alongside , blending hip-hop with pop elements for a thematic to the series. This 2018 release demonstrated their versatility in collaborative settings, with the song's narrative-driven lyrics enhancing the project's motif and receiving on local radio. Marking their comeback after a hiatus, Ex Battalion surprise-dropped seven over a weekend in , promoting singles from their , including "All Night" and "Hamig." "All Night" featured pulsating rhythms and late-night party vibes, with its video capturing group performances in neon-lit environments to evoke energy and reunion themes. Similarly, "Hamig," with its gritty flows and motivational undertones, utilized quick-cut editing in the visual to highlight individual member spotlights, aligning with their strategy of multi-release drops to rebuild buzz and fan interaction post-reformation. These efforts underscored a renewed focus on high-production visuals to drive streaming and shares across digital platforms.

Chart performance and certifications

Ex Battalion has demonstrated substantial commercial success through streaming platforms and local charts in the . Their breakthrough single "Hayaan Mo Sila" peaked at number 1 on the daily chart in January 2018, marking a significant milestone for the group in the local market. Other tracks, such as "No Games," achieved top 10 positions on the Philippine Top 20, contributing to multiple entries in the upper echelons of national rankings. Internationally, the group's music has resonated widely on digital platforms. As of November 2025, Ex Battalion's catalog has accumulated over 667 million streams on , with standout tracks like "Nandyan Agad Ako" surpassing 97 million streams and "Hayaan Mo Sila" exceeding 93 million. On , their official channel has amassed more than 2.38 billion total views and boasts over 5.6 million subscribers, reflecting sustained global engagement with their hip-hop sound. The group's 2025 comeback, featuring a surprise release of seven music videos on April 12—including tracks like "" and "Hamig"—reinvigorated their chart presence and streaming metrics. This drop led to renewed climbs in streams, pushing their monthly listeners to 2.6 million and underscoring their enduring appeal in the Philippine scene. As of November 2025, Ex Battalion has not received any reported certifications from Philippine or international recording industry associations.

Other media appearances

Film and television

Ex Battalion entered the realm of Filipino cinema with their debut acting roles in the 2019 comedy-drama film S.O.N.S. (Sons of Nanay Sabel), directed by Dado C. Lumibao and produced by Viva Films, where members including Flow G, Skusta Clee, Bosx1ne, James Brando, and Emcee Rhenn portrayed aspiring rappers navigating family and hip-hop culture alongside leads Ai-Ai delas Alas and Jon Gutierrez. The film, which premiered on May 1, 2019, highlighted the group's on-screen chemistry and marked their transition from music to visual media. Complementing their acting, Ex Battalion composed and performed the original movie soundtrack for S.O.N.S. (Sons of Nanay Sabel), releasing a six-track EP on April 12, 2019, via Viva Records, featuring songs such as "Sama-Sama" (the main theme), "Bagong Simula" with , and "Maghihintay," which blended hip-hop beats with emotional narratives tied to the film's plot. The achieved significant streaming success, with "Sama-Sama" amassing over 45 million views on as of 2025. Beyond this project, the group contributed soundtracks to other hip-hop influenced works, including the theme song "Superhero Mo" for the 2018 TV series . Members of Ex Battalion have made cameo appearances in additional Filipino films with hip-hop themes, such as Fuccbois, a 2019 comedy exploring youthful antics in urban settings, where their presence added authentic rap elements to the narrative. On television, Ex Battalion headlined the digital reality program Ex B Rules! on GMA Network starting in 2018, a series that documented their daily lives, creative processes, and interpersonal dynamics within the group, providing fans with behind-the-scenes access to their hip-hop journey. In 2025, Ex Battalion expanded their media presence through a high-profile surprise release of seven music videos on April 11, styled with narrative-driven visuals resembling short films, including tracks like "Legacy," "Hamig," and "Fun," which incorporated cinematic storytelling to depict themes of resilience and camaraderie in the hip-hop scene, as part of their album Best Seller. This drop, unveiled hourly via their official YouTube channel, marked a innovative tie-in blending music and visual media production.

Concerts and tours

Ex Battalion's live performances originated in the local hip-hop scene through participation in rap battles from 2014 to 2016, where members honed their skills in competitive freestyle and group battles before the group's formal formation in January 2016. These early events, often held in community settings across , focused on raw lyrical delivery and crowd interaction, building a following among Filipino youth. Following their breakthrough with hits like "Hayaan Mo Sila" in 2017, Ex Battalion expanded internationally with their first U.S. tour in late 2018, titled "," alongside and . The tour included stops in the DMV area, New York at La Boom, San Leandro at BAL Theatre, , , and at Backstage Bar & Billiards, marking their debut performances for the Filipino abroad. Setlists emphasized high-energy renditions of tracks such as "Come With Me" and "No Games," showcasing their trap-influenced style to enthusiastic overseas audiences. In 2021, amid the , Ex Battalion staged their first major concert, the virtual "EVOLUXION," streamed exclusively on KTX on December 11. Billed as a event, it featured a dynamic setlist blending early hits like "Hayaan Mo Sila" and "SouthBoys" with newer material such as "Pakinabang," "Need You," and unreleased tracks, evolving from battle-rap roots to a polished production with visual effects and fan interactions. The online format drew widespread praise for revitalizing their presence, with tickets starting at 300 and packages including merchandise. The group's 2025 comeback, following a two-year hiatus and the April release of seven new singles including "43x," "Hamig," and "All Night," saw renewed live activity with surprise appearances and fan engagements. At the Aurora Music Festival in Clark on May 4, Flow G brought out Ex Battalion members for an electrifying reunion performance, featuring mashups like "Chismis x Hamig" and "43x" to a massive crowd, highlighting setlist shifts toward fresh material while nodding to classics for nostalgic appeal. Subsequent fan meetups in Manila and Cebu post-releases fostered direct connections, with audiences responding enthusiastically to the evolved, narrative-driven performances that emphasized group synergy and high-production visuals.

Awards and recognition

Major awards won

Ex Battalion has garnered several prestigious awards in the Philippine , particularly recognizing their contributions to hip-hop through breakout hits like "Hayaan Mo Sila." At the 10th PMPC Star Awards for Music in 2018, the group won Song of the Year for "Hayaan Mo Sila," Rap Artist of the Year, and Music Video of the Year for "Follow My Lead," highlighting the track's cultural impact and innovative visuals. These victories underscored their role in popularizing street-oriented hip-hop narratives within mainstream OPM. In 2019, Ex Battalion continued their success by securing Rap Artist of the Year at the 11th PMPC for for their collaboration "Superhero Mo" featuring , affirming their status as a leading hip-hop act. At the 12th PMPC for in 2021, they won Rap Artist of the Year and of the Year for "Miss Flawless" featuring Sachzna. These accolades, primarily in rap and hip-hop categories at major Philippine ceremonies like the PMPC , positioned Ex Battalion as pioneers in elevating Filipino hip-hop from underground scenes to national prominence, inspiring a new generation of artists and fans.

Nominations and honors

Ex Battalion earned multiple nominations at the PMPC for Music from 2018 to 2021 for several of their singles, highlighting their impact in the rap and categories. In 2018, the group was nominated for Song of the Year and Rap Artist of the Year for "Hayaan Mo Sila," as well as of the Year for "Follow My Lead." Their 2019 "Superhero Mo" with secured nominations for and Rap Artist of the Year. The collective's role in revitalizing Philippine hip-hop has been acknowledged through industry milestones, particularly via their partnership with Viva Records, which credits them with pushing rap into the mainstream and achieving over 2 billion views across their catalog. This recognition underscores their influence in blending street-level lyricism with commercial appeal, contributing to the evolution of P-pop's hip-hop elements. Following their 2025 comeback with a surprise drop of seven on April 14, including tracks like "All Night" and " & More," Ex Battalion received widespread media praise for reasserting their dominance in Filipino hip-hop, though specific fan-voted accolades remain tied to ongoing social buzz rather than formal awards.

References

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