Photo By NXCRE & The Villians
“But I Wish You And I Talked A Little Bit Longer, Before You Put That Crown On My Head…”
In the world of music, creativity and innovation continuously reshape the industry, where artists emerge with unique styles and messages that redefine what music can be. The expansion of short form media – such as YouTube shorts and Instagram reels - have allowed independent artists to stamp their mark without strong networks in the industry. With our steady decline in attention spans, this is the foremost way to gain traction and/or notoriety on the interweb. However, with the recent development of the Tik Tok ban in the US on the 20th of January 2025, new ways of promotion through short form media will need to be generated.
One such act that has recently gained attention is NXCRE & The Villains, a powerful and audacious collaboration that breaks the mold with its daring sound, compelling lyrics, and intense storytelling. While their influence has been growing rapidly, the essence of their music is only starting to be truly understood. Here, we’ll take a closer look at who NXCRE & The Villains are, their creative approach to music, and how they’re setting a new normal in the industry.
Founded in 2021, NXCRE & The Villains are a genre-blending musical project that incorporates elements of hip-hop, rock, and alternative pop, creating a bold, memorable sound. NXCRE (pronounced as "NACK-REE") stands as the charismatic frontman, visionary lyricist, and master of ceremonies, while The Villains consist of Jay Sambuco (solo guitarist), Lloyalty (Drummer) and Coqui (Bassist).
As rich and complex are the characters they portray, The Villains’ varying skillsets create a multi-layered sound, their music merges gritty rap verses with raw rock instrumentals and alternative pop hooks. Picture driving basslines and powerful drum patterns, mixed with haunting melodies and intense vocals that shift from aggressive to melodic, depending on the mood of the track. They explore grey areas of morality, struggle, and redemption by flipping traditional narratives on its head. Listeners lose themselves in their music, experiencing deep emotions and powerful stories that last beyond the song ending.
NXCRE & The Villains transcend beyond music however, crafting a rich mythology with each release, as if it’s a chapter in an overarching narrative. NXCRE embody a complex anti-hero, while The Villains represent the shifting roles of allies and antagonists, further adding depth to their creative expressions. Their music explores morality, existential dread, and the battle between good and evil. Tracks like *Rise from the Ashes* and *Villain’s Anthem* challenge listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and insecurities. By blending storytelling with relatable themes, NXCRE & The Villains create an experience that sparks introspection beyond mere entertainment.
NXCRE & The Villains challenge both musical norms and industry structures, rejecting traditional practices that prioritize profit over artistry. Embracing a DIY approach, they use social media and grassroots promotion to connect directly with fans, bypassing major labels. Through platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels, they retain full creative control. Their frequent online engagement fosters a deep sense of community that feels more like a movement than a fanbase. But of course, you can’t please everyone. With “doom scrolling” being the modus operandi of the average internet user, hearing the same tracks constantly can be frustrating to say the least.
“I hate their music. It's really bad that their crap is on practically every reel I see on YouTube now. It's at the point I mute until I make sure it's not any of their music before I can watch a reel with sound on. To me their name should be nexcrement lol... “
The release the kind gentleman is referring to is Usurper, a powerful track exploring self-doubt, identity, and the weight of unexpected leadership, following a young figure struggling with power and societal expectations.
With every release, NXCRE & The Villains expand their mythology, pulling listeners deeper into their world. Their upcoming projects promise to push creative boundaries with intricate story arcs, bold collaborations, and immersive experiences that blur the line between music and storytelling. More than just musicians, they are orators, rebels, and visionaries driven to leave a lasting mark.
Blending genres and narrative depth, NXCRE & The Villains create more than music. They craft a movement. Their mission extends beyond sound, building a legacy that challenges norms and empowers others to embrace their inner villain; namely, the part that questions, rebels, and refuses to conform. For NXCRE & The Villains, this is only the beginning, and there’s no better time to step into their world.
Written by: @Arriv3r
Edited by: @Whosaria
Insight.
