The History of Hollywood Undead: From MySpace to Mainstream
Hollywood Undead, an American rap rock band known for blending the rebellious spirit of hip-hop with the raw energy of rock, has carved a unique niche in the music industry. Here's a deep dive into their history, highlighting their evolution, key moments, and cultural impact.
Origins and Formation
Hollywood Undead was born out of the digital era when MySpace was the go-to platform for new musicians. In 2005, two friends from Los Angeles, Jorel Decker (J-Dog) and Aron Erlichman (Deuce), decided to collaborate on music. They posted a song titled "The Kids" on their MySpace page, which garnered positive feedback, leading to the formation of Hollywood Undead with a group of like-minded friends:
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Original Members: Initially included J-Dog, Deuce, Jeff Phillips (Shady Jeff), George Ragan (Johnny 3 Tears), Jordon Terrell (Charlie Scene), Dylan Alvarez (Funny Man), and Matthew Busek (Da Kurlzz). Shady Jeff left early due to personal conflicts with Deuce.
The Breakthrough: "Swan Songs"
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Debut Album: "Swan Songs" was released on September 2, 2008, through A&M/Octone Records after the band left MySpace Records due to creative differences. It reached No. 22 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 21,000 copies in its first week.
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Signature Masks: The band members adopted pseudonyms and wore unique masks, initially to maintain anonymity but later becoming part of their brand identity.
Lineup Changes and "American Tragedy"
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Departure of Deuce: In early 2010, Deuce left the band amid disputes, significantly impacting the group's dynamic. Daniel Murillo (Danny), a friend and former American Idol contestant, stepped in as the new lead vocalist.
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Second Album: "American Tragedy" was released on April 5, 2011, showcasing a transition in their sound with Deuce's exit, but still maintaining their core rap-rock style.
Expanding Their Sound
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"Notes from the Underground" (2013): This album saw Hollywood Undead experimenting further, blending in more melodic elements and introspective lyrics, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
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"Day of the Dead" (2015): Continued the band's evolution, reflecting both their underground roots and mainstream appeal.
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"Five" (2017): Marked another milestone with "California Dreaming" as the lead single, showing off their versatility and growth in composition.
Recent Developments
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Later Albums: Hollywood Undead has since released "New Empire, Vol. 1" (2020) and "New Empire, Vol. 2" (2020), further expanding their discography with a mix of hardcore rap-rock and more melodic tracks.
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Da Kurlzz's Departure: In 2017, founding member Da Kurlzz left the band to pursue other interests, leaving the current lineup as Charlie Scene, Danny, Funny Man, J-Dog, and Johnny 3 Tears.
Cultural Impact and Controversies
Legacy
Hollywood Undead has managed to maintain relevance in an ever-changing music scene by staying true to their roots while constantly evolving. They've proven that with talent, persistence, and a unique angle, a band can rise from online obscurity to live performances in major venues, all while keeping their masks on, both literally and figuratively.
Conclusion
From the digital underground of MySpace to the stages of major music festivals, Hollywood Undead's journey reflects the power of the internet in music discovery, the importance of staying authentic, and the impact of a band willing to defy genre norms. Their history is not just about music but about an enduring cultural movement within the rock and hip-hop worlds.
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