By Staff | November 3, 2025

iLL RAiSED, from Queens, NY, delivers a sonic punch that does not let up. The band is proud of its Latino heritage and still uses its original name, MALCRiADOS, interchangeably with iLL RAiSED. This dual identity reflects their musical approach, which is difficult to pin down to one genre. The band’s sound is a deliberate and intense blend, pulling from diverse styles including Hardcore, Crossover, Punk, Hip-Hop, Death, and even Salsa, which has led them to humorously coin the genre "Ghetto Punk."

iLL RAiSED credits the New York Hardcore (NYHC) scene for its welcoming nature, which allows the band to create hard-hitting music without being confined to a single subgenre box. Ultimately, the band believes that diversity is essential to the hardcore scene, enabling continuous growth and reflecting the vibrant cultural mix from which they emerged.

The name "iLL RAiSED" suggests a certain background or attitude. What does that name represent to the band?

The name comes from the spanish term ‘Malcriado’. A word used on rotten youth by scorned adults. It’s like sayin’ “Yo, someone did a shit job of raising you kid”. ‘iLL’ can mean something is done wrong or incorrectly. In street slang tho, if something is ‘iLL’ then it’s dope, tight, the shit. MALCRiADOS is the original name for this project. With pride for our latino heritage, we still use it interchangeably.

How do you describe the core sound of iLL RAiSED, and what elements do you feel are most essential to your style?

Hardcore, Crossover, Punk, Hip-Hop, Death, even Salsa. It’s hard to pinpoint a core sound. Lucky for us NYHC is a very welcoming genre. As a musician, you can create hard ass tunes without being boxed into some corner. The genre carries New York’s style and tone, which calls to people like us. At times tho.. we’ve claimed ‘Ghetto Punk’ like it’s a real genre! People be like “heh?? que eso? fuck is that?!”. Sounds legit tho right?

If a new listener could only check out one iLL RAiSED song, which one would you recommend and why?

Oooofff.. Thats a hard one. We got some BOMB ASS unreleased tracks comin out too! If we had to pick one that you can hear right now tho, it’s gotta to be ‘Back Alley Run’. It’s a good intro to our thing, cause it captures the wild spirit and attitude of i.R.

What role do you believe diversity plays in the hardcore scene, especially considering the band's Latino connection?

It’s everything! From how it came to be, to how it continues to grow. NYHC was raised in the hoods of New York. It’s streets are an amalgam of cultures and flava. It’s only natural that the scene born of it, would be just that.

Are there any specific hardcore bands, classic or contemporary, that have had a noticeable influence on your sound?

As far as Hardcore influences go… Suicidal Tendencies, D.R.i., District 9, Sheer Terror, Warzone, N.R.S.V., and Underdog to name a few. But we draw from many other artists, even genres.

Can you walk us through your songwriting process?

We’ve gone from one person composing most of the music and writin’ lyrics. To a band of homies that dont just vibe on one vision, we now casually collab and create shit that gels.

Do you have any advice for young bands just starting out?

Some ‘friendly advice’ for the new blood out here:

1) Keep lyric notes as they come to you. If yer unable to grab yer phone, or pad and pen, then you commit it to memory. Great man once said, repeat anything 18 times and you won’t forget it.

2) Have clear sight on what you want to do, but be open to the chaos. If yer bandmates catch you off guard wit a jam session. Don’t withdraw to the back foot, instead lean in. So you dont have lyrics, a riff, or beats that match the moment?.. Just bullshit yo!! Fake it till you make it! Chances are, you might drop a line or catch the right inflection that inspires a better piece. Before you know it, you got a fkn banger.

3) For the love of all things hood. Have the audio recorder on. If there’s enough (ahem) “inspiration” in the room.. Ain’t no one gonna remember that shiet in the mornin’.

What does the song title "Juete!" mean, and what is the inspiration behind that track?

‘Juete’ is Spanish slang for ‘ass-whuppin!’. Not self-incriminating, but it was one well deserved.

How do you approach the heavy breakdowns and mosh parts in your songs? Is there a particular philosophy behind making them hit hard?

It’s all relative, what ‘hits hard’ for one crowd, ‘aint shit’ to another. Just do what every blood cell in yer body screams for you to do, and life is good. When you’re havin’ great time, like-minded ppl join in.

How has the band's sound evolved since your earliest tracks?

A fluid creative process, makes for better product. It shows in the album we’re puttin together now. Some of these new tracks our people have already heard and been askin’ about. Some they haven’t heard, but we think the wait’ll be worth it. It’s comin yall!!!

As a band from New York, how would you describe the current state of the NYHC scene, particularly compared to its past?

It has evolved some, but the scene is still recognizable and healthy. A lot of the new talent sounds fuckin A++. Proof that this beast aint goin nowherez.

You've shared bills with a lot of bands (like Rebelmatic, Furia, Depresion Tropical). What is the camaraderie like within the current New York hardcore/metal circuit?

There are so many excellent bands out here, not just musically. They’re genuinely cool ass people, like the ones you named. Leave yer house, catch’em while it’s still cheap to free. Don’t be the person that says “I almost went to that show back in the day”. Come thru, burn off the week’s frustrations. You’ll make a memory, and maybe a friend or two. Couldn’t hurt, but do it right .. and it just might.

What is the most memorable show iLL RAiSED has ever played, and what made it stand out?

There’s a few, but gotta say The Roger Miret Benefit in Corona, Queens. Had a hand in puttin it together, along with homies Vóltio (Pista Bandas Unidas) and Chris (Fire Is Murder). Fkn proud to be able to do a solid for the guy who helped create the scene.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the underground music scene in New York today?

The start of COVID forced us into the legit ‘underground’. Venues were afraid of being fined or shut down. As a result some of’em starved outta business. The future of live performance was a fat question mark. Too few were willin to stand in front of a barking band or mosh wit strangers (some ppl still feel that way). For a minute there, our scene was even banned from outdoor gatherings. Plastered on a newspaper like public enemy number one. Did that period leave a mark? Maybe.. We’re down a few good faces and a few good places, but challenge?? Life’s a challenge yo.. Pick a direction and floor that shit.

What are your thoughts on the "old school" versus "new school" hardcore dynamic, and where do you feel iLL RAiSED fits into that discussion?

Don’t know of a ‘dynamic’, both parties tend to mostly get along. Our music seems to rub OGs the right way, as well as the newer generation of HC. So it looks like we found a sweet spot, wit a fresh take on a classic.

What are the lyrical influences or social issues that most often inspire your songs?

Comin’ up lower class, you could find yourself in certain situations, and some of that found its way into the lyrics. Surrounded by Salsa and Hip Hop, it’s hard not to draw inspiration from lyrical masters like Héctor Lavoe or Biggie. If a concept is grounded and familiar, it just hits different.

Is there a core message or ethos you hope listeners take away from your music?

Nothin’s forever, No one is hopeless, strive for the better and keep’em eyes open.

How do you balance aggression with personal or political commentary in your lyrics?

Sometimes theres no need to dial back aggression, if the material calls for it. Also, a little humor can help. Cheap fix to a bad day.

In a genre known for its passion, how important is direct, confrontational communication to the band?

You gotta have communication if you mean to improve. If you cant be direct and honest wit yer peeps, then what kind of environment is that?

What are your immediate and long-term goals for iLL RAiSED? Are you focused on more touring or more recording?

Right now, it’s all about recording. After this release, we’ll be lookin to do some mini tours here and there. If ya got somethin in mind, you can reach us on instagram @iLLRAiSEDNYHC. We’re also lookin for a Hardcore Graphic Designer & a Music Videographer with some experience in the genre. So hit us up!

Where would you like to see iLL RAiSED in five years, both musically and in terms of your reach?

We temper our expectations. Though, it would feel good to be in the same sentence as some of the big names of this scene someday. Play at some HC festivals, thats goal. Been to a few ‘B&B Bowls’ and ‘This Is Hardcore’ Fests they’re like HC mecca on the east.

Anyone you'd like to thank?

Of course ya’ll, knifetwister records, for having us in mind. As for our homies in arms, and those who put this band on. It’s too long a list to remember, but here go some of’em (kronik-logically):

Brotha D Train, Mikey Massacre, Vóltio, Terroressa, Drea, Berto & Amaru, Nicky & Mike, J, Don Louie, José & Alan, Larry, Luap+Odin, Tomo, Masato, Chris, Creech, Sean, Messina, El Mago, Luis, Drew, Feli, Bívi, Juampy & Jimmy, Malle, Rich Z, Lee, Sam, and our very supportive families, our friends and the pit catalysts a.k.a. those who show up and turn up! From the very bottom … Good lookin’ out! Stay safe, and catch yall on the next!✌🏾

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