Based Retard Gang

Based Retard Gang (commonly known as BRG, stylized as #𝔅ℜ𝔊 and #BASEDRETARDGANG) is a hyperpop music collective and internet phenomenon that emerged in 2021. The group combines elements of K-pop, Drain Gang aesthetics, and hardcore/gabber influences in their music and has gained attention through content on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Founded through collaboration between various artists associated with Remilia Corporation and its wider community, the group has become known for its distinctive combination of netspi aesthetics and K-Pop influenced hyperpop. BRG gained significant attention through viral content on TikTok and Instagram featuring East Asian imagery paired with text-to-speech affirmations. The collective has released several mixtapes, including 𝕭ℜ𝕲 𝖛𝖔𝖑.1 (2023) and Basedretardgang Vol. 2: Year of the Dragon (2024), while cultivating a devoted online for its chineseposting Tik Tok content. Characterized by its controversial name, post-ironic approach to internet culture, and connections to the broader Remilia ecosystem, BRG represents a notable intersection of hyperpop music, meme culture, and post-cancelled internet aesthetics.

History

Formation (2021)

BRG originated in 2021 when SoundCloud artist exxy44, known for creating Drain Gang and K-pop mashup tracks, began collaborating with members of the Remilia Corporation ecosystem. The group's name came from a group chat called "based retard gang" created by exxy44, which was promoted within Remilia-associated networks.

The early formation of the group involved exxy44, Charlotte Fang, and Angelicism01. In August 2021, Charlotte Fang discovered exxy44's Drain Gang and K-pop mashup tracks. Fang identified the potential for developing a new subgenre by combining these sounds with hyperpop vocals. During this period, Fang promoted exxy44's work and introduced him to the Vibe Shift scene, incorporating his tracks in video edits and encouraging the adoption of "netspi" aesthetics.

Fang introduced exxy44 to Angelicism01 during their Vibe Shift collaborations, explaining his vision for starting a new hyperpop sound from exxy44's work. With Angelicism01's encouragement, exxy44 created a tweet inviting people to join a "based retard gang" group chat, which Fang then promoted to the Remilia ecosystem.

Fang outlined a plan for Remilia to platform the collective to their audience online and at their rave events, maintaining the name despite "retard" being controversial in 2021, as part of a post-cancelled approach to bringing Remilia ethos and aesthetics to a wider audience.

As the project developed, exxy44 departed to focus on independent work, preferring to continue making mashups rather than participating in the more structured collective. Following this departure, Luvbug was positioned as the new leader, with Hyperstition and Lil Clearpill taking secondary leadership roles. Fang stepped back from direct involvement in the main group chat but continued to advise members individually and collectively to help BRG develop beyond Remilia's immediate sphere.

Initial releases and growth (2022-2023)

BRG Vol. 1, 2023.

Fang advised BRG on their sound and aesthetic direction, steering them beyond the initial foundation of Drain Gang and K-pop by redirecting early interest in "juke" sounds toward gabber, hardcore, and scenecore-influenced hyperpop. Fang directed their first EP as a remix album of NewJeans' "OMG" debut EP, correctly anticipating the then-unknown group's success. One of BRG's tracks was reshared by NewJeans' producer, bringing significant attention to the collective.

BRG achieved viral success on TikTok and Instagram by adapting Remilia's "chineseposting" meme framework to video format, with content primarily produced by Lil Clearpill. By late 2023, their TikTok account had accumulated approximately 60,000 followers and 2 million likes.

In February 2023, Remilia released BRG's debut mixtape 𝕭ℜ𝕲 𝖛𝖔𝖑.1 as a physical cassette tape and digital release under Fang's creative direction. The release was described as "a snapshot of the emergence of the BasedRetardGang circa 2022" and contained 25 tracks.

Following this release, internal conflicts emerged within BRG, leading to the creation of "4kae," a splinter group led by former member Clementine who released a diss track aimed at the main collective. The dispute centered on disagreements over sound direction and interpersonal conflicts, with additional tension stemming from Clementine's involvement in unauthorized NFT derivatives that were viewed as extractive by the Milady community.

Performances and challenges (2023-2024)

BRG made their live debut at Milady Rave Tokyo as part of Remilia-Con Tokyo 2023, with Luvbug and Clearpill being flown out by Fang to perform. This would ultimately be their only official live performance.

Event poster for Milady Rave Tokyo held April 14, 2023.

The group attempted to organize their own show in New York City, headlined by Cartier God, but the event faced controversy in the wake of the Milady Rave Praxis event (which featured The Hellp and 2hollis' debut) as Praxis was accused of being Peter Thiel-funded and colonialist. The venue, promoter, and Cartier God subsequently withdrew from the event.

Remilia offered to secure BRG a new venue and lineup, but Luvbug and Clearpill expressed frustration with their association with Remilia, which they viewed as hindering BRG's growth. The relationship was further strained when Luvbug and Clearpill began using BRG social accounts to promote memecoins, a practice considered taboo for Remilia partners, leading Fang to distance himself from promoting BRG.

Recent activity (2024-present)

After a period of reduced social media activity, BRG experienced renewed attention when their "RETARD Trucker Hat" merchandise was worn by Fujimoto-san, a Milady-backed memecoin celebrity.

In November 2024, BRG released "Vol. 2: Year of the Dragon." Fang promoted this release at BRG's request after they promised to cease promoting memecoins on the official accounts.

Further controversies emerged when Luvbug left BRG, publicly criticizing Remilia Corporation and Charlotte Fang in the process. Simultaneously, Love America, the producer of BRG's "RETARD" hat merchandise, posted on Twitter insinuating that he was primarily responsible for BRG's success, heightening tensions.

These events triggered a debate within BRG, causing a new splinter between members who wanted to disavow Remilia completely and those who disagreed with this approach. The latter group maintained their position either out of commitment to historical accuracy, loyalty to Remilia for its foundational role in BRG, or recognition that disavowing Remilia would not remove BRG's controversial associations. Fang argued that attempting to distance BRG from Remilia was not only doomed to fail, but also contradicted the collective's original post-cancelled and netspi conceptual foundations. Fang further suggested that Love America was primarily interested in leveraging BRG to promote his own brand. Fang has since made clear he is no longer involved in advising BRG, and is uncertain who is in control of the accounts or included in the membership.

Content and aesthetic

BRG's social media content typically features imagery of Asian women, particularly found content from Chinese Instagram, with text-to-speech voiceovers delivering affirmations and statements related to mental health and identity. Their online presence is characterized by the hashtag #𝔅ℜ𝔊 and phrases such as "BRG saved my life" or "Based Retard Gang is my life," which have become associated with their online community.

The group's philosophical approach draws from concepts of "clearpilling" (as opposed to red, white, or blackpilling), which involves "a radical acceptance of societal chaos, finding acceptance in the things being as fucked up as they are."

Music

BRG's musical output combines elements of hyperpop, cloud rap, and electronic music with influences from K-pop and Drain Gang. Their productions frequently incorporate samples from these genres alongside high-tempo electronic beats.

Members

• Luvbug - Lead figure and primary vocalist
• Lil Clearpill - Secondary figurehead and primary content creator for social media
• Hyperstition - Secondary figurehead
• timetravel - Producer
• BRG Rain - Producer
• Mac - Member
• DJ Go-Love - DJ
• bzz - Producer

Former members

• Clementine - Later formed 4kae
• exxy44 - Founding producer who departed early in BRG's development

Discography

• 𝕭ℜ𝕲 𝖛𝖔𝖑.1 (2023)
• SUPER BASS 2 (2023)
• Basedretardgang Vol. 2: Year of the Dragon (2024)

Reception

BRG has generated both devoted followers and critics. Their fans often express strong attachment to the collective's aesthetic and messaging, with phrases like "BRG saved my life" becoming common expressions of support.

Critics have questioned the group's approach, intentions, and associations, particularly regarding connections to cryptocurrency promotion and controversial internet subcultures.

See also

• Remilia Corporation
• Charlotte Fang
• Milady Maker
• Angelicism01
• Hyperpop