VILLAMORE, Malcolm E.

[malcolm villamore]

MALCOLM VILLAMORE Malcolm Elias Villamore (born 11/23/1986), better known by his stage name MoreVillain, is an American rapper based in New York. In the hip-hop scene he formerly performed as DJ Villain. He is currently signed to Rhymesayers Entertainment, Definitive Jux, and Nature Sounds. His recording career began early in 2010, with his single "Endcome" getting frequent airplay on Hot 97 New York. His album 'Honor Among Thieves' dropped later that spring, then his second album, 'Friend Or Foe', the next year. His third album, 'Anti Hero' is scheduled for online release in summer 2013.

"MoreVillain breaks down mainstream, drugs, homophobia and gun glory..." (HipHopDX)

@maticman215: Going 110 on the freeway and bumping dat Villain so loud you can't hear yourself think >

MoreVillain Crack Math lyrics meaning rap genius

your signature: Dark rap humor, I guess
your coffee order: Sugar and cream, with a blunt
your go-to magazine: Whatever's in the bathroom
your favorite brand: Swisher Sweets
your ultimate goal: Keep making music

I absolutely don't understand: Aesop Rock, but he's dope like that
I've always looked up to: Slug, Dr. Dre, Kool G Rap, Slick Rick. So many
I'm most likely to feud with: A couple MCs in the area
I'm starting to pay attention to: Kilo Kish
I've always wanted to hook up with: Video girls
I wonder what it's like to be: Looked up to

"Yea I guess I got some wisdom for aspiring artists: Keep at your individual grind. Don't let nobody change you, turn you away, brush you off, fuck you over, whatever. They can and will try. Hip-hop and music in general have expanded so much, it only keeps growing. Generation after generation is bringing the new genres and sounds and techniques. Bring something from the future, tap into the past, whatever it is that speaks to you and gets you vibing. Do I got a checklist on how to be big and famous, making millions of dollars? Nah, I ain't even at that level. But for people on the real hustle, it ain't about that. Stick with what made you wanna do this in the first place."

what, if anything, keeps you grounded?

Sometimes you get rocked in a freestyle battle, sometimes you hear someone new to the scene who blows you away. Musically, that keeps you in check from getting a big head. Listening to your idol artists too, thinking of what legacy you want to leave. I guess still working, always chasing, lets me know where I am in my career. I'm young and I got time, the only place I need to be is on the ground. Long as it ain't the gutter.

would you rather relive your best moment or redo your worst mistake?

My worst mistake was not beating the living shit out of my step-dad when I had the chance. Years ago I'd have redone that if I could, but I've grown up since and moved on with my life. I'm lucky to have so many good moments in my life, like meeting Ayla and the birth of our daughter, but I keep those in my memories and they're relived in songs and pictures.

where's your escape from the city?

In my head. In the studio, in my verse books, in my daughter's eyes. On the fireescape to smoke. Back to Minneapolis or Portugal when possible. Otherwise this ain't a city I can afford to escape from, but I can tune it out when I need to.

what are you like when you're out of the spotlight?

Same as I am in it, I'll stand by every verse, every video, every interview attached to my name. This ain't a business for the fake or weak.

how do you think your team would describe working with you?

I think they'd say I'm chill, but when my temper comes out it's usually at myself. I work long and hard, I like to smash out as many songs as I can but I'm a perfectionist too. Can't settle with shit that don't sound right in my ears or it shits on my conscience. My working environment is casual, we all good friends who smoke and drink and discuss philosophies, we try to have fun with it.

were there any deciding moments in your career?

Moving to LA first, then coming here to NY, I guess. It's a different career than I would have found in Minneapolis, I think. Better or worse I can't say, but I know I got a lot of friends and experiences here that are gonna be with my career for a while.

any inside details on your latest project?

Workin on an album with Vince Staples, produced by Michael Uzowuru. I'mma be reaching out to cats I've always wanted to work with and going around underground clubs and shit, looking for new talent. My own recording label someday would be dope as well.

father: Raymond Villamore, 50
mother: Janeta Mercazos, deceased
siblings: Sean Villamore, 30; Parker Reis, 23
other: Ayla Villamore (nee Vanikain), 26, wife
Aria Isabel villamore, 15 months, daughter

Anthony Villamore, nephew, 7
Deanne Villamore, sister-in-law, 27

Lola, mutt
Cesar, Shiba Inu
Lily, Brittany Spaniel

The son of Janeta (nee Mercazos) and Raymond, Malcolm Elias Villamore was born in Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His background identifies as a mix of Portuguese, Spanish and Native American ancestry. His parents were high school sweethearts originally from the northern end of Saint Paul, Raymond being Janeta's senior by four years when she got pregnant at 16. They eloped before moving to Minneapolis, escaping the tension escalating between their families. They welcomed their first child, Sean, in 1984. Raymond left his wife shortly before Malcolm arrived two years later. Mentioned in context of songs and personal interviews, he alludes to the absence of his father as well as a lack of interest in knowing him. He also praises his mother for her hard work, citing her as one of his biggest inspirations and the source of his perseverance early on. Afterwards, the family of three struggled on a tight budget, living paycheck to paycheck in order to stretch their money as far as it could go. Malcolm's mother often worked two to three different jobs at a time, employing friends and relatives to babysit while she supported her two sons by any means. She took anything that came her way, from hairstyling to assembly line labor to telemarketing. Paying which bills had to be decided each month, sometimes going without electricity or relying on church donations to stock the pantry. Since the start of his career Villamore has mentioned humble beginnings in the midst of poverty and addiction, quoting his mother in saying: "If you can hold a smile through the worst of the storm then you'll make it out okay."

Three years later, Janeta remarried to a county police officer by the name of Victor Reis. Even so young, Sean and Malcolm were unable to take a liking to their mother's new suitor. Another son joined the family in 1990, named Parker; half-brother to Sean and Malcolm. Their home life tended to sour depending upon Victor's mood and substance of choice, his abuse toward Janeta unfolding to the children. A majority of Malcolm's aggression stems from this period of time, encouraging others to fight back against violence in the home. When the boys were proved powerless, they took to the community in hope for guidance. There they played pranks, joining in athletics, delving into their interests, seeking out friends. Malcolm recalls his brother leading a street gang, stealing and pawning in addition to selling drugs and trading firearms. This is around the same time Malcolm's nickname of "Villain" caught on, due to peers and teachers constantly mispronouncing/misspelling his last name as well as causing constant trouble.

School was an abandoned priority since his earliest of years. Most grades were below average and reviews below adequate, whenever he chose to actually attend classes. Instead he picked up odd jobs that made enough money to split between himself and his mother, funding his music habits and bills when he skipped school. He participated in talent shows, charity functions, dances and the like, sparking his passion early on at the age of thirteen. He experimented between instruments before extracurricular funds were cut off in the school district, idolizing albums from his mother's collections and from the shelves of the local record shop loitered at each day after the bell. He credits R&B, jazz and funk leading into rap and hip-hop as his earliest soundtrack, known among his friends for making mixtapes. He would sell stolen vinyls out of the trunk of his mother's car, helping balance out payments until he got caught again, then repeated the process. Before even thinking of establishing himself as an official artist, Villmore spent much time making music with fellow Minnesota rapper Louis Moncayo. The two worked on projects together, dropping out of South High School during their sophomore year to pursue professional careers across the Eastern seaboard in major cities spanning to New York City. They picked up every possible small venue found, from birthday parties to raves and bar shows, spreading their names any way possible. Moncayo quit rapping in his late teens, while Villamore went on to pursue a professional career. In the beginning years Moncayo handled verses while Villamore surrounded the background, cutting songs together and sampling tracks against homemade beats. Soon enough things would change. Soon enough things would change.

Touring the likes of Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit and further, Villamore made the friends and forged the connections that would later prove valuable. Following a telltale rift between himself and Moncayo, Villamore relocated to south Los Angeles on the promise of working for a friend's entertainment company. After moving, he booked a few gigs that kept him content before seeking out the local hip-hop community which housed young, emerging talent as well as honorable veterans still with an ear to the pulse of the people. Adjusting to the change of scenery, Malcolm experimented with opportunities and associates while picking up jobs to pay for his ultimate efforts as a DJ. Temp jobs ranged from serving to washing dishes, budgeted on weed and recording equipment. Malcolm jotted down verses on napkins and in his phone, constantly connected to a source of music throughout his days. In Los Angeles in late 2009, Malcolm met model/socialite Ayla Vanikain at a downtown bar. He had no idea of her fame reached by posing for Victoria's Secret and starring in Guess? campaigns and high fashion shows - hitting on her that night until asking for her phone number in dim lighting over tequila shots. Before exchanging their first words, Malcolm says he was extremely attracted to her lips and dimples. The two became fast friends and even faster lovers, dabbling in the beginnings of a relationship. Months later, despite jealousy, infidelity and game-playing, they officially confirmed being together to close friends and family, before word reached the general public. As Ayla transitioned away from her high-profile career in front of the camera to behind it, Malcolm sought more work within the music industry. On the loan of a friend (Vinnie Coelho), Malcolm rented time on the mic in order to lay down his first demo, 'Hear No Evil,' which he distributed among friends and at venues patiently waiting for any sign of interest in what he had to offer. At the same time adding to his résumé, Malcolm and Ayla took the next step in moving together a year into their relationship. It was the first time he had seriously committed to a woman, Ayla being a common topic in his songs, about their history, love and family. His mother's passing was also noted, especially in the song 'Pawn Shop Blues.'

Soon enough he had people calling, from MURS's manager to a cousin of Kendrick Lamar. He joined Tyler the Creator's 'Odd Future' collective for a few songs, having already been friends with Gerard Long (Hodgy Beats) and Michael Griffin (Mike G) since living in Southern California. Most notable songs were "Orange Juice" and "Everything That's Yours." Meanwhile, Ayla had opened up her second art gallery, this time in Paris. Adjusting to life within Ayla's social circle was not an easy change, battling harsh criticism and their own prejudices. It was a hurtle for Malcolm to open up to a walk of life he had always despised, but Ayla was well worth the chance of warming to a social class he had only ever seen from the outside. The greatest shift was learning to share her with the general public, tiding with the good and the bad results of life in the spotlight. Though unconcerned with the opinions of others about their private life, they still had to deal with everything from malicious rumors to aggressive paparazzi and business moving cities. In 2011, his single "Endcome" spread on the Internet to garner attention from various hip-hop outlets. Malcolm's first album, 'Honor Among Thieves' was released with Stones Throw Records later that spring with positive reception. Also earlier that year after Christmas, Malcolm proposed to his long-time girlfriend in their favorite vacation spot in Portugal. Seven months later on July 9th, 2011, they were married in the same location. The wedding was small and private, very few details leaked from the family and friends who received exclusive invitations.

Around the same time of the wedding, the couple found out that Ayla was already three months pregnant with their first child. They had no idea at the time, but surprise soon turned into relief and excitement shared among their friends and family. The pregnancy was described as anxious and emotional as expected, filled with morning sickness and mood swings. The two had wanted to start a family eventually, welcoming Aria Isabel Villamore on December 17th, 2011 - two weeks before her due date. They would laugh that she was clearly their daughter, being so impatient. She was born 7 pounds 11 ounces, 21 inches long. Holding her in his arms for the very first time, everything stilled for Malcolm when she opened her eyes and looked up at him. The two had moved to New York months prior in an effort to tie together where their careers based, and took little Aria home with them. They endured the long, sleepless nights that new parents eventually grow used to, caring for her every minute of the day, monitoring her health and baby proofing their house.

Early in 2012, Rhymesayers Entertainment announced that they had signed Malcolm to their roster and that he would be re-releasing his album 'Friend Or Foe' in conjunction with a new EP called 'The Confessions of Mr. Modest.' Both albums were released by Rhymesayers Entertainment in March 2012, featuring artists such as Toki Wright, Vakill and PackFM. Between his second and upcoming third album, Malcolm collaborated with Stevie Crooks to release an album together, titled "VLNS NVR DIE." He has since been working on collaborating with Vince Staples, while simultaneously finishing 'Anti Hero' and working with others such as Substancial, Prof, Yelawolf, and Madison LST.

alias: Susan
age: 20
play-by: Julian Schratter
spotlight group: Limelight
city: NY
currently playing: Twenty Something - Chase Phoenix