Manila, Philippines — Def Jam, one of hip-hop’s most revered record labels in the world, is set to arrive on Philippine shores with the official launch of its massive Rekognize project featuring its all-star hip-hop roster on April 16, 2021.
Rekognize is a historic hip-hop celebration that gathers more than 120+ artists and 14 music producers from the old and new schools of hip-hop for an all-star four-EP series that will roll out this year. The Rekognize project will not only introduce Def Jam Philippines’ young, stellar roster to Pinoy hip-hop fans but also to shine the spotlight on the rich and diverse Filipino hip-hop and R&B movements on the global stage. “I truly believe that if you have that love for the culture, it can work and I really feel it in my gut, hoping that the same heart, passion, and energy will be shared. This won’t be Def Jam Philippines’ success alone but also the whole Pinoy hip-hop and R&B communities, too,” shares Allan Mitchell “Daddy A” Silonga, A&R Senior Manager of Def Jam Philippines.
Uniting various members of the Filipino hip-hop community, Rekognize brings not just past and current generations of Pinoy emcees in a sonically monumental event but also through compelling visual narratives. Kicking off Rekognize is the star-studded Nite N’ Day EP, which brings together some of the most exciting names in hip-hop and R&B in the country. Nite N’ Day features lead singles “Beautiful Day” by Mike Swift, D-Coy, Alisson Shore, kiyo, and Mark Beats, which dropped earlier this year and followed by “Atin Ang Gabi” by Al James, Legit Misfitz, K24/7, and Calvin De Leon.
Al James, Daddy A(K24/7), Dash Calzado(Legit Misfitz)
Listeners are in for a treat with three more tracks in the EP,” H247”, “Solitaryo,” and “Pusuan Mo,” which showcases the powerhouse talent of Def Jam Philippines’ roster of emerging hip-hop and R&B artists. The initial roster is made up of rising artists from all over the country, most of whom are at the beginning of their careers. “I chose to look for raw talents, develop and mold them and have that chemistry and bond with each other until they ‘make it’ and have that superstar status and create monster hits. We look for artists that are creatively genuine, amazingly talented, world-class and have a great character and good working attitude, humble but confident, and can have a long-lasting and fruitful relationship together with our team,” Daddy A explains.
Introducing Def Jam Philippines’ Upcoming Roster
Eurieka, Fateeha, Tommie King, J-Nina, Tiffany Lhei
- VVS Collective: a rap group consisting of four talented guys who write and produce their own songs. They’re best known for their melodic trap and mumble rap style. VVS Collective also takes the distinction of being the first act signed under the label.
- Tiffany Lhei: a 13-year-old rapper from Cavite who gives off a genuine swag and confidence with her varied rhyming styles.
- SCYE: a lyrical rapper from Bulacan. With a growing collection of demos under his belt already, he caught the attention of Def Jam Philippines with his rhymes and intense, passionate delivery.
- DonWilson: a 20-year-old R&B singer-songwriter from Batangas whose music exudes sexuality and romance.
- Eurieka: a 17-year-old rapper and songwriter from Caloocan. With a combination of charm and innocence, he delivers impeccable rhymes and flows with a unique tone.
- Tommie King: is a rapper and songwriter originally from Atlanta and currently based in Manila with a star quality that rivals that of local celebrities.
- J-Nine: a young R&B singer that exudes a similar vibe as Ariana Grande but has her own way of charming the people with her looks and singing ability.
- Fateeha: a 17-year-old rapper and singer-songwriter with a fantastic attitude and superstar aura—a potential international star in the making.
- JMara: a rapper and singer-songwriter from Quezon who will surely stun the audience with his unique style and strong delivery and songwriting.
Pinoy fans can expect nothing short of history in the making with Def Jam Philippines’ launch. “It will be huge and again will be centered in cultivating and promoting the hip-hop and R&B culture and community. It’s gonna be a celebration of Pinoy pride, heart, and dignity,” Daddy A adds.
The launch of Def Jam Philippines follows the official expansion of Def Jam South East Asia in September 2019, reaffirming its commitment to developing hip-hop communities throughout the region.
About Def Jam South East Asia:
Since its game-changing launch, Def Jam SEA has already paid its dues several times over, flexing its musical chops at high-profile showcases such as 2019’s Culture Cartel convention in Singapore, and helping to usher in global sports retailer JD Sport’s entry into the Thai market during the brand’s massive launch party in Bangkok.
With hip-hop’s influence spanning the globe, it was only a matter of time before Def Jam slung its brand of dope directly in South East Asia, arguably the most excitingly fresh frontline for new, boundary-pushing music. The label has also been busy bringing in more stellar talent from across the region into its fold, adding Abubakarxli of Malaysia, Indonesia’s Ben Utomo and Rayi Putra, and welcoming Vietnam and the Philippines to the family, represented by the likes of SeaChains and VVS Collective, respectively.
ADVT.