Ezekiel Miller Sapiera, popularly known as Ez Mil, was born in Olongapo to music legend Paul Sapiera of the band RockStar behind hits, “Mahal Pa Rin Kita,” and “Parting Time,” and to an also music industry-active mother, Hazel Miller. His exposure to music, thanks to his parents, may have given him the push to pursue a career in it.
He has been writing, producing, performing, directing, and editing his own music at 22. Despite being surrounded by rock music, his taste differed. He preferred Hip-Hop and R&B, counting Gloc-9 and his song, “Hari ng Tondo,” as his influences for his music. More so, growing up in the Philippines and then moving to the United States helped stirred his patriotic side, inspiring the lyrics of his viral song, “Panalo,” that brought him to the spotlight.
Two years since his song trended, Ez Mil’s live performance of “Panalo,” on the Wish USA Bus now has 79 million views. He was praised for not only the song’s catchy R&B beat, but more for its take on Filipino nationalism.
On July 26, Ez Mil announced that he signed with Shady Records/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records. These record labels are owned by award-winning artists and iconic rappers Dr. Dre and, none other than, Eminem. Ez Mil joins other phenomenal artists like 50 Cent who are among the very few artists who are signed with all three labels.
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Eminem was the first to hear Ez Mil’s music online. From then on, Eminem brought Ez Mil to Dr. Dre which ended up in the co-sign. He shares through a tweet why they signed Ez Mil—his single “Up Down.” The music video now has 1.2 million views since its release five months ago.
This is why we signed him @EzMil27 https://t.co/DCixazJB9J
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) July 26, 2023
Ez Mil’s DU4LI7Y: REDUX album includes the single, “Realest,” which features Eminem. We can already expect a rap masterpiece for this one.
Eminem and Dr. Dre both made their own names in the music industry. They have proven to be behind timeless music. Now, Ez Mil is poised to let his talents shine and pave the way for others to follow in his footsteps. As Ez Mil has always been proud of his Filipino roots, expect more Filipino pride for years to come.
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