- As part of Kalye X, Spotify unveils its first-of-its-kind hip-hop Spotify Singles with artists, Cookie$, Midnasty, Morobeats, Gloc-9, Hero, and Ramdiss.
- Spotify’s Kalye Hip-Hop playlist grew five times since 2018, reflecting the growing popularity of the local genre.
- At its launch party, Spotify partners with local hip-hop artists and the community to celebrate the best of Pinoy hip-hop music and culture, including performances from Al James, Morobeats and Midnasty.
Pushing the boundaries of Filipino hip-hop, Spotify unveils Kalye X, a groundbreaking endeavor designed to foster collaboration among artists, fans, and the community. As a cornerstone of this initiative, Spotify has partnered with both emerging and established Filipino hip-hop musicians to present an array of Spotify Singles. Marking a pioneering venture in the Philippines, these original compositions unite local talents to showcase the multifaceted and rich tapestry of Filipino hip-hop.
From August to October, a trilogy of Spotify Singles will make their debut, spotlighting artists hailing from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Commencing this musical odyssey, the dynamic fusion of Midnasty and Cookie$ takes center stage, delivering a vivid tribute to the lively Visayan music scene. Emerging from Zamboanga, the ingenious Morobeats collective, led by DJ Medmessiah, reinvents the soundscape of Mindanao hip-hop with a distinctive composition. Concluding this series with resounding force, the streets of Manila are represented by the three-way collaboration of Gloc 9, Hero, and Ramdiss, an unprecedented musical alliance.
“In the spirit of animating Spotify’s Kalye Hip-Hop playlist, Kalye X seeks to amplify the stories and lived experiences of passionate artists and communities. With Filipino hip-hop listenership having doubled in growth over the last year, it is imperative that we empower our artists to share their craft with fans in a more profound manner, while simultaneously pushing the frontiers of Filipino hip-hop music culture,” remarked Kossy Ng, Spotify Asia’s Head of Music.
Philippine Passion for Hip-Hop Ignites
Ignited by its pulsating beats and infectious rapid-fire verses, the Filipino appetite for Pinoy hip-hop burns fervently. Over the past half-decade, local hip-hop tracks have witnessed a remarkable 700% surge in domestic streams. Concurrently, Spotify’s Kalye Hip-Hop playlist has experienced a fivefold surge in listenership since its inception in 2018.
Of significant note, the global appeal of Pinoy hip-hop has surged by a robust 600%, resonating strongly in key markets such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Spotify’s worldwide reach not only furnishes artists with a platform to connect with admirers and potential new audiences around the globe, but also serves as a conduit for overseas Filipinos to remain tethered to their cultural roots.
During the launch event held at Brooklyn Warehouse in Manila, Kossy Ng, Head of Music for Spotify Asia, was flanked by hip-hop luminaries Al James and Cookie$, who shared insights into the vibrancy of the Filipino hip-hop panorama.
Esteemed Filipino rapper and lyricist Al James acknowledged the OG Pinoy rappers for kindling his own aspirations. He noted, “Listening to them was akin to having mentors. They passed on the essence of Pinoy hip-hop to us. I take immense pride in the current state and trajectory of Filipino hip-hop.” He also weighed in on the global potential of Pinoy hip-hop, reflecting, “As Cookie$ mentioned earlier, he represented Cebuano culture. The power of Cebuano and Tagalog can resonate beyond borders.”
Cookie$ shed light on discovering his own voice as a conduit for representing his origins. He expressed, “When I began rapping in Bisaya, I found my unique niche, setting me apart. My language carries a distinct resonance and is marked by intense passion. It’s crucial to elevate Bisaya culture and inspire those embarking on their creative journeys. Spotify continues to champion me and fellow artists, elevating Filipino talent while staying true to our roots and distinct artistic identities.”
A Communal Celebration
Spotify’s Kalye X launch not only brought together hip-hop luminaries but also engaged the community in celebrating the potential of Filipino hip-hop. Live performances by Midnasty, Morobeats, and Al James animated the event, while an interactive graffiti street art installation by Kayo Cosio and Trip63 breathed life into the ambiance. The energy of hip-hop found expression in a dance battle featuring the Philippine All-Stars, set to the tunes spun by DJ Jazz Zamora.
Embarking on the next leg of Kalye X’s voyage, Spotify is set to bring the unveiling of the three Spotify Singles to the vibrant core of Cebu on August 26th, followed by Davao on September 23rd, and culminating in Manila on October 28th. These milestone events will witness the artists presenting their freshest compositions in a groundbreaking sequence of Spotify Kalye X concerts. For additional details, stay connected by following @spotifyph on various social media platforms.
