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Iconic Pinoy Hip-hop Music Videos from the 1990s to 2000s (Part 2)
Are you in a nostalgic mood again? Check out these classic local hip-hop music videos.
Dante Romero
May 17, 2023
Two years ago, we published a list of 1990s to 2000s Philippine hip-hop music videos that are considered classics. If you haven’t read it yet, you can check it out by clicking here. Thanks to social media, we’ve discovered even more gems from the same period and decided to share them with you again. It’s time for the old school hip-hop heads to take another exciting trip down memory lane and the new fans to add more bangers to their collection.
Like with the first edition, the entries are listed in no particular order. No need to argue about rankings when it comes to this topic since they’re all equally iconic. So without further ado, let’s go travel back in time…
Sun Valley Crew - Everything's Gonna Be Alright
Winner of the Newcomer Video of the Year at the 1998 MTV Pilipinas Awards, the official MV for SVC’s “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” definitely hyped up the viewers upon release. We see the group rocking the party and cruising down the street in an owner-type jeep. It may be a simple concept visually, but it still represents hip-hop to the fullest.
Mastaplann - Here We Are
There’s emceeing, breakdancing, turntablism, and graffiti here. The visuals for “Here We Are” by Mastaplann deserve props for showcasing all four elements of the culture. It also has that grimy vibe that blended well with the track’s aggressive beat and lyrical content. Watching this will certainly make you bob your head.
Oblaxz – Askal
“Askal” by Oblaxz is the theme song of the film of the same name starring John Regala. The music video is a mix of clips from the movie and scenes of Oblaxz causing chaos throughout the streets of Manila. It undoubtedly helped popularize hardcore rap in the Philippines even further. Rest in peace once again to K-Ozz, the group’s legendary frontman.
Chinese Mafia – Kapangyarihan
“Kapangyarihan” by Chinese Mafia is from the soundtrack of Andrew E’s movie “Extranghero”. In the video, Chi Nigg and Klutch-B portray mental patients going through several experiments. It’s arguably a metaphor for how sick their rhymes are. The concept was groundbreaking for a local rap video during that time.
The Anthill Mobb – 21st Century Emcees
Before “Itsumo”, Dice & K9 was known as The Anthill Mobb. One of the tracks that made them underground hip-hop legends in Cebu is “21st Century Emcees”. The music video is gritty from start to finish, which was perfect for their underground style at that time. It’s safe to say that this is the beginning of their journey to stardom.
Mobbstarr – Eargasmic
Now, let’s talk about Dice & K9 after “Itsumo”. In 2008, the group changed their name to Mobbstarr with a new lineup and released their fourth album “Time Space Rhythm Stars”. Their hit single “Eargasmic” showcased a noticeable shift to their sound, focusing on a more electronic-based style. The music video’s enthralling display of lights provides the viewer with a club feel.
Razza Manazz - Pansinin Mo Ako
Donman, John Doe, Anthonymous, and June Jhunkie, collectively known as Razza Manazz, compete for the attention of a beautiful girl in the music video for “Pansinin Mo Ako”. The woman is played by none other than Maui Taylor. Each member put all their effort into achieving their goal, only to end up in disastrous situations. If you’re into old school Pinoy comedy films, you will enjoy this!
Urban Flow – Padalaw
Urban Flow kept it grimy for the music video of their hit song “Padalaw”. Here, we see the group performing in an abandoned structure. While they’re mostly known for their rap ballads, Urban Flow proved in this MV that they didn’t abandon their underground roots. There’s a brief phone conversation scene in the end that many would surely relate to.
Kawago - Paminsan-minsan
“Paminsan-minsan” by Kawago is one of the most beloved tracks during the Pinoy love rap boom in the early 2000s. The MV, much like “Pansinin Mo Ako”, features humorous scenes, which are reminiscent of the golden age of Philippine comedy movies. There are also shots of the group rapping with some impressive graffiti in the background. It’s an entertaining video for a classic song.
Hukbalahap feat. Sacred One & Braduzz - Buhay Ng Gangsta
Hukbalahap, Sacred One, and Braduzz gave us an unfiltered look at gang life in the Philippines in “Buhay Ng Gangsta”. The song’s MV takes us to the mean streets of Tondo where the rappers have spent most of their lives. You could feel their anger, frustration, and even a bit of hope as they roam around the spots that made them who they are.
Greyhoundz feat. Gloc-9 & Francis M. – Koro
Hip-hop and metal always sounded good together, and Greyhoundz, Gloc-9, and Francis M proved it with their track “Koro”. The music video is an instant hit not only because of the amazing lyrics and music but also for the powerful message. We see scenes of the musicians performing their hearts out mixed with clips of an individual carrying a sign that encourages all to be free.
Stick Figgas - Nandito Lang Ako
Ron Henley is already a master storyteller way before “Biglang Liko” and “Hagdan”. “Nandito Lang Ako” is from Stick Figgas’ debut album “Critical Condition” and tells the story of a man deeply in love with a woman who is in an abusive relationship. The official music video is a visual interpretation of the song and it succeeds in capturing the details including the twist ending.
READ ALSO: New Songs From FlipTop Emcees
Please let us know in the comments section if we missed something. We’ll make sure to include them in part three! There are certainly plenty more to unearth. Enjoy watching (or re-watching) these masterpieces and continue showing support to our local scene, old and new. More than a decade later, we’re still going strong. Philippine hip-hop, make some noise!
