Aside from battle rap, they’re making waves in music. Check out these new releases from FlipTop emcees.
You’ve seen them do their thing in battles but now, it’s time to appreciate the music side. After all, these rappers' main goal stays the same to this day: to make songs that will leave a mark. 2024 has been a great year for Philippine hip-hop music; there’s no denying these battle emcees significantly contributed to it. The good news is there are still many more to come before the year ends.
So if you’re done watching the matches, check out these latest releases from FlipTop emcees. We have three new albums, five new tracks, and nine new music videos. For the battles-only fans of the league, it’s your chance to take a closer look at the artistry of these individuals and have a deeper appreciation for their craft. The entries are listed in no particular order so no need for arguments about ranking. Let’s start!
Flict-G - Kuwento (album)
After years of dropping various mixtapes and singles, Flict-G has finally released his much-awaited debut solo album titled “Kuwento”. We hear way more than just the veteran’s signature flow and rhyming style in this project. “Kuwento” also gives us an up-close look at Flict-G’s remarkable skills in storytelling, imagery, and production.
Flict-G – DM Me feat. Bei Wenceslao & Joshua Mari (music video)
“DM Me” is the first music video to be released from Flict-G’s “Kuwento” album. It’s directed and edited by Angelo Manaloto, and it’s an accurate depiction of the song which tackles the topic of forbidden love. The stunning cinematography, brilliant acting, and of course powerful lyrics make this music video a must-see.
Flict-G - Kuwento (music video)
“Kuwento” is the next track from Flict-G’s solo LP to have a music video. While “DM Me” has a romance movie feel, “Kuwento” contains a horror vibe with its creepy images and bleak atmosphere. It’s the perfect concept for the song which talks about the current state of the world and our potentially grim fate.
Shehyee – ALL IN (music video)
Shehyee surprised his fans on the 27th of September with the release of the music video for his hit song “ALL IN”. Titus Cee and Jon Guiterrez serve as directors and the video is a guaranteed visual feast. We see the 2018 Isabuhay Champion re-enact his rhymes accompanied by breathtaking special effects.
Apoc - Lunes Na Naman (music video)
Directed by Tala of Kartel, the official music video of Apoc’s track “Lunes Na Naman” quickly became a hit upon release. The MV successfully brought to life Apoc’s lyrics and the jazz instrumental through impressive Broadway-inspired scenes and dance numbers. So far, it’s the most unique hip-hop music video of the year.
Sur Henyo - Kampay (song)
After an impressive 2024 Isabuhay Tournament run, Sur Henyo is back to making music. His latest track “Kampay” came out on the 7th of October. Clinxy Beats provided the feel-good instrumental while Sur Henyo rapped about taking a break from the hustle and just having a fun drinking session with friends.
Vitrum - Kontra! (song)
Vitrum is in battle mode in this year’s Isabuhay Tournament and music. His brand new track “Kontra!” is produced by RB Slatt and sees him spitting some quality braggadocio bars. Apart from his hard-hitting rhymes and raw aggression, “Kontra!” also gave Vitrum an opportunity to show the world his impressive flow.
Plazma - Sakuna (song)
Plazma returns to warn us about being too complacent with his single “Sakuna”, which is part of his upcoming album. Produced by KMG, the 2017 Isabuhay finalist talks about various calamities we experienced through the years and how we never learned from it. Up to now, we’re still repeating the same mistakes.
Don Pao - Martial Lao (album)
He may be inactive in FlipTop now but he’s still making an impact in the scene. Don Pao released his debut album “Martial Lao” on the 21st of September under Rawstarr Records. He continues to captivate listeners with his intricate rhyme schemes and metaphors effortlessly mixed with his trademark gangsta rap style.
Don Pao x Flow G - Balagbag (music video)
The official music video for “Balagbag”, which is part of the “Martial Lao” album, was released on September 28. It’s directed by Louie Ong and features an effortless blend of animation and reality. Don Pao and Flow G showcase their amazing lyricism and flow while the special effects leave the viewers in awe.
Kris Delano - Yours Truly (album)
He first became known for his FlipTop battles but now, he’s making waves through his music. Kris Delano finally released his debut album “Yours Truly” on September 6. It’s a fine mix of rap and R&B and as for the lyrical content, Kris talks in-depth about his toxic relationship and how he moved on.
Kris Delano – Intro / Stuck In Your Ways (music video)
The music video for “Intro / Stuck In Your Ways” is directed by Martin Ong Yambao. It portrays the toxic relationship that is the central theme of Kris Delano’s song and album. The concept is simple but the smooth transitions between grainy and HD scenes added a unique vibe to the video.
Kris Delano - Zero F*cks ft. Hev Abi (music video)
It’s the second official music video from the “Yours Truly” album. In the MV for “Zero F*cks”, we see Kris Delano and Hev Abi chilling and performing at a fancy club, enjoying their freedom from their problematic ex lovers. Like the previous song, this one is directed by Martin Ong Yambao.
Bi$ente - Walang Ibang Rason (music video)
This year saw Bi$ente stepping up in both rap battles and music. On July 20, he released the music video for his single “Walang Ibang Rason”, with Rainy Szn behind the beat and visuals. Bi$ente’s motivational rhymes remain highly effective and the scenes ooze with creativity thanks to the visual effects.
Bi$ente - Blue Bills (song)
Almost a month after the release of “Walang Ibang Rason”, Bi$ente dropped another banger titled “Blue Bills”. Rainy Szn once again handled the production of this track. Here, Bi$ente raps about his rags to riches story with wit and swag while the beat is sure to make it a club hit.
Juan and Kyle, JAWZ – SA’YO LANG (music video)
Like Bi$ente, JAWZ is also having a great 2024 so far when it comes to battle rap and music. After their smash hit “Marikit sa Dilim”, Juan and Kyle collaborated with JAWZ once again for “SA’YO LANG”. The music video was released on July 28 and is inspired by classic Pinoy romantic comedy films.
Tatz Maven, Waiian – Walang Hanggan (song)
Tatz Maven may be retired from battle rap but he’s still very active in creating quality tunes. In “Walang Hanggan”, he collaborated with Waiian to pay tribute to their deceased friends. The lyrics and delivery are heartfelt and the beat, which is also by Tatz, is proof of the Gensan artist’s evolution as a musician.
READ ALSO: 2023 Pinoy Hip-hop Releases (Part 1)
Please let us know in the comments section if something is missing from this list. Make sure you also check out the releases earlier this year not only from FlipTop emcees but from the rest of the artists in the local scene as well. There are just so many projects for you to enjoy and the best way to keep the movement alive is by continuously showing support. Philippine hip-hop, make some noise!