Music Reviews
Thike – Pahinga (Album Review)
Thike has finally released his much-awaited solo album. Check out our review of “Pahinga”.
Dante Romero
July 09, 2024
After releasing two critically acclaimed projects with his group No Mannas, battle emcee Thike decided to try something new on his next one. On June 22, 2024, he finally dropped his solo LP. The album launch took place the night before at a jam-packed Padi’s Point in Antipolo. It consists of eight tracks, all of which are produced MC Beats. Is it worth checking out? Can Thike make an impact as a solo artist? Here’s our review of “Pahinga”.
Lyrical content:
Thike chose the direct-to-the-point approach with his rhymes which is a commendable decision. His goal in this album is to show how he has matured as a person and artist, and while it may lack wordplay, metaphors, and other technical aspects, he made up for it with his powerful words and narratives. Listening to complex bars is always fun, but “Pahinga” reminded us that you can still leave many in awe with simplicity.
The first track “Nilaynilay” successfully sets the mood for the entire album. Here, Thike talks about how he prefers to stay calm and not be consumed by negativity in life. “Sana Palarin” is a brilliant take on the “I wish for a better life” concept. In this song, he wishes nothing but great things for his family and friends who stayed by his side since day one. “Pabigat ng Pabigat” reminded us that there will be more problems as we grow older and that we need to stay strong. Apart from the relatable topic, another highlight of this track is Thike’s remarkable flow. Love rap fans will surely enjoy “Pampakalma”. Thike shows his appreciation for his significant other using impressive rhyme schemes in the verses while J-Tee shares his amazing voice in the chorus.
“Malungkot Dito” is arguably the most creative song on the record. Thike has a conversation with his younger self, telling him to savor his childhood because things will get harder when he grows up. Steph blessed the hook with her lovely vocals. “Sana All” sees the rapper wishing luck to everyone. In a genre known for diss tracks as well as Thike’s battle rap resume, it’s refreshing to hear this concept. “Pahinga” is an innovative spin on the “taking a break” theme. What Thike means by pahinga (Tagalog word for rest) is taking risks and doing something new in life. Steph once again lent her soulful voice to the chorus. Of course, a battle emcee’s album won’t be complete without a battle-oriented jam. The title says it all for “Reppin 1870”. Thike collaborated with 11 artists from Antipolo to not only showcase their lyricism but also to represent their hometown. You won’t notice its nine-minute length because of the distinct styles and captivating rhymes of the emcees. Throughout the record, Thike has a relatively laidback delivery that worked well even in the aforementioned posse cut. It could also be part of his transformation into a more chill and optimistic individual.
Production:
MC Beats made sure that diversity is present in the instrumentals of “Pahinga”. The album is a wonderful mix of traditional and modern hip-hop sensibilities. Whether you’re into boom bap or trap, you will definitely be bobbing your head to the music. Much like Thike’s delivery, the sounds of MC Beats have that calm vibe, except for the rock influence of “Reppin 1870”. That’s what we meant by diversity. MC Beats experimented with different genres, making every song have a distinctive feel.
Conclusion:
Thike remains one of the most underrated rappers in FlipTop but hopefully, with this album, many more would finally appreciate his lyrical skills. “Pahinga” is proof that you don’t always need to be too complex in your writing to capture the attention of the listeners. Lyrically, Thike kept it simple while maintaining the strong impact of the message. MC Beats also deserve admiration for paying tribute to the old school hip-hop sound and at the same time, welcoming the new generation. “Pahinga” is indeed worth checking out. It's available on all streaming platforms.
