A very Pinoy hip-hop party

For Raymond Abracosa, the rapper popularly known as Abra, it’s about time that local hip-hop got presented on the world stage to show what Filipino artists have to offer in the genre. That’s why he’s grateful to be part of the coming “MTV Music Evolution,” which will turn the spotlight on hip-hop in its first edition.

Set on May 17 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, the live concert boasts a lineup composed of rising and veteran artists from around the globe. Also taking the stage are apl.de.ap of the popular group The Black Eyed Peas, Grammy-winning trio Naughty by Nature, and rappers Gloc-9, YG and DJ Mustard.

“The local hip-hop community has been waiting for this kind of opportunity, and it’s up to us to do our best and stay hungry,”

Abra told the Inquirer. “It feels awesome that we’re getting recognized.”

Sharing the stage with some of his idols like Naughty by Nature, Abra said, “is so real, it’s surreal. We used to perform their songs for fun, and now we’ll be with them,” the 24-year-old rapper related, adding that he’s hoping to make some connections for possible collaborations. “Let’s see!”

Wider audience

 

The concert, to be hosted by VJs Alan Wong and Hanli Hoefer, will be recorded live for telecast in over 160 countries, and is set to premiere in the Philippines on May 30 at 7 p.m.

“I’m excited that this will be seen internationally; local rap will reach a much wider audience,” related Abra, who’s behind the hit “Gayuma” and a member of the group Lyrically Deranged Poets (LDP).

“Our music—its lyrics, beat, structure, vibe and instruments used—is always changing, as we incorporate our own influences to it.

I hope the rest of the world gets to appreciate it,” he said of local hip-hop, which has been enjoying a mainstream resurgence in the last couple of years.

According to MTV, a unit of Viacom Inc., “MTV Music Evolution” not only aims to entertain, but also to educate young fans on the progression of different musical styles and genres through the years.

Iconic acts

 

“The key concept of this event is to showcase the evolution of music through performances by iconic and rising acts,” pointed out MTV and Digital Media vice president Paras Sharma.

MTV likewise announced that it has partnered with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) of the Department of Tourism in mounting the outdoor concert. “We don’t just want an event—we want an experience,” TPB chief Domingo Ramon Enerio III said. “It will be a showcase of Filipino talent and creativity.”

The executive also expressed the hope that “MTV Music Evolution” will help the Philippines become a “center for contemporary culture.” “Aside from the show, MTV—through our partnership—will also feature various facets of Filipino culture and lifestyle,” Enerio said.

Meanwhile, to further drumbeat the concert, MTV will air Friday, 7 p.m., a 30-minute special, “MTV Hip-Hop Evolution Manila,” which will show “VJs Wong and Hoefer exploring the history of hip-hop and experiencing Manila’s vibrant hip-hop scene.” Special guests include Abra, LDP, Ron Henley, Pia Magalona (wife of the late rapper Francis M.) and more.