(From left) Ken Suson, Stell Ajero, Apl.de.Ap, Josh Cullen Santos, Pablo Nase, Justin de Dios. Image: Courtesy of Sony Music Philippines
Working with Filipino-American artist Apl.de.Ap for the collaborative single “Ready” is a blessing for SB19, saying the award-winning rapper is someone they admire in the music industry.
SB19 and Apl.de.Ap released their new single “Ready” at midnight on Friday, May 31. The song was first teased on the first day of the P-pop powerhouse’s “PAGTATAG!” finale concert earlier this month.
The song was produced by Keith Harris, a longtime collaborator of Apl.de.Ap’s group Black Eyed Peas, which combines influences from pop, electronic, dance and Afrobeats.
Apl.de.Ap, Jean-Baptiste, Vince Nantes, and Denzel worked on the lyrics of the single, while Radkidz (a music production duo composed of Pablo and his brother Josue) contributed as well.
🪩#READY – SB19 x https://t.co/blR2ywszVm.Ap OUT NOW
Listen here:
🔗https://t.co/Rtf17LO6zV #SB19 #AplDeAp #SB19xAplDeAp #READYOutNow pic.twitter.com/ZfyaBOYawY— SB19 Official ⚠️ (@SB19Official) May 30, 2024
In a press statement, Justin said that learning from Apl.de.Ap’s “generosity and creative feedback” was an honor.
“We never got the chance to record together in a single booth, but Apl.de.Ap was such a great guy to work with. It’s an honor to collaborate with a global superstar of his caliber. We’ve learned so much from his generosity and creative feedback,” he said.
Stell, on the other hand, said “Ready” was a chance for the quintet to explore “new genres and production styles” to develop their music.
“It was something new for the group. We appreciate the chance to delve into new genres and production styles that come with unfamiliar territory. But with Apl.de.Ap at the helm of the creative process, we’re just blessed to take on this assignment. It’s not every day that you get to work with an artist you look up to,” he said.
The single comes weeks after SB19 collaborated with US-based music producer Ian Asher and Chinese electronic producer Terry Zhong with “Moonlight. It debuted on the 10th spot of the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart.
The quintet is set to put out a documentary film centering around their “PAGTATAG!” era in August. Details about its theatrical release and storyline are yet to be announced.
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