Filipino-American singer Ez Mil released his second single "Dalawampu't Dalawang OO (2200)" on April 15, a Filipino rap track that pays homage to his hometown of Olongapo City in the country.
The song is from the Las Vegas-based musician’s second studio album “DU4LI7Y, (Duality),” which will be released in the summer under FFP Records and distributed by Virgin Music/UMG.
For the very first time, Ez Mil will be performing live in the Philippines in April and May. The “Ez Mil Live in the Philippines,” presented by Mak Entertainment Services, will kick off on April 29 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City followed by May 1 at SMX in Davao City; May 6 at Albay Astrodome in Legazpi City; May 13 at CAP Convention Center in Baguio City and May 15 at Subic Gymnasium in Olongapo City.
“DU4LI7Y,” EZ Mil’s second album, is a continuation of his first 2020 album “Act 1. Where Act 1.”, The upcoming album sees him emerge from darkness back into the light as he returns to both his roots and to himself. It's a story of repentance and atonement that highlights Ez Mil’s unparalleled genre fluidity.
The new album's first single, "Re-Up," was his first of 2022, and highlights his aggressive vocal style and ability to expertly turn any beat into his own as Ez Mil seamlessly switches back and forth between Filipino and English, providing listeners with verses in each language.
"Dalawampu't Dalawang OO (2200)," primarily rapped in Filipino, pays homage to Ez Mil's hometown of Olongapo City and sees him beam with pride, representing the "twenty-two, double-o."
"It's my own narration of a story filled with struggle. With this song, I hope listeners can feel the angst, and my pride, mixed with orchestral instruments fused with nerve wracking-beats," said Ez Mil.
Hometown pride is not only for Ez Mil and the Philippines, but rather for anyone who is proud of where they come from.
"It's a song about the citizens of Olongapo first and foremost, the bad and the beauty - but it doesn't just stick to one city but can speak to all Filipinos as a whole. I've always been proud representing my hometown, 2200, so anyone who is proud of their city will definitely feel this," he added.
Ez Mil is thrilled to hold shows in the Philippines for the first time.
"It's overwhelming, super grateful to everyone who's been very supportive of me, my music. Just the thought of coming home, man - it's a mixture of excitement and thrill that I can't shake off. Performing in the homeland is very special to me because I haven't done this before," he said.
Ez Mil added, "I've always been proud to represent my hometown, my roots - I just want them to be happy and proud. I want to give back all the love and support that I've been getting and I'm very excited to meet my fans in the Philippines, and see my family, friends - and everyone! Really looking forward to this, and just to do what I love doing and have fun!"
Last month, Ez Mil appeared on the famed Apple Music radio show, the “Charlie Sloth Rap Show,” which has featured everyone from Drake to Stormzy to Migos.
The recent Fire in the Booth episode gave listeners a new opportunity to witness Ez Mil's ability to perform on the spot and brilliantly weave in and out of Filipino and English.
In 2021, Ez Mil made a major splash with his hit song, "Panalo," performing it on Wish Bus USA, a video that has since garnered almost 71 million views. Ez Mil then released a special version of the video, celebrating boxing icon and Senator Manny Pacquiao.
Ez Mil appeared on LA's Power 106 last year, where he performed an emotionally-charged freestyle nodding to Nipsey Hussle and YG. Notably, he boasts 1.1 million likes on Facebook, close to 700,000 subscribers on YouTube, and 343,000 followers on TikTok.
"Dalawampu't Dalawang OO (2200)" allows Ez Mil to bring the Philippines with him as he ascends into viral pop stardom beyond his home country and defies all borders and preceding expectations.
Ezekiel Miller, professionally known as Ez Mil, was born in Olongapo City on July 27, 1998.