The title of that old late 80s rock ballad seems apropos of how this week’s picks are configured. Especially when we have that sole lovely female—the rose if you will--amongst a lineup of rap music acts so good they’re all bad-asses at what they do—the proverbial thorn(s) on said reference.
Sweet-sounding Frizzle Anne returns with a delectably tasty new song in “Alam Ko Naman.” Frizzle shares that “it is a right-fitting title for this bittersweet song inspired by a classic story of lovers-turned-strangers and heartbroken lovers longing for closure.” The wistful sounds that Frizzle Anne coaxes out of her recorded performance in this song matches her musings about ephemeral relations that, though lovely, really aren't meant to exist in the first place. Oh yeah, the lovely looking Frizzle Anne looks nice to look at as well, always a big plus, as one contemplates her soft-pop rock aesthetic.
Viral Hip Hop rap group HOOD 047 drops a brand-new bop in “Alak Pass.” And while this is the obvious sequel to their fan-fave track “Alak Pa” which is practically a sonnet for and about alcohol consumption, “Alak Pass” shuns it. HOOD 047’s rotating lineup of rappers, which this time includes Gico, Sentido, KL, Chaos, IDEA and Shonji K, take turns on the verses for this head-bobbing new track. Apparently, Hood 047 is not just about excess. This is the follow-up to the smash hit “Wasted” whose hook melody they reference and jam on heavily here.
Then there’s Soulstice who returns with a stalking new track titled “Para-Paraan.” The trio of Mscript (Rome Lagarde), Rowmee G (Jerome De Leon), and Seth (Ronald Abasta) asks the hard questions about the reality of living a hard life on this moody number that is theme of the film “Pusoy.” “Kaya mo bang tablahin ang mga patas na namumuhay (para sa era)? / Kaya mo na bang mamatay o pumatay, usapang buhay (para sa pera)?” goes one of the visceral from “Para-Paraan,” said snippet captures the current social mood if truth be told.
Chandler Manzano returns with a more contemporary sounding and bumping new single titled “Sabi Ng Mahal Kita.” Also featured on this track is singer Jools and rapper Nic Flow. All three collaborated on this original song that sees Chandler try his hand at Pinoy R&B, pop and rap and the result is this memorable new bop that’s a nicer fit for Manzano.
“Nagsawa Ka Na” is the cool and easy-listening new single from R&B music artist Zo Zo a.k.a. Ralph Castor. In this groove-induced original, Zo laments on the hurt that he felt about a love that’s eventually faded. But the blow is softened somewhat as Zo Zo delivers it in this cool R&B and lo-fi approach that grows on you with every listen.
“ATIN” is the groove-driven new song from R&B and Hip Hop artist Krisostomo featuring GoonBogart. The inherent sexiness in “ATIN” comes from the yearning themes that Krisostomo and Goon smooth flowingly dish out. This couple with the skilled delivery combines for a knockout combo that makes this moody track an enjoyable listen.