Fil-Am rapper MBNel recalls moment he met EZ Mil


At a glance

  • MBNel expressed his desire to collaborate with fellow Filipino-American artists H.E.R. and Bruno Mars.


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Fil-Am rapper MBNel 

MB Nel, also known as Jhonel Dongon, shared a memorable moment with fellow Fil-Am rapper EZ Mil, sparking Filipino pride.

During his intimate media conference last Jan. 13, MBNel said that it was a surreal moment for him to personally meet EZ at an event. 

"It was dope because I met him [EZ] in a another Filipino event in LA, and he told me that I was one of the artists he looked up to, and I appreciate that a lot because he's a very dope and talented artist as well," MB Nel said. 

Aside from being EZ's musical influence, the two Fil-Am rappers also said they are currently working on a new song. 

"We're actually working on a new project together, and I have three songs with his sister, that's why I'm really looking forward to doing more projects with him," MBNel said. 

He also said hat working with EZ was not a challenge for him because he saw the passion in his fellow artists. 

"It was really smooth working with him. Honestly speaking if it's the artist like EZ Mil that you're working with. Like you wanna go harder on your verse and try to match him, so it was fun," MBNel added. 

MBNel expressed his desire to collaborate with fellow Filipino-American artists H.E.R. and Bruno Mars.

Coming back to his roots

MBNel's family is now more supportive of his music career because of how far he has come.

"It was a lot of roadblocks but you know, parents are gonna be parents. They want what's best for you, I grew up as a bad kid and made bad decisions. I guess me being hard-headed and not listening allowed me to chase my passion for music," he said. 

MBNel's family is now more supportive of his music career because of how far he has come.

The rapper-singer grew up speaking Bisaya. During his short visit to the Philippines recently, MBNel made a performance during the Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

“I spoke Bisaya a little bit when I was a kid ‘coz my mom, my parents, they just talked Bisaya. They’re not really good at English. But as I got older, the Bisaya kinda faded away. Like I just became more just speaking English. I just spoke to them in English. I still understand it a lot. Very good. But growing up, culturally, you know, your average Filipino family, the parties, the food, very old-school Filipino," he said. 

He even made short videos on his Instagram account roaming around Cebu with kids.