Through the years, Pinoy rap has had its share of roller coaster ride affairs with Pinoy pop listeners. But every time it comes back, it becomes stronger. And say what you want about Pinoy rap, but you can’t deny that the movers in this scene have panache. And none more so than the recent batch of biggies in the scene.

Two of those have joined forces as Because and Hev Abi deliver “Minahalagad.”

Known for hits such as "BMW" and "Sandali," Because is a respected figure in Pinoy rap since he exploded into the scene with his 2018 debut album, “Heartbreak SZN.” Preceded by the breakout single “Marlboro Black,” Because, who is still in his 20s, managed to carve out a niche for himself in a scene heavy on style and emphasizing presence.  

Meanwhile, Hev Abi is the current toast of the Pinoy rap scene and is known for his string of breakout singles that includes "Walang Alam" and "Alam Mo Ba Girl.” The rapper has been racking up a sizeable audience since his debut in the rap scene in 2021 and the subsequent release of his independent album in 2022 (“Pautang Ng Pag-ibig”) and its 2022 and 2023 follow-up “Sakred Boy” and “Kung Alam Mo Lang” respectively. And the fact that he did this as an indie rap act is even more impressive.

Slow-burn “Minahalagad” is heavy on groove and vibe with beats courtesy of NEXXFRIDAY’s production.  And if you’ve wondered how far the rap scene has gone, this one is as modern sounding. This marks the first-ever collaboration between these ace rappers, setting the stage for exciting wordplay and exchange. And while it's no epic showdown, the two are content with some lyrical wordplay,  laid out with Because's seasoned lyricism and Hev Abi's fresh take, and both go from flowing to rhythmic and back.

Cecile Azarcon is returning to Manila this May (24 and 25) for a pair of shows at The Theatre at The Solaire to celebrate 45 years of music. And just in case you don’t know C. Azarcon’s songs, here’s a cheat sheet and backgrounder.

Regarded as one of the most prolific hit songwriters in OPM, she was only 19 years old when tasked to contribute a song for Basil Valdez for the latter’s album “Corner Of The Sky.” She also contributed an inspirational tune called “Lift Up Your Hands.” From there, she wrote hit after hit during those wonderful years of 80s Pinoy pop.  

She came up with “So It’s You” which solidified the career of singer-actor Raymond Lauchengco. Gary Valenciano was once a promising newbie and his first hit was an Azarcon song called “Reaching Out” (from Gary V's debut album). Around the same time, Azarcon also wrote “Even If” for popster Jam Morales.

A graduate of the UP Conservatory of Music, Azarcon composed some memorable melodies sung by top acts such as Sharon Cuneta (“I Don’t Mean A Thing To You Anymore”) and the Kuh Ledesma hit “I Think I’m In Love.”

Even when Cecile Azarcon migrated to the US, she continued to write hits like “Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin” for Martin Nievera, “How Did You Know” for Chiqui Pineda, and “Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga” for Vina Morales. Then there’s “Special Memory,” popularized by Iwi Laurel.

Even if you’re a millennial or a Gen Z, I’m betting some of these have reached out to you in some way.