“GRABE yown, Zer!”
This was how fans of Filipino rapper Felip, or Ken Suson of P-pop powerhouse SB19, reacted as soon as they listened to his verse in the latest single “ID” by Japanese rapper SKY-HI.
The song is currently on the list of the Philippines trends on X (formerly Twitter), hours after it was dropped on Monday, January 27. “ID” also features other Japanese artists like Ryoki of Be:First, Ryuki of Mazzel, and Jimmy of Psychic Fever.
Most of the song’s lyrics were in Japanese, but the P-pop idol, who hails from Zamboanga del Sur, incorporated his Bisaya roots in his rap verse.
Felip exuded confidence when he spat bars in “ID:” “Kusog kay ang fire alarm / Miabot lang ko fire na dayon / Grabe bang aura ko, damn! / Suko napod ilang mga fan / I’m a best di ko ma tame / Allergic ko sa mga lame / Imong idol kay di mi the same / He’s not on my level is what I’m tryna say.”
The 28-year-old Filipino rapper has always been taking pride in his Bisaya roots in his discography. Among his songs written in Bisaya are his 2023 single “Kanako” and “Pride” from his solo debut album “7sins” in 2024.
Promoting Bisaya roots globally
Many fans, collectively known as A’TIN, applauded Felip for promoting his mother tongue internationally.
Casa Sinag, a fan page on X (formerly Twitter) dedicated to Felip, said the Filipino rapper brought “a unique cultural flavor” and showcased “the richness of his roots.”
“His verse hits hard, proving that his flow transcends language!” it added.
Another fan said that Felip’s Bisaya verse only showed how proud the P-pop idol is of his roots.
“Truly bringing the dialect to a new level – Global,” they expressed. “Salamat, Felip, sa palaging paglingon sa pinanggalingan. Salamat sa pagiging proud Bisdak and proud Filipino.”
Meanwhile, other fans believe that “ID” is a “very special” and “personal” song for Felip as his verse is written in a mix of Bisaya and English.
Some reposted Felip’s previous interview with Vogue Philippines, where he shared that he would write a song in Bisaya if it is “very special” to him and gives him a “different energy.”
D.U.N.K Showcase
Before “ID” was released, Felip was in Japan to represent the Philippines at the D.U.N.K (Dance Universe Never Killed) showcase. It was held at the K-Arena Yokohama in Kanagawa for two days, which coincided with his 28th birthday celebration on January 12.
On X, Felip shared several snaps from the event, including a photo with Kaito Takahashi of King & Prince and a birthday gift from SKY-HI.
“[It was] such an honor to be with great artists like you,” Felip told SKY-HI.
For the P-pop idol, his D.U.N.K Showcase experience was something he would treasure forever.
