IF YOU have been spending a lot of time on TikTok, you have probably seen videos of individuals jumping on the viral “ILY” challenge.
It is a trend on the social media platform where netizens will act cool in the first phase of their video and then suddenly do cute or silly poses, locally known as “pabebe” poses.
Among those who joined the challenge were actors Joshua Garcia and David Licauco, whose videos garnered millions of views on TikTok.
@iam.joshuagarcia Hindi ka uubra #fyp #foryoupage
♬ original sound – PABS – PABS
@davidlicauco 😂 hello tiktok
♬ original sound – TitoMarsyyy – TitoMarsyyy
But what made this craze draw more netizens in was the bop song used in the clip that gave them Last Song Syndrome (LSS)—“ILY” by Manila’s hip-hop artists Young Blood Neet (also known as YB Neet) and Bugoy Na Koykoy.
A song about ‘respect’
Rising Gen Z artist YB Neet joined forces for the first time with millennial hip-hop artist Bugoy Na Koykoy to produce “ILY” in February, accompanied by a music video.
The three-minute and 18-second clip has raked in over 20 million views since its release on YouTube.
In an exclusive interview with republicasia, YB Neet revealed that the song is about having “respect” in a romantic relationship.
A part of the song’s lyrics goes: “’Di ko kailangan ng I love you mo (I love you mo) / Ang kailangan ko respeto mo / Respeto mo kailangan ko / Baby ‘di I love you mo ‘di I love you mo / Baby ‘di I love you mo.”
“Kung ‘di niya kayang ipakita [yung respeto], ‘di ka talaga niya mahal—kahit sabihan ka niyang ‘I love you,’” explained YB Neet. “Kasi bandang huli, ‘yon lang din yung kailangan.”
With its popularity, “ILY” successfully entered Spotify’s “Top 50 Philippines” chart, along with other hit songs of different Original Pinoy Music (OPM) artists.
YB Neet and Bugoy Na Koykoy recently recorded their viral collaboration song at the Wish Bus, as part of Spotify’s flagship Pinoy hip-hop playlist “KALYE.”
The two hip-hop artists couldn’t be more grateful to the music streaming platform for allowing them to showcase their music and artistry to a wider audience.
“Para sa’kin blessing ang Spotify. Kung wala din ang Spotify, parang malaking pilay din yon sa mga artist,” Bugoy Na Koykoy said.
‘Authenticity’ in music
Before “ILY,” YB Neet and Bugoy na Koykoy have been making waves in Philippine hip-hop through their insightful lyrics and unique styles.
In just two years, YB Neet created an impact in the local hip-hop scene with the release of his single “Balaclava” in April 2022, which garnered over 1.7 million streams on Spotify.
Meanwhile, Bugoy Na KoyKoy, who originated from the local rap scene, rose to fame with his versatile flow and relatable themes that got millions of listeners hooked on his songs and collaborations with other artists.
But more than these qualities, YB Neet and Bugoy Na Koykoy reached more audiences because of their “authenticity” in their music.
“Kung ano lang buhay ko, ayon lang din sasabihin ko sa rap ko. Wala akong ini-imbento na lyrics,” Bugoy Na Koykoy shared.
For YB Neet, the ability to express one’s true self, emotions, and experiences through music would play a big role in taking Philippine hip-hop to greater heights.
“Tingin ko authenticity lang talaga sa bawat artist,” he said.
“Ako as an artist din, kumbaga nadaanan ko rin ‘yon. Kumbaga parang ang dami mong ginagaya, so bandang huli, na-gets ko na kailangan pala authentic ka lang para mas mabilis [mag-prosper ang local hip-hop industry],” he added.
Bugoy Na Koykoy also said local artists could look up to and get motivation from the biggest hip-hop stars.
Follow your desires, instincts
YB Neet and Bugoy na Koykoy left two pieces of advice for aspiring artists to be successful in the hip-hop industry, and one is to follow what their heart desires.
“Gumawa lang sila ng music na alam nilang matutuwa sila sa sarili nila,” Bugoy Na Koykoy said.
He continued, “[Yung] gusto nilang pakinggan, hindi yung gustong pakinggan ng mga ibang tao kasi ‘pag gagawa sila ng mga music na gustong pakinggan ng mga tao, parang slaves na sila ng mga audience.”
YB Neet, on the other hand, advised them to trust their guts.
“Tingin ko makinig lang sila sa instincts nila na, kumbaga saan sila nili-lead nun at kung saan sila dalhin ni universe o ni God,” he said.
YB Neet and Bugoy Na Koykoy promised to put out “something big” for Philippine hip-hop this year. This includes their new joint mixtape titled “Training Day,” their second collaboration after “ILY.”
Released in June, the mixtape featured seven songs namely: “Yes Hello,” “Strictly Aim,” “Mmmmm,” “It’s Hard Out Here,” “Ganon Parin Still,” “Hanggang Mangisay,” and “Pa-decline.”
Meanwhile, Spotify will continue its initiative to promote Pinoy hip-hop by launching the “KALYE Mixtape,” featuring a new batch of artists including rapper Waiian.
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