Hip-hop tandem Duende finally unleashes their mixtape "Gabi Gabi"

What happens when you put two veteran emcees on the mic? You get a lengthy project and verses for days. Gap and Nimbus9 are Duende, a fusion of "two different styles, two different stories". After years of writing songs and performing at gigs, they finally unveil their mixtape, aptly named "Gabi Gabi". Twenty tracks in total, producers like B-Roc, Mic, Chrizo, and Similarobjects provided the music that guide the mic controllers. Some of their friends also hopped in the booth, including Q-York, Alex Omiunu, aero., and Fatima Palma. All artworks for this project are crafted by Michael Rahman DeClarin. Click here to download this mixtape for free.

An Endless Summer with Enimal in their newest collection

Heavy downpours have started to make its weekly rounds in the Metro, signalling the end of yet another hot and humid summer season. And so it goes, we say hello to rainy days and gloomy skies. Enimal Clothing, however, refuses to let go of the summer season. Instead it gives us and our closets a promise; now, it's possible to own a piece of Mr. Golden Sun forever. Enter Enimal's summer catalog. There are two ends to the catalog's spectrum. On one end, the collection doesn't shy away from color, featuring bright bursts of it in their tie-dyed shirts. On another, the collection goes back to basics, featuring glimpses of the summertime in their minimalist designs. It's your call, really. You can shop and view their most recent collection here.

Hana Acbd and Alisson Shore collaborates for Closer

Most great collaborations happen unexpectedly, as proven by Hana Abcd and Alisson Shore’s new track Closer. After meeting through Facebook chat and getting fueled with the energy you get upon meeting someone your wavelength, the two produced the said track in just two weeks. Despite the track being titled Closer, the collaborators are anything but, with a 15-hour time difference between the US-based musician Hana Abcd and PH-based producer Alisson Shore. But they made it work, producing a catchy track that narrates the longing for intimacy, layered with Hana’s smooth vocals and Alisson Shore’s trippy beats. Listen to the track here.

Rap duo Quip releases music video for Gimik featuring Nica Israel

Quip is a Filipino rap duo composed of emcees Augustine Rib and Ignatius Black. They just released a music video for their new song titled "Gimik". The two spit a verse each on the road trip-vibing beat. They also featured singer Nica Israel, who handles the chorus with ease. The music video is directed by Joey de Guzman and features clips from New Zealand where the group is based. They came up with a travel montage of their trip with friends. Longboarding and chilling at the beach dominate most of the footage, laid on amazing scenery all throughout. You can click here to download their song for free.

The Artisan's Collection IX deep-rooted in DIY

The words “I wish I could fix all the things I break” is not something you’d expect from a clothing brand, but The Artisan’s pensive words serves as a mantra of sorts for the brand’s newly released Collection IX. Made up of unconventional pieces like patched Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs) and cut and pasted tees, the collection reaffirms The Artisan as a DIY brand bringing back the beauty of workmanship to a mass produced industry. Brothers Carlos and Julio Del Prado wear the pieces, shot in collaboration with local photographers and artists Sonny Thakur, Judd Figuerres, Neil Dordines, Cesca Lee, Kevin Dizon, Robert Samson, Denice Salvacion, Joseph Rey and Alby Rubio. View the rest of the collection here.

Womb moves in the tune of Sleepyhead in its Official Music Video

It seems like music videos featuring the singer’s dancing skills are all the rage these days, and Womb’s music video for their track Sleepyhead is the latest to join the trend. Reminiscent of Spike Jonze’s acclaimed film Her, Womb employs a more muted approach in their music video as the gyrating silhouette of vocalist Chai Fonacier breaks the static of a neon-lit store front and a sunset-streaked skyline in Baybay, Leyte. The relatively short track barely hits the 3-minute mark, but Fonacier’s hypnotic dancing combined with the song’s trip-hop roots invites a replay. You can see the full music video here.

Listen and vibe to "Nasanay" of Lenses

The pop-jazz quartet formerly known as Hidden Nikki has reinvented themselves with their new monicker, Lenses. Back in a big way, the band--consisting of Gilbert Asuque on drums, Aaron Gonzales on guitars and vocals, Jason Conanan on bass, and Denise Santos on piano and vocals--has released their new single in collaboration with renowned musicians in the industry. Entitled "Nasanay", the track features the likes of Bras Pas Pas' Roxy, Wowi and Pards, and the horns section of Radio Active Sago. Regardless of the change in name, the musical approach stays the same, but from the new music we've heard, only better. The new single has all the elements for it to become last song syndrome worthy: suave, charming, compelling, and with hypnotic clever lyrics to boot. All that and the show stopping performance we are given an inside look to

Dr. Martens opens more Stores in the Metro

With shoes originally created for police and army men, Dr. Martens slowly gained its popularity for its rebellious appearance. Musicians, artists and other similar characters have embraced their wide variety of products -- from boots and brogues to loafers and sandals, since their increased market acceptance. Because of the ever-growing demand for these chunky soles, Dr. Martens is set to open four new stores this month. Shoppers and stylephiles can now get their hands on Dr. Martens' classic designs and timeless products in Glorietta, SM Mall of Asia, SM the Block, and SM Megamall. 

 

Vans collaborates with Nintendo for an Exclusive Collection

One of the go-to casual footwear brands of many Filipinos, Vans, is known to be always active in finding ways to relate to its wearers. And in that regard, they have always put out exclusive collections that feel special to most of us. Collections such as the Vans x Star Wars and Vans Late Night pack prove their immense focus to be relatable. This time, they present a full collection with Nintendo - footwear, accesories and clothing for men, women and kids. The designs and artwork are based on Nintendo games such as Super Mario Bros., Duck Hunt, Donkey Kong and Legend of Zelda, plus some with accents representing the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This quirky and reminiscent collection is now available in all Vans Philippines outlets and partner retailers. You can also view the footwear for kids and babies below, just in case you'd want your child to rock your childhood gaming heroes.

The Ransom Collective shows the world in the Music Video for Settled

The Ransom Collective’s recently released single Settled does not stray far from the indie band's repertoire of infectious, stubbornly optimistic songs. The accompanying music video of Settled follows the vein of envy-inducing travel videos permeating social media, documenting the adventures of the band’s former drummer Hunny Lee and his girlfriend Charlie. Song lyrics narrate the video as the couple explores Nepal, Amsterdam, China, USA, and their home countries South Korea and Norway. The single gears up for the release of the band’s forthcoming debut album, evidence that The Ransom Collective has no plans of settling down soon. Watch the official video at The Ransom Collective’s Youtube page.

Jess Connelly collaborates with Lustbass to produce Radar/2am

Photo from Jess Connelly, taken by Kara Chung

Jess Connelly drops a brand new track in celebration of her birthday, and this time it's in collaboration with Lustbass. "Radar/2am" is Fil-Aussie singer-songwriter's first new material since her How I Love EP with CRWN early last year. At the first second mark, Jess Connelly's mellow vocals transfixes you in place. This is then followed and backed up by BuwanBuwan Collective affiliate and Malasimbo Recordings artist, Lustbass' trademark suave lounge throb marrying elements of jazz and modern music. The result is a sultry record shrouded in layers of sensuality and soul. Word of caution: be prepared to be mesmerized. Have a listen below.

Redefined edge with the Heart by Roy Back V Collection

Manila-based Korean designer Roy Back gives new meaning to edgy-punk couture with his Heart collection. Returning from his debut collection, Tears, from 2014, Heart is yet another testament to Roy Back's signature flair inspired by traditional Korean art and the revelation of the raw human spirit. His soulful take on edge converges and sheds light on stories of love, hope, and faith, in the lookbook, as each piece is set in a primarily black canvas. We're told that this is his last Philippine release for now, so you better not miss it. You can check out the full collection on their website or Facebook page. The lookbook is shot by Joseph Pascual, with make-up done by Nicole Ceballos. The models are; Alice Soro Cillara, Lucia Valeria Fischer and Christina Marie Badkiss.

Finally an all Hip-hop Festival in the Philippines courtesy of Urban Jam

Photo from Interview Magazine

The steady rise of our local hip-hop scene gets another boost thanks to the people over at Random Minds Production. Check out the Urban Jam Philippine Hip-Hop Music Festival, an annual music festival to celebrate hip-hop culture in our country. The inaugural event of Urban Jam is set this August 27 at Bridgetown Open Grounds, C5 Road, Quezon City. The list of emcees is headed by rap duo Mobb Deep of Queens, New York and beefed up by California-based Fil-Am rapper Bambu along with local acts such as Loonie, BLKD, Anygma, KJah, and Curtismith. They also tapped a guest artist for the DJ lineup, with Canadian Skratch Bastid joining Umph, Rye, and Supreme Fist, among others. To complete the four elements of hip-hop, they will also organize a bboy and a graffiti battle. Peep the posters below for all the details. You can now purchase tickets at Ticketnet (www.ticketnet.com.ph) and SM Tickets (www.smtickets.com).