Return of the Fil Am: MastaPlann x Bambu

Via The Hip Hop in Her.

The connection between veteran Philippine hip hop group MastaPlann and Bambu, one of the hottest emcees in the nation right now, are alone worth highlighting. But even more, they are taking their unique link as Filipino American pioneers in hip hop to the Philippines in their "Homecoming" event in April.  MastaPlann, a group of Filipino American artists from California who made a lucrative career in the Philippines in the 1990s, are usually credited for bringing a certain aesthetic and style to the Philippines that had forever changed the Philippine hip hop landscape.  Bambu, who states "MastaPlann raised Bam" in the MastaPlann x Bambu collaborative song "Benefit," started in the early 2000s with a faithful following of Filipino American activista-types and has since rose in meteoric status to reach a broad, diverse, and nationwide (and worldwide) audience, while staying true to his message.

They come together at B-Side in Makati in Metro Manila in April to celebrate their links. Philippines and Fil Ams crossover! We send positive energy and good vibes to this intergenerational and international event.

Notably, Tracer One of MastaPlann, his son, and fellow member Type Slickk are featured in the 2009 Bambu music video "Crooks and Rooks."  Can you spot them?  

Joe Bataan homecoming at Malasimbo Festival in Philippines

 

From the tough streets of Spanish Harlem to the swaying palm trees of the Philippines, Joe Bataan "returned" to the homeland for the first time to perform for his Filipino people at the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival in Mindoro earlier this Month.  Hope you had a memorable and meaningful homecoming, Joe.  We appreciate your artistry and message in spreading Filipino hospitality and togetherness everywhere you go!

For more on Joe Bataan, watch this video.

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RIP Francis M

It's been exactly three years since the untimely passing of the great Francis M.  Yet, Philippine hip hop is still growing and transforming year by year.  Rest in Power, King.  The Philippine music scene is indebted to you.

Picture taken by Ryan Andres

Picture taken by Francis Magalona, recently released by Syke

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