Why Apl.De.Ap backs Grammys’ controversial Asian Pop Category
As debate continues over the Grammy Awards’ newly announced Best Asian Pop Music Performance, Black Eyed Peas member and OPM crusader Apl.De.Ap is expressing support for the initiative, viewing it as a potential opportunity for Filipino and other Asian artists to gain greater recognition on the international stage.
“We all deserve to be at the Grammys and the world stage,” the Filipino-American rapper told us on the sidelines of the Filipino Music Awards.
Asked whether he was comfortable with the introduction of a separate Asian Pop category, Apl.De.Ap gave a straightforward answer: “Yeah, it’s for Asians, right? And we’re all trying to get there.”
For the Grammy-winning artist, it’s having a space where Asian musicians — especially OPM — can showcase their work and help open doors in an international music industry where global recognition remains a challenge for many performers on this side of the globe.
While he admitted that he was still weighing how to feel about the development, he emphasized the importance of supporting opportunities that could help Filipino music reach a wider audience.
“I don’t know how to feel about it, but I’m trying to support OPM and be there. And sometimes you just need the space to be recognized. Sometimes, we don’t even get that opportunity, so if there’s even a little leeway to get there, we need all that support,” he explained.
His remarks come amid a broader conversation about representation in the global music industry, particularly over whether creating region-specific categories provides emerging artists with a valuable platform or further separates their music from mainstream recognition.
According to Apl.De.Ap, the possibility of creating more opportunities for Asian artists is worth supporting, especially as Filipino music continues to expand its reach beyond the Philippines. We’re having a moment now that SB19, Bini, Sophia Laforteza of KATSEYE and the like are in the spotlight with many opportunities internationally.
The new Grammy category has drawn attention following reports that K-pop supergroup BTS would not submit an entry for the 2027 Grammy Awards cycle.
The group has expressed a preference for music to be recognized without divisions based on region or language, reflecting a bigger question about how international awards should recognize music from different parts of the world.
K-pop super group Stray Kids also entered the discussion after a statement attributed to their record label, JYP Entertainment, indicated that the group would not submit a song for the annual awards.
The developments have placed the spotlight on the potential implications of creating a dedicated category for Asian pop music. Supporters may see it as an important platform for artists whose work deserves greater international exposure. Others may question whether a separate category could inadvertently reinforce divisions in an industry that increasingly crosses geographical and linguistic boundaries.
Apl.De.Ap’s position highlights another side of the discussion: the need to create opportunities for artists like Filipinos who may not yet have the same access to international platforms as more established global acts.
His support does not necessarily settle the debate over how Asian music should be recognized. Instead, it underscores the importance of ensuring that Filipino musicians have more avenues to showcase their talent and reach international audiences.
Going beyond the Grammy debate, he believes the Philippines can learn from South Korea’s approach to supporting its music industry. He pointed to the importance of government backing, investment and a united effort to help local artists succeed overseas.
“We gotta follow those footsteps of the Korean government supporting their artists. They put in a budget, put capital, and the whole country supports K-pop. We need to do the same thing,” he said. “They start investing in their artists. Truly, they truly support each other.”
His observations raise an important question for the Philippine music industry: how can the country build a stronger ecosystem that enables Filipino artists to compete globally?
Talent alone may not be enough. Artists also need access to funding, professional development, international distribution, effective marketing, performance opportunities and sustained industry support. South Korea’s global K-pop presence has demonstrated the value of building an ecosystem around music, with artists, entertainment companies, media platforms and public institutions playing different roles in developing and promoting the industry.
For the Philippines, the challenge is to translate its own musical strengths into sustainable international opportunities. Despite the challenges, Apl.De.Ap’s remains optimistic about the current state of Original Pilipino Music.
“I’m so proud of all the artists that are coming out of the Philippines,” he said. “You know, finding a market and creating your own market and stuff like that, and creating innovative and timeless music.
“We’re having a moment now, and I just want to keep on encouraging all our OPM artists. Keep pushing it and keep creating timeless music, and be creative and unique as possible.”
Apl.de.Ap added that the OPM scene has surprised him in the best ways.
“I’m learning. I’m learning a lot, just adding more genres to my repertoire and (I’m) truly inspired,” he said.
His endorsement isn’t just about the prospect of winning a Grammy in the new category, but is also about creating more opportunities for Filipino musicians to have their work heard, appreciated and recognized internationally specially with the conditions OPM is facing. And if the new Asian Pop category becomes another avenue for Filipino artists to reach the global stage, he is willing to support the opportunity.
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