The beat comes strong and sure in the entire album. It exudes the kind of confidence that can only come from someone who knows what he is doing and believes completely in his craft. From the opening cut, Porno Daw, down to M.I.K. (May I Kuwento) to the hilarious hit single Sinabmarin and on through the rest of the cuts, Andrew is in complete control. He disses his detractors in some cuts but he does not sound bitter at all. In fact he is having a lot of fun. Truth to tell, I do not see how this guy can harbor any ill-feeling when he has almost 12 years of success as a rapper and as a movie star to thank for.
The popularity of Porno Daw today echoes the time almost 12 years ago when an unknown disco DJ described as having looks only a mother could love, conquered local charts with the amusing rap ditty Humanap Ka ng Panget. Andrew’s simple approach to the genre brought a distinctly Filipino, very commercial spin to rap music. In no time at all, the kid from Dongalo, who turned out to be an astute businessman, parlayed that success into more hits and a new career as a comedian in the movies.
Andrew Ford Medina, Alabang Girls, Bini B. Rocha, Megamol, Pretty Boy and Banyo Queen are but a few of the titles that come to mind when the name Andrew E. is mentioned. Sharon Cuneta, Maricel Soriano, Alice Dixson, Charlene Gonzalez, Rica Peralejo are some of his leading ladies. And best of all, he can now revel in the fact that his stardom has proven itself as one of the most enduring and successful in the history of Philippine show business. Not bad for the kid who often fell asleep on the bus at dawn while on his way home to Parañaque after his DJ chores at Euphoria.
Porno Daw, which is released by Neo Records on Andrew’s own Dongalo Wreckords label, also features Heartache Tonight, L Na L featuring Lil Anne, Tina Moran, Oo, Twinkle, Andrew E., Goes On, Showbiz Rapper and Top of the World. Friends and colleagues in the rap world lend their support to guru Andrew by joining him in some of the cuts. Lil Anne sings the backup vocals. Carlos Agassi, KC Montero and Pooch of the Ghetto Dogs are featured in Showbiz Rapper. Eskapo, Boogieman, Triggah and Mike Kosa are in Andrew E., Goes On. Hi-Jakkk and DJ Coki are in Top of the World and FrancisM sends his greetings.
Take note that another big seller of the moment is the single S2pid Luv from the rap group Salbakuta. The tune has become so popular that it is now the inspiration for a new comedy picture starring who else but Andrew E. Directed by Al Tantay, the movie tells the story of an aspiring rapper who falls for a blind girl. To please her and to give vent to his unfulfilled dreams, he concocts a fantasy world of wealth and success that she learns to believe in. Aside from Andrew, S2pid Luv also stars Blakdyak and Angelika de la Cruz.
The foreign hits of the moment among Metro Manila listeners are Baby Be Mine by Ja Rule; My Sacrifice by Creed; Brown Eyes by Destiny’s Child; Points of Authority by Linkin Park; I Wish You Were Here by Incubus; Wrong Impression by Natalie Imbruglia; Hey Baby by No Doubt; Drowning by the Backstreet Boys; Hands Clean by Alanis Morisette; and World of Our Own the new single by Westlife.