New voice of local rap

MANILA, Philippines - Fame, not shame is what YouTube brings in general to some talented individuals.

Currently enjoying wide attention is rapper Shehyee whose real name is Christopher John Ongkiko, winner of numerous rap battles making him a hot name in the world of Filipino hip-hop and rap. Shehyee came from Slim Shady, his idol rapper Emimem’s alter ego.

His solo act began three years ago working his way up by the countless fliptop duels (rap contests where one rapper is pitted against another on stage) he won. Soon enough he found himself collaborating with other rap artists. “Siguro naka-apat na collaborations ako in a year. Marami pang nag-aaya pero kinukulang lang sa oras,” he says.

The biggest break of his early career came through when he won Dos Por Dos duel in tandem with rapper Smuggglaz at the height of fliptop’s underground popularity, besting out popular MCs Abra and Ron Henley

“It is a good feeling being recognized and be talked about. At the same time, matindi din ang pressure involved. I have to be careful on what I do in public but other than that, I can handle the attention,” he shares.

Today, Shehyee is one of the biggest buzz generators in the music biz. The music video of his original song Trip Lang which features Sam Pinto has already generated 3.2 million views on YouTube.

“I am very grateful to Sam who rapped for the first time. I value her contribution. I also would like to think na maganda ang timing ko. Maraming hip-hop fans ang nag-eenjoy sa bagong tunog ng local rap,” he reveals.

Shehyee observes that the new era of hip-hop in the country is one reason for the wide viral spread of his video.

“I can say na nagsisimula ulit ang interes sa rap music because of fliptop. Mahilig tayong mga Pinoy sa asaran, sa kalokohan sa Internet. Hanggang sa yung mga tao na associated dun nakilala na at nagkaroon ng following, hanggang sa gumawa na sila ng sarili nilang songs. Kaya ang lakas makahatak ng views ng rap sa Internet, kasi yung mga tao ngayon sa hip-hop online na.”

Trip Lang, a song penned by Shehyee is a glorious piece of pop music that contains catchy choruses besides the inevitable rap sections. “When I write songs, I don’t just express myself. I’m also thinking: Is this good? Does it fit times? Want my songs to go far so I keep these things in mind when I write.”

Shehyee’s self-titled album contains 12 tracks and mostly comprised of originals written by himself. Choice cuts include the rap-R&B track Maria Clara; the club music flavored Balang Araw; the tuneful Inspirasyon; and the Drake-inspired club tune Isang Umaga, featuring Yumi Lacsamana, The CD, now available in the market, features guest appearances by fellow fipmusic artists Thyro Alfaro, I Lazy and Anygma.