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Looking Back at 2024 from ‘Fake Faces’ to 7sins – A Felip Year-End Report

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Last year was an absolute whirlwind for Rocksta Felip, and as we prepare to step into new beginnings with him, let’s take a moment to celebrate with gratitude all of his hard work and best moments from late 2023 to  2024. 

This content was originally posted in X, reposted here for posterity.  

Filipino rock star on stage

2023 4th Quarter Recap

Before we dive into Felip’s productive 2024, here’s a quick recap of the final months of 2023 leading up to the new year.

1. Moving Closer

Felip dropped his official cover of “Moving Closer” on November 8 in celebration of Warner Music Philippines’ 30th Anniversary. 

His fresh, dreamy take on this classic favorite penned by Anthony Libre and originally performed by Never the Strangers, took top spot in iTunes Philippines, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and UAE. It charted in 5 other countries and entered Spotify Philippines’s Daily Viral Songs chart.

Alongside the release of the cover, Felip shared his 30 picks, imparting such sage words as: “Don’t lose yourself,” and “You can’t feel love if you can’t feel pain.”

Read more about ‘Moving Closer’

2. PPOP Awards and Media Features

On December 30, Felip bagged the Top Performing Artist of the Year at the 8th PPOP Awards. In the following month his work was featured in both readers’ and editorial top lists.

“A true artist, he ventures into new sonic realms without ever losing his sense of self.” — Billboard Philippines

3. Kanako

The surprise release of “Kanako” on December 22 hit a soft spot among fans. Written in his native language, Bisaya, this lyrically fast-paced rock song is a declaration of gratitude dedicated to fans and supporters who stood, and continue to stand by him throughout his difficult journey as an artist.

It entered the iTunes charts of 9 countries, taking the top spot in the Philippines. It also ranked #1 in iTunes R&B Soul charts in 7 locations worldwide and charted in 6 other countries.

“Kanako” takes on an extra special hue when you consider that it is in Bisaya. From Felip’s personal standpoint, this is significant because he writes his most meaningful pieces in his native tongue. 

In his Vogue Philippines feature, he said, “For me, if the song is very special or personal to me, I can then decide that this is Bisaya. I will write this song in Bisaya.” 

From a broader perspective, “Kanako” is important for its contribution to the richness of our cultural experience. It is an invitation to celebrate our diversity in the song and music of artists from every region in the country. 

More about ‘Kanako’   

4. Year-End Performances

Felip capped his busy 2023 with a slew of guest performances.

To top it all off, he gave us two new YouTube performances. 

2024 Felip Roundup

1. Awards Features & Solo Performances

Felip’s momentum would spill over to the beginning of this year, bagging two awards, a fashion feature and more live solo performances.  

2. FLYYY

In another feature clip from Vogue, Felip expressed his love for his roots. “I’m a proud Bisaya, and I’m proud of other Bisaya artists from Mindanao.”

What better way to express this brimming pride than to collaborate with fellow Bisaya artists. This year, Felip teamed up with hip-hop group PLAYERTWO from Davao for “FLYYY,” released on January 21. 

When asked how it was working with each other, Felip remarked that making music together flowed smoothly. PLAYERTWO’s Ivo Impreso added that the group clicked and naturally synced with Felip, especially since they share the same tastes in music.

Upon its release, “FLYYY” topped the iTunes chart in three locations and charted in other countries.

In a career first, Felip took on the role of stylist for the official MV of “FLYYY.” His choice of slick, badass fits tied in perfectly with the song’s subject, a fly guy who rolled the dice, took all the risks and is now chillin’ with the bros.

For all its carefree vibe, the MV has a number of notable elements, for instance, the eyes in the TV sets. PLAYERTWO member, Ven Villariza explained how these represent the restrictive nature of being in the public eye. Curiously, the eyes appear just as Ivo sings about being fly for life. 

Ain’t nobody gonna clip these guys’ wings.

More about ‘FLYYY’

3. Pagdali 

Two weeks after the release of “FLYYY,” “PLAYERTWO” and Felip surprised fans with the February 2 release of “Pagdali.” Luke and the rest of the boys put the song together the same day as their first collaboration, essentially creating two songs in one day. 

Incidentally, the song title means “hurry.” There is nothing rushed about it though. According to Ivo, they don’t overthink; they just go with the flow.

The day of its release, “Pagdali” entered the all genre and R&B iTunes charts of 11 countries.

More about ‘Pagdali’

4. Billboard Philippines Studios & Push

Clad in black on a set bathed in shades of red, Felip delivered one of his most visually captivating performances as one of Billboard Philippines Studios’ featured artists for February. 

Beyond the visuals though, this virtual stage showcased his range and versatility as a vocalist and an artist, shifting from the soft, soothing tones of his “Moving Closer” cover, to his own unique, hip-hop infused compositions “CRIMINAL” and “DRINKSMOKE.”

To cap a busy first quarter, winners of the 9th Push Awards were announced in March, with Felip voted as Breakthrough Music Artist, perhaps a harbinger of busier months to come.

5. Pinoy Hip-Hop Class of 2024

On the heels of his studio performance came a BBPH feature series beginning in April. This time, Felip joined the Pinoy Hip-Hop Class of 2024 along with eight of the hottest fresh acts in the local hip-hop scene. 

While taking a path seemingly distinct from his P-Pop origins, Felip’s solo venture bears the hallmarks of his character, with a view towards evolution, freedom and authenticity.

“I just want to become a better artist. Each day, I try to evolve and I try to grow. Even just for myself. Because my work as an artist –– that’s also what I find most important.” — FELIP | Billboard Philippines

Read and watch more

6. Fake Faces

“Fake Faces” is Felip’s collaborative work with international multi-platinum producer Hyuk Shin of 153/Joombas APL, Grammy-nominated producer Seann Bowe and award-winning, multi-genre Malaysian producer Cuurley. 

Set as the prelude to the dark COM.PLEX era, leading up to “Kanako’s” redemption story, “Fake Faces” hints at youth’s rebellious tone.

At its release on April 5, the song charted #1 in the iTunes charts of eight countries and entered the charts of at least twelve other locations including the US. It also charted on the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart.

Later in the year, it took a spot at Apple Music Philippines’ Best Songs of 2024 list, the first entry from a P-Pop solo act.

More about ‘Fake Faces’

7. Fake Faces Music Video

The music video for “Fake Faces” could’ve been shot on an empty street. Unable to find a suitable location, they chose instead one of the jump-off points to the Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake in Tarlac. 

Often touted as a “beautiful disaster,” the gritty, hot and desolate surroundings, as well as Felip’s breakneck pace conveyed not just the song’s fierce outrage, but the feeling of burning weariness as well.

With Felip as Creative Director, and John Karlo Calingao as Director, the song went on to trend on YouTube, peaking at #12. Later in the year, it won Best Rock Video at the 2024 MYX Music Awards.

8. Interviews for Fake Faces

In a series of interviews with Indonesian and Japanese channels, Felip shared the challenges of recording and completing “Fake Faces” in just two days, but he also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn from experienced international producers. Ultimately, Felip thinks the song is a great addition to diversify his discography.

The song would later make it to Billboard Philippines standout songs of 2024 staff picks.

Read more

9. Summer Guest Appearances & Performances

The warm summer months of 2024 found Felip just as busy as the beginning of the year. With no signs of slowing down, his string of guest appearances and performances would be but an introduction to his unstoppable momentum for the rest of the year.

10. Vogue Philippines Feature

One skill that makes Felip an exceptional artist is his ability to blend his manifold interests into one cohesive expression. His taste in music and fashion, for instance, coalesce into one bold identity— brave, dauntless, authentic and confident.

This was evident when he was featured in the May 2024 issue of premier fashion magazine, Vogue Philippines.

Writer Marrian Ching wrote it best. “He is confident in his skin, assured in his stance, and occupies space with a presence that is felt even in silence.” – Vogue Philippines

Read more

11. PUBG Mobile Philippines Collab

The month following his fashion feature, Felip again crossed over with his music to another one of his interests, mobile gaming, this time collaborating with PUBG Mobile Philippines. 

Dubbed “Here Comes the King,” the June event featured the Superior Pass which included a Felip voice pack, live streams, a Superior Showdown live event and an action-packed ad.

A few weeks later, part 2 of the collab dropped with a challenge to play Felip’s song, “wrath” 10 million times to unlock a chance to meet and greet Felip in-game.

Read more

12. 7sins Album

Felip’s first album, and all of the subsequent work that came with it, is arguably his crowning achievement this year.

Released on July 5, the 9-track 7sins, became the first ever album released by a soloist originating from a P-Pop group.   

The album charted:

  • #9 at the Spotify’s Global Debut Album Chart
  • #1 in Worldwide iTiunes Albums Chart – Hip-hop
  • #6 in Worldwide iTunes Albums Chart – All Genre, the highest solo OPM album to have achieved this to date.
  • #29 in European iTunes Albums Chart – All Genre
  • #1 on the iTunes Philippines Albums chart, and returned to the same spot 4 months later

All tracks charted in different locations around the world. Read more release notes here.

13. Japan-exclusive 7sins Physical CD

In a truly bold move, Felip released a Japan-exclusive physical CD over a month after its digital version. This came with the bonus track “TOKYO.” 

7sins made history with a string of firsts and chart placements.

  • Entered Japan’s Oricon chart at #20, a difficult feat, and the first for a male Filipino artist
  • The first Filipino artist in CDJapan’s 27-year history to take the top spot in its all-genre rankings
  • Took the first spot at CDJapan a second time with album merch inclusions
  • Topped Amazon.com.jp hip-hop category on the second day of pre-order
  • Entered the top 10 of Tower Records’ Kpop/World CD reservation rankings
  • Ranked No. 1 in the Rock/Pop genre at Rakuten
  • Sold out on release day at the Warner Music Japan store 

Read more release notes here.

14. 7sins Theme & Concept

Felip’s songwriting skills and creative direction come to the fore in 7sins, having had a hand in the thematic conceptualization and creation of the entire album.

Felip’s work taps into the artistic principles of unity and variety. We see variety through  multi-genre songs, which render the album more interesting and exciting. These varying musical elements are then bound into a unified whole through its theme, the seven sins.

Felip took it a step further by framing the album through a story. It opens with the aggressive “foes,” declaring the intention to fight internal and external enemies. This is followed by a fierce and angry upheaval that manifests in the seven sins. In the end, we see an exhausted warrior weep in “ache,” sad but hopeful for redemption and freedom.

Read & watch more

15. ‘envy’ Music Video 

The eye-catching MV for ‘envy,’ released on August 21, is the perfect accompaniment to the 7sins album. Inspired in part by the visual quality and sequences of anime, it also evokes historical references. 

With Felip in armor and on horseback, it takes us back to the medieval era from which the actual seven sins originated from. It then transitions to modern times, indicating perhaps how humans remain the same envious creatures then and now.

This visually striking work of art, not often seen locally, is another feather in Felip’s cap as a creative.

Read and watch more

16. 7sins Album Concert Manila

The 7sins journey culminated in twin concerts, a first for a soloist from a P-Pop group. The first on July 27 in Manila, was an extension of Felip’s creative storytelling, allowing the fans to witness the seven sins unfold. 

Focusing on his strengths, Felip relied less on telling the audience what to think and feel, preferring instead to tell multifaceted stories in music and visuals. Similar to an immersive play production, the show built upon and enhanced the traditional auditory concert experience.

Read and watch more

17. 7sins Album Concert Japan

In yet another first for a soloist from a P-Pop group, Felip took the 7sins concert experience to Japan.

Kicking off with a CD signing event on August 31 at Tower Records in Shibuya, fans got pretty up close to the Rocksta himself. Three days later, Felip stepped onto the stage of the duo Music Exchange, performing for not just the fans, but for Japanese artists and music executives in attendance as well.

Read more

18. More from Felip in Japan

While in Japan, Felip also worked his way through a series of activities. This is significant considering Japan houses the second largest music industry in the world. He not only took a shot at creating new pathways for his career but raised our flag on international shores.

Here’s our Rocksta in Japan from Aug 31 to Sept 4 in a nutshell:

  • Appeared in five Japanese  radio and TV shows, and was interviewed for TV Yokohama’s Western Paradise +
  • Featured in a special interview with Real Sound and in fashion portal Fashion Snap
  • Interviewed by print magazine INROCK where his name sat next to international artists on the cover 
  • Featured in an article for Animate, the world’s largest anime store, which was reportedly closed exclusively for his visit
  • Special Yo Many Nation Street Snap feature
  • Called in on the music offices of Warner Music, Spotify and BMSG where he met CEO SKY-Hi
  • Attended Tokyo Fashion Week
  • Made 12 dance covers with Japanese artists including JO1 members and O-Menz 

Read more

19. Sold Out Merch

From music to fashion, Felip’s horizons know no bounds. And now with merchandise sold out in minutes, his artistic pursuits intersect perfectly with business.

This year’s releases include two in the 4th quarter, listed here for reference purposes:

20. Third Quarter Performances & Activities

In between and shortly after diving into related work for his album and concerts, productive Felip snuck in a few more special third quarter appearances and activities.

21. Top List Inclusions

With “Fake Faces” making it to a year-end top list first, it was only a matter of course for Felip, and his other artistic endeavors to figure into a few more 2024 lists.

22. Fourth Quarter Performances, Features & More

Felip rounded up the tail end of 2024 with even more activities. Here’s everything he did in the fourth quarter.

23. As SB19 Ken 

Despite having been very busy throughout the year, Felip is still very much SB19 Ken, ⅕ of the powerhouse Kings of P-Pop, SB19. In between his solo activities, Felip has been able to faithfully fulfill his duties and responsibilities as a member of the group.

Based on fan tracking, the group plunged into a truckload of activities including concerts, event guestings, international appearances, song collaborations, music videos, commercial endorsements, photoshoots, vlogs, interviews and more.

Congratulations are due to SB19 too for a full and fruitful year!

Group activities tracked by SB19 Kalendaryo

24. In the Media

Want to read even more about Felip’s activities this year? In 2024 alone, traditional and digital media wrote and published more than 90 articles about or mentioning Felip as a solo artist. 

Scroll down to section 2024 of our ‘In the Media’ page to find more content about Felip. 

A Footnote on Artistry, Authenticity & Taking Risks

While productivity matters for any artist, Felip’s artistic integrity, motivating principles and approach to work may just be as significant. 

In an interview with Billboard Philippines, Felip echoed Rick Rubin’s sentiments, considering himself an artist rather than an entertainer. It is when one prioritizes art that one’s authentic self emerges and connects with the right audience.

From all observable instances, Felip’s true self consistently bucks the norm; choosing the kind of bold, out of the ordinary, challenging paths that injects fresh flavor into original Filipino music  while at the same time staying proudly rooted in his Bisaya identity. 

In all this, Felip competes only with himself, choosing to evaluate his current ventures against previous outcomes, while keeping a tight grip on his desired direction. This attitude of self-reflection contributes to his genuine artistic expression.

Read & watch more

That’s a wrap for 2024, and with 2025 now fully underway, it looks like Felip has already hit the ground running with a spot at the D.U.N.K showcase in Japan and a song collab with Japanese hip-hop star SKY-HI and fellow rappers RYOKI, RYUKI and JIMMY. Here’s hoping the rest of the year will be just as explosive. Fly high FELIP!

2 thoughts on “Looking Back at 2024 from ‘Fake Faces’ to 7sins – A Felip Year-End Report”

  2. Thank you for this wonderful & informative summary of our Superior Rock ⭐️ FELIP’s activities & achievements. Looking forward for his future endeavours & events this year!

    Reply

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