Moki Mcfly is back!
The Filipino producer, who also goes behind the deck as Apo Lerma of rap group Illustrado, has released his sophomore album, Minukawa, on July 8 via acclaimed local independent label UPRISING.
The album follows his 2021 debut, the excellent Lumiere, which this writer described then as “a stirring beat tape that centers on the history and faces of revolutionary movements around the globe and its enduring spirit of freedom and equality, where hip hop is founded upon.”
Similar to Lumiere, the 12-track record clocks at nearly 40 minutes, and also features pronounced old-school hip hop production choices. However, whereas Lumiere mines the history and sonic origins of—and even pre-dating—hip hop in America 50 years ago, Minukawa purposefully delivers Filipino and Southeast Asian sonic elements, including noticeable ambient recordings (or at least sounds that convey nature) and most distinctly, atmospheric textures that reinforce its mythical themes.
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In Philippine mythology, minokawa is described as a “giant, dragon-like bird” the size of an island (according to a Bagobo tale), which can “devour the sun and the moon” and even earth. Its size is matched by the strength of its features: with sharp swords for its feathers, its eyes reflecting like mirrors, and its beak and legs are like steel.
For this release, Moki Mcfly offers the listeners an immersive experience, including an accompanying comic strip titled Pangil ng Kidlat (Claws of Thunder); a sight and sound walkthrough of the fictional Kanlinugan region, a sprawling collection of mountain ranges; and a 12-image NFT gallery that visualizes each track.
Stream Minukawa below via Spotify:
