We’re wrapping up a love-filled week with a variety of confessional and dewy new releases from Valentine’s Day—as well as a selection of balls-to-the-wall bangers, including Editor’s Pick track, “Whoaa!” from Filipino rapper A$tro, high-profile releases from South Korean hip hop icons Epik High, DeVita’s excellent sophomore EP, and more Al James music (a guest verse, at least).
Here are our top picks from this week’s Asian hip hop and R&B drops.
Words by MC Galang and Sofia Guanzon
A$tro – “Whooa!”
This is A$tro’s best track to date—a loaded announcement, yes, but inarguably backed with its strong merits: a fantastic 2010s beat (see: Clams Casino) helmed by producer Plumberboi, with its reverb-heavy sections; and sparing but booming bass that anchors the Owfuck member’s dynamic, fittingly aggro delivery. It’s a hand-to-glove collaboration that deserves its title. — MG
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Owfuck’s Astro Pounces With Hard-Hitting New Track, ‘Whooa!’—Editor’s Pick
DeVita – “Bonnie & Clyde”
South Korean singer DeVita hits a more somber tone in “Bonnie & Clyde,” her second single off her newly released American Gothic EP, a marked switch from her excellent debut EP, CRÈME—which largely fell under a pop/funk/R&B lane.
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“Bonnie & Clyde” underscores the tragic end of the Great Depression outlaw couple, who famously ripped through Central United States and left a bloody trail in their wake.
DeVita, who will be returning to SXSW this year, adds a soulful flourish into her focus single, a ballad worth many repeats.
DeVita Announces ‘American Gothic’ EP, Includes Sole Feature From Jay Park
Mike Kosa – “Hangarin” ft. Gat Punch
Pinoy rap OG Mike Kosa returns with a serenade in “Hangarin” (Motive), featuring Gat Punch. The two profess their motive in a traditional ligaw (courting) scenario—the track also reads like a resume of their accomplishments as much as their values. While “Hangarin” doesn’t necessarily reinvent the harana (serenade) within the Valentine’s Day-themed concept, it’s a mellow, easy-listening track that’s not without its charm. — MG
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Polarix – “Make No Sense” ft. VannDa
Cambodia’s Polarix and VannDa team up in the disjointed, electro-rap cut “Make No Sense” off Polarix’s newest album Ugly Tongue. Backed by a JUVIE LIN AKA J-World Beatz production, the artists’ verses ebb and flow into one another, piecing together an infectious track by two of the leading voices in Cambodian hip hop today. – SG
MILLI – “17 นาที (17 mins)” ft. mints
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Thailand’s MILLI collaborates with R&B-pop duo mints in her latest single, “17 นาที (17 mins),” produced by SpatChies. The track aims to articulate the anxieties of online dating (“Honestly I’m crazy for you / But I’m afraid you’re not on the same page as mine”). Pivoting to a more acoustic take on the production and borrowing from mint’s sound, MILLI trades her tough-rap delivery for more easygoing vocals, paired with an equally charming music video. – SG
How MILLI Went From Student K-pop Fangirl To Thai Hip Hop Superstar–Exclusive Interview
Epik High – “Super Rare” ft. Wonstein, pH-1
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South Korean hip hop group Epik High has paved the way for other alternative groups throughout their storied career. With the arrival of Epik High Is Here 下 (Part 2) earlier this week, the trio’s influence endures, unmarred by time. In the track “Super Rare” with rappers Wonstein and pH-1, Epik High affirm that they’re not going anywhere anytime soon: “Don’t try to turn me into a memory / I’m in my prime / Get your hands off my coffin lid / As long as there’s a breath I’ll keep flying.” – SG
Epik High Proves They’re Here To Stay With ‘Epik High Is Here 下 (Part 2)’ Album, Featuring pH-1, Lee Hi & More
Header image: Collage from press images and artists’ YouTube/Instagram accounts
