Guapdad 4000 is one of the Filipino-American acts scheduled to make a homecoming performance at 88rising’s HITC Manila music festival! GUAP, who is an Oakland native, arrived in the Philippines early and has spent his first few days in the country vacationing in Boracay with his Lola. The Paradise Rising rapper has been sharing wholesome content with his grandma and detailing why the experience means so much to him on his Instagram account.
GUAP has discussed his biracial upbringing and his relationship with his family in detail in his "STOOP KID" short film. Check out Guapdad 4000’s Philippines content with his Lola below and catch him this weekend at HITC Manila!
Photo Courtesy of Guapdad 4000’s Instagram
Ylona is back with her new single, "Vibin." The mid-tempo track delivers fun and playful lyrics describing the no-pressure feeling of putting a label on a relationship when you first meet someone new, and all you are doing is just vibing out to the experience. Of course, starting new relationships can take some time, but that new discovery stage of getting to know someone and just enjoying their time without the pressures of putting a label on it is described perfectly through this track.
"The track is about meeting someone new and not wanting to feel pressured about defining the relationship-we're just vibing and enjoying every moment as they come."
Ylona mentions that the track is special to her because, sonically and artistically, this is where she wants her music direction to go. If that's the case, we can't wait for more. For now, check out the lyric video to "Vibin" below and stream the song HERE.
After a successful run in their native Canada, Manila Grey is bringing their No Saints Tour to the United States. The five-city tour starts in New York on June 2nd with stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago, before capping off in Seattle on June 23rd. Talk about a dope way to celebrate Filipino Independence Day!
With the tour approaching in a few days, the Vancouver-based duo has just announced Guapdad4000 as a special guest for their California tour dates (Los Angeles, June 5th at The Roxy & San Francisco, June 9th at The Independent.) For more information about ticket sales, you can check out the tour’s official website.
If you're looking for more Manila Grey Content before the US leg of the tour kicks off, check out this BTS interview with the duo talking about their 2021 track "Island Baby (Maarte)" via Paradise Rising/88 Rising.
Cover Photo Courtesy of Manila Grey Instagram
Say hello to our MYX Headliner for February, Ylona Garcia! In this quick chat with Ylona, she shares her dreams, goals, and what motivates her to keep on pushing through. Ylona has had a busy past few months, from performing at the "Head in the Clouds" Festival for 88 Rising to releasing her latest single, "Entertain Me." She's also been giving us a behind-the-scenes look of her time here in LA so far with some fun vlogs on her YouTube channel. Get to know Ylona even more, and check out the video below.
Ylona Garcia takes the MYX Traks stage at the MYX Global Studio in Los Angeles, California, to perform her latest single, "Don't Go Changing." The single will be part of 88rising's latest collaborative album, "Head In The Clouds III." Check out Ylo's performance below.
About MYX Traks:
MYX Traks is a part of MYX Global’s new Youtube content line-up. The show features a live in-studio performance from up-and-coming and established artists co-produced with Traklife Media Group.
About Ylona:
Ylona Garcia, is a Filipino-Australian singer, actress & television personality. Garcia rose to prominence after entering as a housemate on the first part of the second special season of ABS-CBN's reality show Pinoy Big Brother (2015), for which she received the title of "Daldal Darling ng Australia" (Lit. Talkative Darling of Australia) and finished first runner-up at the end of the reality show. Ylona Jade Garcia was was born in Sydney, to Filipino parents, both of whom are practitioners in the medical field based in Australia. She is the third among five siblings. At a very young age, Garcia has performed as a front act for several Filipino singers and songwriters such as Martin Nievera, Sarah Geronimo and Rivermaya's former lead vocalist Bamboo Mañalac during their Australian concert tours. Ylona has also participated in numerous singing competitions and won two notable competitions such as the Urban Star Sydney Championship in December 2014, for which she received the "Most Promising Talent" award in the same month; and Fast Track Australian Singing Competition as part of the junior division in March 2015. Garcia also finished third in the National Urban Star Competition reaping through the "Judges Choice" segment for the "Coolest Artist" and "the artist with the 'wow' factor." In 2015, Garcia auditioned to become a housemate for the first part of the second special season of ABS-CBN's reality television series Pinoy Big Brother, where she passed after showcasing her talents in singing, acting and dancing as well for her "confidence and candid remarks.
On 21 January 2016, Coca-Cola announced Ylona as one of the ambassadors for their "Taste the Feeling" campaign together with Bailey May, James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Maine Mendoza, Alden Richards, Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil, Janella Salvador, and Enchong Dee. In January 2016, Ylona was announced as the "Celebrity VJ" for the month of February for the myx music television network. In 2018, Garcia became a member of the teen pop group ASAP G!. Other members of the group are Isabela Vinzon, Jayda Avanzado, Kyle Echarri, Jeremy Glinoga and Darren Espanto. The group formed in June 2018 and disbanded on November 2018, when the show was reformatted into ASAP Natin 'To. In 2019, Garcia transferred from Star Music to Homeworkz for her recording label.
Ylo is currently releasing new music under 88 Rising's Philippine imprint, Paradise Rising.
Follow Ylona:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ylonagarcia/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ylona_garcia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YlonaGarcia
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2qnQOnL1oLKtH779qZ6iuR
We love when creatives collide and show each other their craft. Recently, Paradise Rising artist Ylona Garcia collaborated with parent label 88rising for Filipino-American History Month for a fun cooking lesson. Yes, we know Ylo is Aussie, but she couldn't pass up the opportunity to cook with Yamashiro Head Chef in Hollywood, Chef Vallerie. We all wish we could have an exclusive lesson with Chef Val on adobo 101.
Ylo's vlog gives us extra content and takes us behind the scenes at Yamashiro. Chef Val and her whip up a Filipino classic dish, adobo but they added a little twist by using ribs and pineapple juice. They make the semi-traditional dish with no other than it's partner in crime, some good old fashion white rice. And of course, Ylo and Chef Val measured the rice and water using their fingers as precise measurements.
Chef Val shared that all her recipes come from her grandfather. They had a pig farm in the Philippines and after closing their bakery, Chef Val's family would get to cooking Filipino pork recipes. She challenges Ylo to cook the adobo dish herself and we definitely feel her anxiousness. As Ylo said, it's like having your parents watching your every move when you're cooking because in Filipino culture, food is life. Ylo didn't disappoint though, her pork BBQ adobo looked so tasty and it's Chef Val approved because it's the first time she's combined ribs and pineapple juice now known as Ylo ribs.
After finishing up delicious meal, Ylo headed to Vista Hermosa Natural Park for location number two. She sings a couple songs like her single, "Don't Go Changing." Finally, Ylo answer what FAHM means to her. "It [Filipino-American History Month] means acknowledging who we are which is the best feeling in the world." To catch more BTS and the series, make sure to follow Ylo on social!
Cover Photo Credit: Ylona Garcia Twitter
Ylona Garcia takes on our MYXed Bag filled with her Fan Questions! We get to know Ylona even more, finding out who motivates her, what her creative process is like, and would she ever go back and stay in the Pinoy Big Brother House again? Check out her answers in the video below!
Ylona Garcia is a Filipino-Australian singer, actress & television personality. Garcia rose to prominence after entering as a housemate on the first part of the second special season of ABS-CBN's reality show Pinoy Big Brother (2015), for which she received the title of "Daldal Darling ng Australia" (Lit. Talkative Darling of Australia) and finished first runner-up at the end of the reality show. Ylona Jade Garcia was born in Sydney, to Filipino parents, both of whom are practitioners in the medical field based in Australia. She is the third among five siblings. At a very young age, Garcia has performed as a front act for several Filipino singers and songwriters such as Martin Nievera, Sarah Geronimo, and Rivermaya's former lead vocalist Bamboo Mañalac during their Australian concert tours. Ylona has also participated in numerous singing competitions and won two notable competitions such as the Urban Star Sydney Championship in December 2014, for which she received the "Most Promising Talent" award in the same month; and Fast Track Australian Singing Competition as part of the junior division in March 2015. Garcia also finished third in the National Urban Star Competition reaping through the "Judges Choice" segment for the "Coolest Artist" and "the artist with the 'wow' factor." In 2015, Garcia auditioned to become a housemate for the first part of the second special season of ABS-CBN's reality television series Pinoy Big Brother, where she passed after showcasing her talents in singing, acting, and dancing as well for her "confidence and candid remarks.
On January 21st, 2016, Coca-Cola announced Ylona as one of the ambassadors for their "Taste the Feeling" campaign together with Bailey May, James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Maine Mendoza, Alden Richards, Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil, Janella Salvador, and Enchong Dee. In January 2016, Ylona was announced as the "Celebrity VJ" for the month of February for the myx music television network. In 2018, Garcia became a member of the teen pop group ASAP G!. Other members of the group are Isabela Vinzon, Jayda Avanzado, Kyle Echarri, Jeremy Glinoga and Darren Espanto. The group formed in June 2018 and disbanded on November 2018, when the show was reformatted into ASAP Natin 'To. In 2019, Garcia transferred from Star Music to Homeworkz for her recording label.
Ylo is currently releasing new music under 88 Rising's Philippine imprint, Paradise Rising.
Paradise Rising just released their follow up EP, Semilucent 2 and now everyone can now listen to Paradise Transmissions. Since the formation of Paradise Rising, the platform dropped 2 EPs, featured various Filipino artists like: Guapdad 4000, Ylona Garcia, Kiana V, and Massiah. Now, they’re venturing on to even a larger stage. The 88Rising and Paradise Rising teamed up to create Paradise Transmissions Radio.
Catch your favorite Paradise Rising artists and more on the newly launched 88Rising x Paradise Rising Radio Tuesdays at 8PM on Sirius XM.
Paradise Rising announced, “We're excited to announce a collaboration between Paradise Rising and 88rising Radio: Paradise Transmissions. Our radio sanctuary of up-and-coming new wave of Filipino artists, homegrown or diaspora, established or emerging. Broadcasting Tuesday 8PM on @88risingRadio on @siriusxm”
Not only did Paradise Rising co-release a radio show, the label also just dropped new merch, Paradise Rising 01 Collection! Support and rep the platform that helps discover an emerging wave of Filipino talents. Get everything from shirts, hoodies, hats, and accessories. Show off your Paradise Rising style and bring paradise with you wherever you go.
Cover Photo Credit: Paradise Rising Twitter
PARADISE RISING'S second compilation EP, Semilucent 2, is out now with a whole new ensemble of artists on the project. With the goal of establishing a presence for Filipino artists in the West and globally through music distribution, music rights management, and artist development, PARADISE RISING has more than lived up to expectations since it was launched in July 2020.
Semilucent 2 is a 5-track EP that provides genre-blending acoustics, memorable melodies and high-energy 808s. In contrast to the dreamy and airy radiance of the songs from the debut project, Semilucent 2 draws inspiration from the darker mood that comes with the ending of summer, and a longing for memories past. The label mentioned that the artists would be both "homegrown and diasporic," so lyrically and sonically, we should be getting a great mix of vibes from this highly anticipated EP. The EP features Manila Grey, daze, Steven Peregrinam, Curtismith with CA Christian Alexander, and Manila Killa featuring Yuna.
MANILA GREY is featured in this EP with “Island Baby (Maarte).” It brings a new vibe to the compilation project. “In this song, we show love to all the beautiful women in our lives, women who represent the vibrancy and class of our culture, both in our home city Vancouver. Maarte is slang for high maintenance in Filipino, but it actually means artsy. We just wanted to flip that narrative into something fun, while showcasing the art and the grace. All the strong women in our lives have high standards, sometimes you need that energy you know? Like go ahead, it’s all good, feel yourself."
Also highlighted are hip-hop powerhouse from New York CA Christian Alexander, seasoned rapper and songwriter Curtismith; CA Christian Alexander said he and Curtismith “are excited to be a part of the semilucent 2 EP because we have an opportunity to represent the Philippines on 88rising’s global platform and inspire the next generation of artists to continue to keep pushing Filipino music culture forward.”
Philippine-native singer and instrumentalist Steven Peregrina and up-and-coming female R&B artist daze based out of Amsterdam give the EP a different style. Peregrina's track “All Night” is “all about good vibes, good times, and partying.” He adds, “I'm super excited and ecstatic to be a part of the semilucent 2 EP. I consider this song to be my "TakeOff" and y'all should be ready for me! So, Asia, here I come.” According to daze, his song “Situation” is “about a relationship between two people who are in between love and friendship, or a situationship. Neither really wants to admit how much they like each other, but the tension and passion keeps building until they both can’t deny it any longer. It’s a soulful song with layers and layers of melodies that express desire, connection, and taking a leap of faith,” daze revealed.
For “Reminisce,” Manila Killa shares that he “started the instrumental track during quarantine when I felt no pressure to create a specific type of music. It was during a time where I felt artistically free - there were no shows coming up and everything was at a standstill so I took the opportunity to try some things out I haven't before. When I found out Yuna was interested in the track I was so excited to work with her as I've been a longtime fan. She totally understood the mood I was going for with the track and turned it from this fun disco demo into something raw, emotional, and reminiscent of better times."
“When I heard Manila Killa's instrumental track, I was at a place in my life where I had to start being creative in a new environment. I was at home with my family, it was so different from what I'm used to. But listening to ‘Reminisce’ just inspired me to write something emotional, about romanticizing the past or a memory that lives in your head forever.”
YUNA ON REMINISCE
88rising founder and CEO Sean Miyashiro took note of the "vibrancy in the way talented young artists are emerging, and such a massive audience in love with music. We want to support their voices, help them be heard, and bring music from the Philippines to a global audience."
Listen now to Semilucent 2 on Spotify and other major streaming platforms. Merchandise is also available.
88rising’s mission of supporting and shining the spotlight on Asian talent around the world takes an exciting step forward with a new label dedicated to musicians from the Philippines. The pioneering media company has teamed up with the Philippines-based mobile provider Globe to launch PARADISE RISING, a localized label dedicated to establishing a presence for Filipino artists in the west and globally.
Source: Forbes
Cover Photo Courtesy of Manila Killa Instagram
Pop & R&B Ylona Garcia is prepared to take the world by storm. The Filipina-Australian R&B-Pop singer partnered with another power house to take on the global stage. She is the latest signee for 88Rising's sub-label PARADISE RISING. Together, they released the single, All That. You'll hear the growth in her music and more of a dance track. With the song, Ylo's ready to leave "All That" Sh*t behind from the past year and tackle a new direction.
Check out what she has to say about the song, teaming up with PARADISE RISING, and her birthday greeting from Disney's Raya and The Last Dragon stars, Awkwafina and Kelly Marie Tran.
1. Ylona's been keeping her collab with 88Rising and PARADISE RISING a secret since last year
Last time she chatted with Dannieboi, the wheels were in motion for this insane collab. Holding out on us, this all came as a huge surprise. She was putting in the work, both working at McDonald's (aka Mackers in Australia) and going to the studio to record. Everything was set in stone last summer. After that, Ylona headed straight to the studio to listen to demos and record music.
2. All That became an outlet for Ylona to leave all the toxicity behind
Ylo explains the track is about "letting go of all the toxicity you’ve experienced, were exposed to, and you’ve produced yourself". She goes on to say it's also about starting new and fresh and leaving all the sh*t behind. It encourages someone to become the best version of themselves.
3. Partnering up with 88Rising and PARADISE RISING was an easy decision
When signing on with 88Rising, it was kind of a no brainer for Ylona. The reason she signed on with them was "because they're really cool." It was easy to work with their team and they're nice people. Some whom she says are also now friends. She worked with top producers who've worked with names like the Jonas Brothers and The Chainsmokers! "We just all vibe together and got along well."
According to Flaunt.com, "All That was created alongside Peter Hanna (Jonas Brothers, The Chainsmokers, Lindsey Stirling), and GRAMMY-nominated Michael Fatkin (Nathasha Bedingfield, Hillsong United) who helped shape the sonic landscape around the song." This song marks a new chapter for Ylona and her career.
“I’ve been doing well. Even though I’ve been going through a hard time, I made it through and left all that back there."
Ylona Garcia
4. Ylona looks to inspire others through her music
She explains that "sometimes it takes a while to write a song... but this session literally took 2 hours to complete over Zoom". Sometimes the best songs come really quickly for artist and this is the case for All That. When 88Rising asks her why she's doing this, Ylona didn't always have an answer. Then she remembers why she's a fan of other artists. They inspire her. So now, Ylona is looking to inspire others the way other artists have inspired her. She aims to help others get through and work hard to where they want to go.
5. Getting a birthday greeting from Awkwafina and Kelly Marie Tran is just as cool as dropping your own single on your birthday
MYX Global host Nico Blitz sat with Awkwafina and Kelly Marie Tran to talk about their latest film, Disney's Raya and The Last Dragon releasing on Friday! They both were quick to talk about their love for pancit and mention how talented Filipinos are at singing and dancing. So then we had to ask if they'd be up to sing Happy Birthday to Ylona. Ylo was shocked because she just saw Crazy Rich Asians the day before where Awkwafina was a lead and loved her character on screen & who she is in real life. Check out how they did below!
Tell us what you think of Ylo's latest track All That using #AllThatYlo on social!
About PARADISE RISING:
In July 2020, 88rising launched its first sister label PARADISE RISING, dedicated to establishing and promoting Filipino artists globally with partnership with Globe. Globe is a leading full-service telecommunication company in the Philippines. PARADISE RISING's debut release, semilucent EP, is a curated compilation album featuring the most promising Philippine acts. In 2021, PARADISE RISING is set to release new music and sign up-and-coming Filipino artists.
Cover Photo Credit: Ylona Garcia Facebook
(February 12, 2020, Manila, Philippines) - As the first-ever artist signed by PARADISE RISING, celebrated Filipino-American hip-hop sensation Guapdad 4000 has announced the upcoming launch of his new album, 1176 for the emerging new label.
The follow up to his 2019 debut full-length Dior Deposits which no less than the New York Times hailed as one of the best albums of the year, 1176 chronicles the life and career to date of the Oakland-based rapper, from his Filipino upbringing, humble beginnings and eventual stardom. Executive produced by fellow Fil-Am !LLMIND, the album hones in on Guap telling his own story, with the help of some of his close friends Buddy, P-Lo and Tish Hyman.
1176 features the recently released carrier single and music video, “How Many,” which samples the legendary Alice DJ track "Better off Alone." Directed by Chris Simmons, the video is the perfect introduction to this new era of Guap's artistry, exploring pieces of his mind as he finds himself trapped inside a liquor bottle, trying his luck with falconry, and bringing his tattoos to life.
!LLMIND who has worked with A-list artists like Kanye West, Ariana Grande, Drake and Ludacris, among many others consider Guapdad as “literally one of the most talented artists” he has ever come across.
“I know that sounds generic but there really is no better way to describe [Guapdad]. I also wish I was as good looking as him but at least I'm taller than him. Seriously though, I had such a blast working with him on this project and even though we're from opposite coasts, we are similar in so many ways. He brought the best out of me on this project and made my job easy. The music is crazy!" the acclaimed record producer further enthused.
Named "the secret weapon of the [Revenge of the Dreamers III] sessions" by Complex, Guapdad 4000 has been one to watch since the start. With a Grammy nomination, a slew of viral singles, and tours with P Lo, Earthgang (Dreamville) and Denzel Curry already under his belt, the Oakland rapper's talent, creativity and versatility are set to take him straight to becoming one of this year's brightest stars.
The album comes out March 19th via 88rising's sister label PARADISE RISING, making Guap and !LLMIND the first artists to release a full-length project through the young label which is dedicated to uplifting artists of Filipino descent.
In a statement, PARADISE RISING says the release "marks the first full-length artist project released under PARADISE RISING, 88rising's sister label that's focused on highlighting Filipino talent globally."
“Guapdad 4000's upcoming album provides another bridge in commonalities between Asian & American culture, diving even deeper into those stories through his music," the record label’s statement concluded.
PARADISE RISING is the result of a joint collaboration between the Philippines' telecommunications leader Globe, and 88rising, a pioneering music and media collective synonymous with elevating Asian talent from East to West.
The label will serve as a platform to establish a presence for Philippine artists in the West and globally through music distribution, music rights management, and artists development.
"We're thrilled to have Guapdad 4000 as the first signee of PARADISE RISING, and what makes this even more exciting is how he takes pride in his Filipino roots as told through his music. He is a testament of the promising Filipino talent that we're always on the lookout for and we can’t wait to highlight more of these artists through our platform," says Denise Seva, Head of Globe Live of Globe Telecom.
Listen to “How Many” at http://bit.ly/streamhowmany, and watch the music video here http://bit.ly/howmanymv. For more updates on Guapdad 4000 and 1176, stay tuned to Paradise Rising on Facebook at bit.ly/paradiserisingfacebook, Instagram at bit.ly/paradiserisinginstagram, and Twitter at bit.ly/paradiserisingtwitter.
About Guapdad 4000:
Growing up in West Oakland provided the Grammy Nominated, Platinum recording artist Guapdad 4000 (born Akeem Hayes) with a vast treasure chest of invaluable inspiration, encouraging him early on in life to explore his innate talents as a multi-hyphenate creative and eager student of the game. Guapdad's profound sense of humor, paired with his aptitude for commanding attention, translated organically into his lighthearted freestyles and ignited his interest in developing his well-rounded capacities as a vocalist.
While navigating an upbringing challenged by both parents being in and out of jail at often overlapping time frames, Guapdad 4000 began operating out of a necessity to both survive and take care of his siblings and grandmother. Driven by his greater desire to rise above such calamitous circumstances, he turned to illicit means to make money, such as credit card fraud and petty theft, a path accented by ups and downs that later provided ample material for his original content.
After releasing a slew of successful hits since, in the summer of 2019, Guapdad 4000 released his highly anticipated debut album, Dior Deposits in October of 2019. In addition to his singles setting the charts on fire and his solo album going viral, Guapdad also continues to build a buzz after his features on Dreamville’s Grammy Nominated RIAA Platinum Revenge of the Dreamers 3 album by performing at prominent festivals nationwide and touring with P Lo, Earthgang (Dreamville) and Denzel Curry.
Guapdad 4000 hasn’t just been releasing hit after hit, the music videos that accompany the internet savvy rapper’s singles go viral as well thanks to his eye for entertaining visuals, his latest, “Lil Scammer that Could'' capturing the rappers fun but serious personality gives fans a look inside the rappers creative mind. Furthermore, Guapdad’s innovative visuals and vlogs ultimately earned him a selection for the YouTube Music Foundry.
Currently, Guapdad’s RonaRaps campaign featuring guest cyphers from artists such as Chris Brown, Curren$y, Joey Bada$$, Boogie, Wiz Khalifa and many more highlights his aptitude for lyricism and his versatility. With his latest release “Platinum Falcon Returns” garnering features from artists like Denzel Curry, Boogie, Deante Hitchcock and more, Guapdad 4000 released one of the most exciting and refreshing EP’s in Hip Hop of the last year. Guapdad’s talent, creativity and versatility marks him as one of the most promising budding stars of the music industry.
Watch the animated "How Many" official lyric video:
About PARADISE RISING:
In July 2020, 88rising launched its first sister label PARADISE RISING, dedicated to establishing and promoting Filipino artists globally and in partnership with Globe, a leading full-service telecommunication company in the Philippines. PARADISE RISING's debut release, semilucent EP, is a curated compilation album featuring the most promising Philippine acts, garnering recognition from Forbes, BusinessMirror and Billboard as the platform to highlight such talent. In 2021, PARADISE RISING is set to release new music and sign up-and-coming Filipino artists.
About 88rising:
Heralded by Forbes as the bridge between East and West, the face of a new generation of Asian youth by CNN, and an authority on how to create Asian and American pop-culture crossovers by The New Yorker, 88rising is at the forefront of catapulting Asian culture and stories into new dimensions. Refusing to be confined within a single vessel, 88rising has exceptionally executed any and all ideas, while breaking new ground along the way. Best known as the team behind Internet-breaking sensations, including Joji, Rich Brian, Higher Brothers and Keith Ape, 88rising have quickly escalated to selling out world tours, hosting festivals and working with today’s biggest stars. To say that 88rising has their finger on the pulse is an understatement. With over 5.1 million subscribers and 2.2 billion views on their YouTube channel, 88rising’s influence is undeniable.
