HELLMERRY isn’t ashamed to single out the best song from his discography.

On the latest episode of Billboard Philippines Volumes, the rising rapper opens up about the creative process of recording “the best song he’s ever made” — the hit track “4:AM” — while also teasing information regarding his surprise collaborations and forthcoming debut album.

“[There will be] surprise collabs [on the album] with some artists. Pero pag nilabas ‘yun, alam ko solid ‘yung reception. Pag nagbanggit ako dito, alam na nila ‘yon. (When it comes out, I know the reception will be solid. If I mention anyone, the fans already know it.) Young God all day!” HELLMERRY states.

Photographed by Mayks Go

The young hitmaker also opened up about his start in the music industry, mentioning how it all began with his innate desire to make music and to rap, which was supported by his peers Shanti Dope and Klumcee. “Kung san ako ilagay, game na (Wherever they put me, I’m game). Basta (As long as it’s the) same energy, same vibe — okay lang kasi na-guide ako nila eh bago pa ako nagsimula (It’s okay because they guided me before I started out),” he adds.

Billboard Philippines Editor-In-Chief Bret Jackson quizzed HELLMERRY on the “craziest” moments on tour he’s experienced so far, wherein the rapper listed down his favorite gigs across the country, spanning from Taguig, Makati, Baguio, and all the way to Cebu. Citing the crowd’s wild energy, he notes such aspects as to why he enjoys performing live and in front of an audience.

Also in the episode, HELLMERRY shared information about Young God Records and what both the label and the genre of hip-hop mean to him –– alongside how he feels being a part of such an impressive, growing movement within the hip-hop scene. “Biglaan na lang siya eh, na-in love na ako eh. Sige, ito pala ‘yung gagawin ko habambuhay. ‘Di pala pwede umalis — never go back, kumbaga. Tinitignan ko siya as long-term din kasi eh.” (I instantly fell in love with the scene. I realized that this is what I would do for the rest of my life. There’s no more going back. I’m looking at it in the long term.)

Photographed by Mayks Go

Reflecting on his career in the near future, the “4:AM” hitmaker mentions how he doesn’t plan on retiring any time soon, stating, “Ang nagadadala kasi sa ‘kin is paano ko matutupadyung vision ko na dapat ganito. [Pero] wala akong expectation pa rin sa mga gagawin ko — basta just do it talaga.” (What keeps me going is how I plan to fulfill my vision. But I still don’t have any expectations of what I’ll do — I’ll just do it.)

This episode of Billboard Philippines Volumes premiered on June 10, exclusively on Spotify and on Billboard Philippines‘ official YouTube channel.

Watch the full episode featuring HELLMERRY on Billboard Philippines Volumes on YouTube below: