This Is How We Do It: What You Missed At Billboard Philippines’ Pinoy Hip-Hop Mixtape Party 2025

Philippine hip-hop has never been as united as it was last night (July 28, 2025) at the Billboard Philippines’ Pinoy Hip-Hop Mixtape Party.

Gathering all the industry’s finest for a night of beats, mixes, and a massive celebration, the event was dedicated to spotlight the growth of local hip-hop from its roots in the independent scene. As such, established hitmakers like O Side Mafia, Hev Abi, and more, to the rising stars of tomorrow like Alex Bruce, NIO, and the like, were all found in attendance.

Taking over the Stratosphere Events Hall in Poblacion, Makati was the fierce and distinct energy that only local hip-hop can bring. When this energy has lived in small pockets around the Metro, the party unified the local hip-hop community in one large celebration. Overall, last night’s festivities were not only a commemoration of the growth and evolution Philippine hip-hop has experienced over the years, but a reminder that the community continues to grow not only in number, but in potential to shake the global airwaves.

In that spirit, join us as we look back on some of the best moments from the Billboard Philippines’ Pinoy Hip-Hop Mixtape 2025 Party.

As esteemed guests filtered into the venue, each one arrived dressed to the nines in dapper attire— from sweeping trench coats to sharp suits and ties. The space quickly filled with an electric energy as attendees mingled and exchanged greetings, their distinct presence bringing the venue to life. After a series of uplifting and inspiring speeches from the Billboard Philippines team, the celebration kicked into high gear with pulsing beats, lively dancing, and drinks flowing throughout the night.

Kicking off the night was Billboard Philippines’ Chief Operating Officer and Publisher, Anne Bernisca, who shared her awe at hip-hop’s tremendous power to shake the Philippine Charts, noting that it was the very first Billboard Philippines’ Pinoy Hip-Hop Class that inspired the series of class parties. Following this were Billboard Philippines’ Digital Editor, Franchesca Basbas, and Senior Brand Officer, Atari Academia, who emphasized the weight that Filipino hip-hop carries in the local soundscape, and its potential to shake global airwaves.

With this, they introduced a sneak peek of the upcoming Billboard Philippines’ Studios episode featuring the stars of the Pinoy Hip-Hop Mixtape 2025. To wrap the program up before the festivities, Billboard Philippines’ Chief of Editorial Content, Bret Jackson, paid tribute to the genre’s growth over the years, and its ability to resonate with listeners all over the country.

It wasn’t until RUSSELL! and Illest Morena spontaneously took the stage that the night began its array of impromptu performances. With an eagerness to bring their live music to the space, the two artists took off into a live rendition of their shared single “The Baddest.” Following the pair were the alumni of Billboard Philippines’ Pinoy Hip-Hop Class of 2024, O Side Mafia, who roused the audience with an unreleased track as an exciting preview of what’s to come. The trio then followed this up by pulling Paul n Ballin up on the stage for a live performance of “SMD,” and THUGSTA joined the rally of performances by taking over with his debut track “TOP SHOTTA.”

The performances didn’t stop there. When it was Zae and Alex Bruce’s turn to take the stage, all the female artists in attendance flocked to the front in support of their fellow femcees. As the duo launched into their collaborative track “A to Z (Drop It),” the energy became infectious, with everyone dancing along. Closing out the night’s performances were Dreycruz and Bert Symoun, who brought the house down with a live rendition of their chart-breaking hit “Wag Ipagsabi.”

All in all, Billboard Philippines’ first-ever Pinoy Hip-Hop Mixtape 2025 Party stood as a living testament to the genre’s ongoing evolution — one that’s boldly carving its space on the global stage with its own vibrant identity. As the community came together to celebrate, cheer each other on, and lose themselves in a night of music and movement, it became clear: Filipino hip-hop has never been stronger, and this might just be the beginning of a cultural wave poised to define the future of the Philippine soundscape.

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