O Side Mafia’s Costa Cashman Brings A Whole New Energy In Single Launch Party

There’s a whole new energy that Costa Cashman brings to the function.

Last Wednesday, hip-hop enthusiasts flocked to Apotheka, Poblacion, to celebrate the release of the emcee’s latest solo single, “TALKSH*T.” Excitement buzzed in the air even before stepping into the venue, as lines of eager fans wrapped around the White Rabbit, decked out in their best streetwear to match the night’s raw, underground vibe. Inside, the two-story club pulsed with an undeniable electricity, the packed space adding to the intensity of the night’s energy.

Setting the tone for what was to come, KINDRED talent and producer VINCED kicked off the evening with a carefully curated selection of classic hip-hop beats, seamlessly blending local and international influences. From the downtempo grit of ’90s rap to the infectious energy of modern hip-hop hits, his set warmed the audience up, primed for an evening of high-energy moshing, collective chanting, and whatever the unpredictable night had in store.

The energy in the venue took a sharp shift when O SIDE MAFIA’s producer and frequent collaborator, BRGR, stepped onto the stage. The crowd instinctively gravitated forward, eager to witness BRGR in his element and possibly catch a glimpse of other O SIDE MAFIA members in attendance. The beats took on a distinctly local flavor as he infused his set with kalye classics and O SIDE fan favorites like “GET LOW” and “GO GETTA.” The response was electric — turning the volume knob down for even a second would reveal an entire room chanting the lyrics in perfect sync, their voices reverberating off the club’s walls.

As anticipation reached its peak, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Costa Cashman took the stage to a deafening roar, debuting the official music video for “TALKSH*T,” directed by Dot.Jaime. The room darkened as all eyes turned to the projection on the wall, where Cashman’s signature bravado and razor-sharp lyricism played out against the backdrop of the very streets that shaped his artistry. The track, driven by thumping beats and an undeniable swagger, instantly cemented itself as the latest anthem in the local hip-hop scene.

The night felt like a masterclass in Filipino hip-hop’s evolution, with special appearances from a stacked lineup of industry heavyweights and rising stars. HELLMERRY, along with Fern and others, took turns igniting the stage. The energy peaked when Cashman, joined by HELLMERRY, SCOOP DOGG, and Daarth, delivered a fiery performance of “RUN IT BACK!” — a collaborative track that had the crowd bouncing. The setlist also offered a glimpse into Cashman’s artistic range, with a few more downbeat tracks, including a soon-to-be-released collaboration with Fern, previewing what’s next in his sonic journey.

Beyond just a celebration of “TALKSH*T,” the night marked a milestone for the up-and-coming label, Cheke. In an exclusive interview with Billboard Philippines, Cheke co-founder Justin Wieneke shared insights into the collective’s vision. The event, while a major success, was only a prelude to what they have in store.

“This is not the grand launch yet, but this is like us introducing ourselves to the music industry as Cheke, of course, with our priority artist, Cash,” Wieneke explained. Looking ahead, he detailed the label’s unique approach to releasing music, likening it to a four-chapter cinematic experience, each quarter of the year reflecting a different era of Cashman’s evolution.

“Basically, how we’re trying to release our music this year is that we’re kind of trying to make a ‘movie’ in a sense, where there’s chapters broken into four quarters. Each chapter has a different theme, so the first one is basically the roots of Cashman, so it’ll be music that sounds [like] more of his original sound, like early O Side Mafia days.”

“Chapter two’s where he slows down a little bit more, he has a family already, he’s seeing more success as an artist. So, he’s toning down a little bit, more on club bangers, a little bit of R&B. We would have a bit of features from R&B artists there, female R&B artists. Third quarter is a bit more of where he changes up a little bit, where he collaborates with different producers, so now he’s collaborating with Fern and it’s not his usual sound. Fourth quarter is when we introduce ourselves to the world as Cheke.”

With Cashman’s solo work gaining momentum and Cheke poised to make waves in the industry, the “TALKSH*T” launch party was more than just a one-night spectacle — it was a statement. If this event is any indication, Filipino hip-hop is in for an exciting, game-changing year.

Watch the music video for “TALKSH*T” here: