Hev Abi’s ‘Morato Most Wanted’ Ultimately Proves That Hip Hop’s Rising Star Is (And Always Will Be) In Demand – Review

If there’s one thing to know about Hev Abi, he is unashamed to express his love for his hometown, Morato 1103 –– enough to the point that he transported his biggest and most devoted fans there. 

And if we learned anything from what the viral, chart-topping rapper achieved exactly that last night at his first-ever solo concert at the New Frontier Theater, he and his music could easily do that. 

Since its first announcement, “Morato Most Wanted” was always guaranteed to be a show to remember. While tickets to the show were highly sought-after, it wasn’t so easy to visualize what Hev’s first major show would look like, given that not many hip-hop artists in the local scene don’t get the opportunity to produce a show on this level or scale. It’s a far cry from the other venues that Hev and other artists would often perform in, so there was no surprise in seeing how anticipation amongst the varied demographic of fans (between 16 to 60 years old literally), and the members of the local hip-hop spaces who were all buzzing with excitement as they entered the gates of the New Frontier Theatre.

When you walked into the venue, it wasn’t the usual set-up that we’re used to seeing from the beloved concert venue. Last night, the stage was lit by a dimly shaded red glow surrounded by smokey air, echoing the realism of the very streets that Hev often frequents. The accuracy of its streetlights, railings, and 7-11 signage of the Tomas Morato showcased a surprising amount of attention to detail –– one that was lauded by the crowds of young, twenty-somethings decked out in Drake-inspired tees, Jordan kicks, and baggy jeans.

While the show kicked off with an engaging segment of on-stage games akin to the Filipino variety shows you watch on TV, the rush and excitement of the crowd to watch Hev’s impending performance was getting more palpable with every minute that passed by –– eventually reaching its peak position by the time opening acts like Unotheone and Because performed. The latter’s explosive entrance and impressive glitch pop-rap medley of “BMW” + “Sandali” had everyone putting their hands up, enjoying close to every aspect of his short-run performance.

Filipina hip-hop sensation Illest Morena was next to take the stage with her live, stripped-down renditions to fan favorites “Indigo Haze”, “Slow Burn”, and “Faded” – evoking sultry and playful mannerisms that enamored the crowd with her effortless charm. Her stage presence could only be described similarly to the internationally beloved Kali Uchis, blending a natural sense of humor that showcased a “sweet and a little bit spicy” nature that left the crowd wanting a whole lot more. As she prepared to say her goodbyes, the rapper jokingly quipped; “Nagiintay na kapatid ko, si Illest Moreno, a.k.a. Si Hev Abi. Ready na ba kayo?”. And as the roar of the crowd chanting “HEV ABI” began to reverberate across the walls of the theatre, the anticipation levels had begun to reach its fever pitch. 

Clad in his signature streetwear fit aptly emblazoned with his name on his custom polo shirt, the beloved rapper wasted no time in captivating the audience with his infectious energy. From the opener “Walang Makapa”, “Lahat Gagawin” and “1999” with Harlem Ty, it was evident that he was in his element, giving each lyric his all, and exuding a level of conviction that left no doubt about his passion for his craft. Yet despite his commitment to delivering a stellar display of his talents, Hev managed to interject moments of humor to his set; even shouting; “Sa mga di nakakakilala sakin, pwede kayo umuwi!,” –– seamlessly blending his signature swagger with playful humor, much to the delight of the crowd.

Throughout the course of the night, Hev effortlessly weaved tales of high school reminiscence to his tracks, infusing each anecdote with a sense of youthful confidence and undeniable levels of charisma. Having some of his peers like Gins&Melodies and Kristina Dawn perform with him only added to the dynamic atmosphere of the theater, wherein everyone could clearly see the celebrated hitmaker relishing every moment on stage.  “Alam niyo naman mahal na mahal ko kayo kasing mahal ko ng kyusi, kaya shoutout sa mga kyusi girls diyan!” he shouted, acknowledging his supporters with a genuine sense of gratitude.

Amidst a crowded setlist for its longer first half (that could have admittedly been trimmed down), “Makasarili Malambing” with Dawn stood out as a stellar, scorching duet that turned the heat up in an already hot theater, while “Lil Kasalanan Shortie” had the audience singing along with infectious enthusiasm. Fan-favorite “Downtown Q” had some members of the crowd starting their own mini mosh pit right at the front of the stage –– with members of the label raising their flag as Hev rapped his heart out. His collaborations with Gins&Melodies, “Mossa Downtown” and “Babaero”, marked a strong finish to Act 1 of the show.  

As the night progressed to its second part, Hev’s performance only gained momentum –– with the introduction of a live band injecting a new level of vigor into his set. To the crowd’s amusement, the seamless fusion of hip-hop beats with live instrumentation added depth and richness to his sound, transforming the rapper’s performance into a truly immersive experience. His other performances with Gins&Melodies, Simmo Spiels, LK, and Unotheone allowed for each of these rising stars on the hip-hop scene to shine –– proving just how well Hev can collaborate and respect the flow of his fellow artists. 

The live band renditions to “Walang Alam” and “C2 Boyz” stood out as some of the best performances of the night thanks to the excellent electric guitar riffs that added a unique dynamism to these tracks that differed greatly from their studio counterparts, yet the ultimate climax of the evening came with a confetti-filled finale –– featuring a breathtaking rendition of “Alam Mo Ba Girl,” blending elements of hip-hop and rock with effortless finesse. 

From what we’ve seen from ‘Morato Most Wanted’, it unequivocally proves that Hev is this generation’s face of hip-hop. Together with his talented posse, the rapper has cemented his status as hip-hop’s rising star –– proving that he is, and forever will be in demand. His ability to transport audiences to new sonic realms is no common phenomenon, but it’s something that he’s proven to do well to both himself and the industry that keeps a keen eye on him.

In its nature, most people have come to look at hip-hop as a male-driven space, yet Hev Abi’s ‘Morato Most Wanted’ proved that there is indeed so much room for the genre to find its appeal with a universal audience –– with his music as the definite driving force for people to find their way to both the genre and its culture.

With the resounding success of Hev Abi’s ‘Morato Most Wanted’ concert, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him return with another show of equal or even greater production value in the near future. The overwhelming support and enthusiasm from the audience reaffirm hip-hop’s growing demand, indicating a promising future for the genre. Hev’s ability to blend humor, charisma, and raw talent on stage serves as an inspiration for other artists, encouraging them to push the boundaries of hip-hop and explore new avenues of creativity.

Beyond the confines of hip-hop, what Hev and his show have managed to prove is something quite monumental for the OPM industry. Often, it is the prestigious OPM legends such as Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Rivermaya, and the Eraserheads who have the chance to hold ticketed concerts of their own, yet Hev’s bold venture has shattered these barriers –– demonstrating that taking risks in producing high-quality shows can yield significant benefits for both the industry and fans alike. By showcasing Filipino talent on par with international acts, Hev Abi not only elevates his own career but also contributes to the establishment and recognition of Filipino artists on a global scale.

This groundbreaking achievement serves as a beacon of inspiration for his peers, rising stars, and aspiring artists, encouraging them to pursue similar ambitious endeavors. As both the genre of hip-hop and OPM as a whole continue to evolve, fueled by artists like Hev Abi, the possibilities for innovation and growth are nearly endless as he and other artists push Filipino music forward.

Check out more exclusive pictures from Hev Abi’s ‘Morato Most Wanted’ held last April 28 at the New Frontier Theatre below.