While Filipino hip-hop has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to female representation, the culture has seen sporadic debuts of wildly talented femcees. The sibling duo of Miss A & Fateeha is the latest in a long line that proves that women more than deserve a spot.
Born to long-time producer DJ Medmessiah, the Morobeats artists have dropped flows and verses that are just as resonant as they are addicting. The consequences of Muslim discrimination in “Islamophobia,” old-school Pinoy Pride in “Kayumanggi,” and the carefree vibes of the youth in “FLY HIGH” are just a few of their must-listen prods.
At their young age, Miss A & Fateeha represent the new opportunities and broadening perspectives of those outside the usual male-dominated and Manila-centric industry. Complex Philippines talks to the sibs about their individual styles, the life of a Filipino femcee, and the diversification of hip-hop.
Miss A: My music is straightforward and truthful, drawing influence from Bahamadia, Andre 3000, and Big L.
Fateeha: I would describe my music as poetic. I’m not the most confident in expressing my feelings, so I enjoy hiding the [true] meaning behind the songs. I add metaphors and layers to my music. To add to the influences, I’ve looked up to Missy Ellito, Wu-Tang, and Notorious B.I.G.
Miss A: The idea of venturing into hip-hop began in elementary. I enjoyed writing poems in my diary. I leaned into books, up until now, and it added a lot to my vocabulary. Everything just followed; I started doing underground events and my music flourished.
Fateeha: When I was in Grade 3, I used to write songs, though it was something that I kept to myself. Siyempre (Of course) when you’re young, not many understand [your feelings]. It wasn’t easy to explain.
One day, my dad was just like “I know you write music,” and he invited me to record with him. And my passion took off from there, going to events and understanding the basics of the culture. The [love for music] was always there, but I had a lot to learn.
Miss A: I don’t think “seamless” is the term (laughs). We have our moments on stage when we still have to feel each other’s tendencies or beat. It’s only easier because we’re related so we can be straightforward with each other.
Miss A: You can tell by our personalities. Fateeha is more outspoken and outgoing, the social butterfly. She’s “out there” (laughs). I prefer solitude and alone time. I love reading books and focusing on my art.
Fateeha: Growing up, I looked up to Aaliyah a lot because of her vocabulary—
Miss A: —Oh my god, this is such a moment (pretends to cry).
Fateeha: You’re my sister, duh (laughs). She’s more analytical and likes to absorb things before expressing herself. For me, I have to experience things. I like Aaliyah’s music because it’s truthful and socially aware. I try my best to educate myself also like in politics, and that’s because of her.
Miss A: He’s been a good influence and guide. He taught us how our music can be used as a platform, and how we could be more independent as an artist. So thank you, dad.
Fateeha: Being with our dad means we get to socialize with a lot of people. One thing we notice is how different the hip-hop lifestyle can be on social media versus reality. Like, “I thought you were one way, and now you’re different.” He showed us that there are many layers to industry and you have to live it to fully understand.
Miss A: It’s still pretty hard. Even our group, Morobeats, are mostly males.
Fateeha: Ooh, calling it out, calling them out (laughs).
Miss A: But really, it’s a tough situation, because we’re the only ones who can understand each other. There are times that we collide with the guys because we have strong alpha energy too.
It’s still difficult to be a femcee, but at least we’re being recognized now compared to before. People are also learning about our history and looking up Queen Latifah, Bahamadia, so that’s hopeful.
Fateeha: But I do hope people also appreciate “lyrical women.” Sex sells, so if you’re gonna shake your ass and tits, people are gonna pay attention to you. But what do you actually stand for?
Fateeha: If I’m going to be realistic, mainstream hip-hop needs to up its game. If you look at the charts, there’s barely any hip-hop. There needs to be a lot more emphasis on what made the genre unique. It’s not just about sex, girls, money, and cars, although those are popular topics. I hope bigger companies also focus on molding promising talents and not just appealing to most markets.
Miss A: I’d say the next five years are still exciting because we see hip-hop merging into other different genres to create this weird hybrid that people can’t explain just yet. But it’s still something to look forward to.
There will be minor setbacks for those who love old-school hip-hop, but music is like fashion: it’s cyclical. Eventually, we’ll go back to the basics.
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Photography Borgy Angeles
Art and Art Direction Alexandra Lara and James Francisco
Interview and Story Gelo Lasin and Xavi Bautista
Styling Assist Jana Silao assisted by Val Silao
Makeup Nadynne Esguerra
Hair Patrick John
Production Complex Philippines
Location Bulb Studios
COMPLEX participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means COMPLEX gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive.
© Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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