The Philippines’ embrace of progressive sound sees the emergence of promising female talent through their unique individual voices that complement a communal definition. By now, women in the industry have forged everlasting careers, accumulated a rabid fanbase, and placed themselves as icons for the next generation.
As we’ve previously noted the industry’s greatest female rappers, this piece tackles the continuation of several of their stories, spicing it up by including several of the “next women up,” who are definite staples in any playlist and deserve to be placed on repeat.
Alex Bruce
Latest release/s: SWOOSH
Don’t let her age fool you. Alex Bruce’s profound vintage hip-hop/rap lyricism echoes generations past her 16-year-old distinction. The youthful Batangueno and Complex Council member presents an unparalleled fierceness and mastery, evidenced by her performances on international stages and accolades under her belt.
August Wahh
Latest release/s: Tip toe
August Wahh remains ever-present in both sound in setting, channeling a spirit of adventure evidenced by her trips to the trails and openness to nature. She uses her voice as a tool to share her wisdom that translates the beauty of her surroundings—grounded on themes of overcoming challenges, embracing solitude, and finding balance.
Denise Julia
Latest release/s: don’t matter
The experience of going through Denise Julia‘s discography is a rabbit hole—an endless soulful cycle that only gets better. Generating over 4 million monthly streams on Spotify, the Complex Council member’s 2023 Sweet Nothings (Chapter 1) EP added fuel to her rise, noting her recent “don’t matter” track alongside DENȲ for her “pretty maangas babylatz.”
DEMI
Latest release/s: Ganon ka Rin?
DEMI’s Filipino-Western-inspired roots suppodrt her vibrant translation of sound the only way she knows how. The “homebdy” hitmaker playfully blends English and Tagalog wordplay that showcases her style and versatility, notably collaborating with O $ide Mafia’s Madman Stan and Hev Abi on “Pakundangan.”
DENȲ
Latest release/s: don’t matter
DENȲ’s infectious rhythmic bliss places her at the forefront of the industry’s growing voices. She emphasizes purpose in her tune, taking on first and third-person perspectives to foster connection and relatability. Since the breakthrough of “Gusto With Ya” in 2021, the “LOVES7AGE” musician’s journey embraced her image as a soothing crooner.
HILLARI
Latest release/s: Blind then – Sped Up
Wholly Filipino, HILLARI perfectly intertwines her Norwegian roots with her local upbringing through soulful ballads that continuously flow through the seasons. The Spellemannprisen nominated artist is no stranger to home, recently visiting the country and slating her influence on tracks with Denise Julia and Jolianne—collaborations that subtly evidence her potential.
Illest Morena
Latest release/s: Sabik
“Sultry” and “sexual” are terms commonly associated with Illest Morena, although calmness and intimacy also reside within. The 22-year-old R&B/soul MC sheds her once soft-spoken skin to embrace all her colorful facets, notably through hits “Faded (Raw),” “Lagabog,” and a rendition of Summer Walker’s “Girls Need Love.”
Jolianne
Latest release/s: Chemistry
Jollianne’s breakthrough as a contestant during the second season of The Voice Kids Philippines foreshadowed the illustrious journey that now stands before her. The Cebuano’s rich and silky-smooth vocals elevate her songs, drawing inspiration from experience and imagination.
Miss A & Fateeha (Morobeats)
Latest release/s: Back to these Fuckin Streets, On & on
When capturing the foundations of hip-hop, there’s no better pairing than Morobeats’ Miss A and Fateeha. “Commendable” is an understatement for the modern femcees’ greatness—swimming against the tide, venturing beyond what’s “trendy” or “popping,” and diligently sticking to their craft. They are as authentic as it gets when craving for classic hip-hop, as the Complex Council members embrace yesterday’s glory through their authentic modern sounds.
Nicole Anjela
Latest release/s: Toxic
“Genuineness” lies beneath Nicole Anjela’s heavy beats and larger-than-life energy, converging soul, R&B, and hip-hop genres as storytelling mediums. The Baguio native’s vocals are reminiscent of the Summer Capital of the Philippines’ swift-delectable breeze, integrating smoothness and meaning through every verse.
SHNTI
Latest release/s: Wisteria
SHNTI’s music reflects her upbringing of both playful and intentional, encapsulating mundane themes that remain evergreen and relatable. The Quezon City femcee presents a call to discover, ushering an open invitation for motion and awakening the curious mind.
TALA
Latest release/s: Retribution
“Dreamy” to keep it frank, TALA’s (Tala Gil) indie-pop classification musters a warm embrace to her listeners as they stand front and center of a whimsical soliloquy. The 24-year-old’s sweet yet lonely tone complements her lyricism and storytelling, noting several cross-country collaborations with Jinbo’s 2022 track “Over the Sea” and recently Matter Halo through “So Human.”
