Behind the Music: FELIP

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SB19’s resident rapper talks about his influences as a solo artist, his debut EP “COM•PLEX,” and the song he’d dedicate to his fans.

Most of us first met him as Ken. And as one-fifth of P-pop phenom SB19, he’s one of the most visible artists in today’s fierce and social media-centric music landscape.

But whether he’s performing or being interviewed alongside fellow SB19 members, you’ll notice that he carries a certain air of mystery. He’s quiet and reserved — the type of person who seems to be held back by a thousand things that reside in his mind.

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With his solo tracks “Palayo” and “Bulan,” he slowly broke free from his shell. However, it is with his aptly titled debut solo EP “COM•PLEX” that he confidently and fully arrives as FELIP, the next multi-hyphenate artist to watch out for.

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Felip Jhon Suson in real life wears that unmistakable rockstar mentality to flaunt a brand-new side over the six tracks that he penned and co-produced.

On the genre-bending opening track “ROCKSTA,” he unabashedly declares: You can’t handle this. On “SUPERIORITY,” “MICTEST,” and “CRIMINAL,” he implores listeners to accept themselves for who they are — all while fittingly paying homage to his Bisaya roots. “DRINKSMOKE” and “STRAYDOGS” unapologetically delve into minding one’s own business. If anything, the EP as a whole, is a journey to the psyche of the artist.

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In this Behind the Music feature, the recently named Wish Breakthrough Artist of the Year breaks down his influences, the concept behind the EP, and more.

You’ve become a household name as part of the P-pop act SB19. As FELIP, the soloist, who are the influences behind your music?

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I’ve been listening to a lot of hip-hop/rap, R&B, drill, and Jersey Club music from artists like Post Malone, Lil Uzi Vert, Travis Scott, and so much more. These artists have inspired me so much to just create music.

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https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX4sqNyKH13qY

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWUgX5cUT0GbU

You recently dropped your debut EP, “COM•PLEX.” How was the process of creating the EP? How does the experience differ compared to when you’re working with other SB19 members?

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It was a difficult process, considering that I was on tour with SB19 when I wrote the songs.

With the group, we have roles to fulfill. However, as a solo artist, I am very hands-on with almost everything about my release, which makes it even more difficult but fulfilling as well.

What’s the story behind the EP — music- and lyrics-wise? What were your inspirations when you were creating the tracks for it?

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“COM•PLEX” is about embracing our own complexities as humans because these make us unique.

Most songs are also complex in terms of sound and character. There are songs that acknowledge the negativities in our minds, and there are songs that inspire us to be superior to our weaknesses.

Do you have a favorite track from the record? What is it and why?

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I guess my favorite track is “MICTEST.” Other than it being in Bisaya, it is also a type of sound that we experimented with [to see] if my voice would fit the Jersey Club genre, too. It’s such a hype-me-up song that I would listen to it every day.

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What’s one realization that hit you when you started making and releasing solo projects? What’s the most challenging part?

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For me, completing this EP is an achievement in itself already. Time was very crucial as we were on tour as SB19 when I was working on this.

From your first-ever release “Palayo” to “Bulan” to “ROCKSTA,” your solo tracks have always been paired with striking and well-thought-of music videos. How hands-on are you when it comes to the “branding” of your music? Do you consider these visual accompaniments critical in your goal of telling your story as a solo musician?

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I would usually have a difficult time explaining the ideas I have in my head, but I’m lucky to be surrounded by professionals who help me interpret my thoughts, concepts, and ideas, [and bring them] to life.

My team and I make sure that these visuals are consistent with my personal brand but different and specific to a song or an era.

What’s next for FELIP after “COM•PLEX”?

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I’m still not sure what’s there for me as a solo artist. For now, I just enjoy creating music that I like.

Your 2023 is certainly off to a strong start as you were also named the Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 8th Wish Music Awards. How does it feel to gain recognition for your solo efforts?

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It’s such an honor to be recognized for my hard work. I know there are more deserving artists out there and other artists also who also are extremely talented.

What is your message to A’TIN and your supporters? If there’s a “COM•PLEX” track or SB19 song you can dedicate to them, what would it be and why?

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A’TIN and mga sisiw, maraming salamat sa walang-sawang suporta niyo sa akin at sa amin as SB19. “COM•PLEX” and its songs are really about embracing your flaws and complexities.

In “ROCKSTA,” my favorite line goes “Roar! Rise! Pick it up! You gotta! Mic! Mic! Hold it tight! You better!”

Being a ROCKSTA is a mentality, so go grab that mic and never let go of what you are passionate about and your talents!

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What’s your biggest win as an artist so far?

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So far, being able to complete this EP is one of my biggest wins. And being able to do this with A’TIN by my side means so much more to me. Being able to produce and create songs that resonate with them means everything to me as an artist.

Watch FELIP as he showcases his complex side in these Wishclusive performances:

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READ NEXT: SB19 on Setting the Bar High for ‘P Pop,’ the Songs that Influenced their Sound

Written by Emmy Borromeo

Editing and design by Pauline Bolaños, Kathleen Manalo, and Grae Joquico

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