Josh Cullen on ‘Pakiusap Lang’: ‘It’s a love song about hope’

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Following his debut solo release in February, Josh Cullen is back with a new single titled “Pakiusap Lang.”

If the EDM-hip-hop track “Wild Tonight” saw SB19’s lead rapper and sub-vocalist let loose and “embrace his wild side,” his sophomore offering brings his emotional persona to light.

According to a press release, the song is “all about the struggles of maintaining a relationship when you can’t be with your partner all the time due to work or other struggles going on in life.”

Although he’s caught up in personal battles, the narrator in “Pakiusap Lang” offers reassurance to his object of affection: “Bawat balakid tatahakin/para balang araw ang nais mapapasa’tin/Kumapit ka sa akin/ating buuin ang mga sandaling nawala,” Josh raps in one of the verses.

When he boarded the Wish 107.5 Bus on April 27, he described the track as “a love song about hope.”

“Parang sinasabi ko sa tao na, ‘Please, kumapit ka at ako nang bahala’ (It’s like telling the other person, ‘Please hold on and let me handle it’),” he explained.

Sonically, the honest yet simple single features trap-infused beats and verses that serve as a nod to the melodic-rap style of Filipino hip-hop.

Josh wrote the lyrics with the help of his cousin, Ocho the Bullet, and his friends. Ocho the Bullet previously enlisted him for the remix version of “Sofa.” The two musicians also co-produced “Pakiusap Lang.”

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On working with SB19 and as a soloist

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Josh, the eldest among the gents of P-pop powerhouse SB19, is the newest member to embark on a solo career.

In January last year, leader Pablo unleashed “La Luna,” while Ken, who goes by the name FELIP for his solo endeavors, unveiled “Palayo” in late 2021.

In an interview with Billboard, Josh stated that with his solo debut, he “wanted to make sure that my fans get a glimpse of all sides of myself.”

“I wanted to showcase everything — from my music to dance, rap to singing, creativity, choreography, and every little detail to be at its fullest potential,” he added.

During his recent Wish Bus gig, he also talked about the difference between working with his group and as a solo act.

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“…[I]n SB19, I’m a team player… syempre I should listen to everyone. Parang, meeting halfway kaming lahat. Pero in terms of my own craft, ginagawa ko siya nang ako lahat ang nag-de-decide. Kung ano ‘yung flavor na gusto kong ilabas, gagawin ko. Masasabi ko na nasa own pacing talaga ako ‘pag si Josh Cullen lang.”

(Of course, I should listen to everyone. It’s like we’re all meeting halfway. But in terms of my own craft, I do it with me deciding on everything. Whatever flavor I want to release, I’ll do it. I can say that I’m on my own pacing if I’m just Josh Cullen.)

There’s more to come

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Josh has so far released two solo singles, and during his recent Wish Bus guesting, he teased that it’s only the introductory era of his music.

During his “Fangmeet” at Venice Piazza, Taguig on April 22, he performed an unreleased song, giving a glimpse of what his fans, dearly called BBQs, can expect from him.

In an Instagram post, he also expressed his appreciation for his supporters who attended the show: “I’m beyond grateful for all the love and support that was shown to me. You guys made this day extra special and unforgettable.”

Josh and the rest of SB19 are also slated to drop a brand-new EP titled “PAGTATAG!” in June. In promotion of this project, they will hold a world tour, kicking it off with a two-night show at the Araneta Coliseum on June 24 and 25.

⚠️ PAGTATAG! World Tour: MANILA

📅June 24 – 7 p.m. | June 25 – 6 p.m.
📍Araneta Coliseum

Tickets available starting May 21 (Sunday), 12 noon via https://t.co/heMQPdp9Fd and Ticketnet outlets nationwide.#SB19 #PAGTATAG #SB19PAGTATAG #PAGTATAGWorldTour #PAGTATAGWorldTourManila https://t.co/8R6KWJ4wo1

— KDR Music House (@KDRMusicHouse) May 1, 2023

Watch Josh Cullen as he performs “Wild Tonight” aboard the Wish 107.5 Bus:

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Check out the official music video of “Pakiusap Lang,” starring labelmates and KAIA members Angela and Charice, below:

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READ NEXT: Behind the Music: FELIP

Written by Emmy Borromeo

Editing by Pauline Bolaños