MANILA, Philippines—SB19’s resident rapper Felip Jhon Suson recently dropped a short yet intense track “ROCKSTA”, but the multihyphenate refuses to stop at just one release.
Following the release of “ROCKSTA”, he also released his debut EP, “COM • PLEX,” as FELIP under Warner Music Philippines, to show off his versatility as a solo artist. With his EP, he takes his listeners on a trip inside his deepest thoughts and mentality, as well as how he has grown as an artist.
FELIP performed all six tracks with a full band set at a private listening party hosted by Warner Music, which definitely blew the minds of guests, including chosen media outlets and friends in the music scene. Throughout the album, he presents an interesting story, with songs written in both English and Cebuano.
He kicks his set off with “ROCKSTA,” a fitting prologue for the EP with its heavy instrumentation and FELIP’s deep vocals. “SUPERIORITY” is a track inspired by Kuroko no Basket’s Daiki Aomine- a Japanese anime character whose notable trait revolves around self-improvement. “MICTEST”, arguably his favorite track on the EP, is a Cebuano hype-me-up song inspired by Jersey Club music in the US. “DRINKSMOKE” and “CRIMINAL” are melancholic tracks that tell a story about one’s low point and how to bounce back through self-acceptance. Finally, “STRAYDOGS” leaves a strong, concluding message- don’t be affected by what people throw at you.
Image courtesy Warner Music Philippines
FELIP took the time to share stories about the EP and cheerfully answered press questions. He praised everyone from his labelmate JRLDM to hip-hop luminaries Lil Uzi Vert and Travis Scott to heavy metal titans Slipknot and Metallica for helping him develop his style.
At the end of the listening party, FELIP showed his unending appreciation to his supportive fans and friends. “As artists, sometimes we are filtered to express our thoughts. This EP is a way for me to send a message, and express my feelings.”
He also announced a series of activities to promote the EP- which includes a radio tour in Cebu, a live showcase in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and a new music video for “STRAYDOGS” coming out on February 10. With the EP now out, FELIP hopes the listeners will keep doing their own thing and embrace the complexities of life.
Image courtesy Warner Music Philippines
Listen to “COM • PLEX,” through this link and to stay updated follow FELIP in his social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok and watch the Official “ROCKSTA” MV below.