Pette Shabu releases debut album ‘SPRAK’
The experimental hip hop record by the Filipino rapper is boldly creative & singularly exciting
Filipino artist Pette Shabu has unveiled her first full-length album, ‘SPRAK’—an underground, experimental rap project that defies conventions.
While rooted in rap and hip hop, ‘SPRAK’ also blends influences from punk, rave, metal, trip hop, electro, techno, and hard dance.
The result is an exhilarating 13-track journey that seamlessly fuses these genres into a cohesive yet unpredictable listening experience.
The album draws heavily from Pette's love for '90s music and its spirit of experimentation, with inspirations ranging from The Prodigy and No Doubt to Slint and Madonna. It also channels the raw energy of current cutting-edge artists like JPEGMAFIA and Death Grips, infused with Pette's Filipino and queer identity for a bold, unique sound.
Pette’s lyrics shift between English, Tagalog, and Taglish, using clever metaphors, analogies, puns, and wordplay to explore themes rooted in Filipino culture, queer experiences, and political and pop references.
The tracklist opens with gritty, metal-inspired sounds, steeped in tension and punk elements. These early tracks delve into emotions like shame and guilt, often tied to self-discovery.
Read this next: Modern house meets Indigenous Filipino sound on ‘Kalibutan’
As the album unfolds, it transitions into more fluid and adventurous tones, reflecting Pette’s core identity and perspectives on femininity and queerness.
Read this next: DJ Love's debut album celebrates Filipino culture & the evolution of Budots
Every idea in ‘SPRAK’ feels daring and meticulously executed. Nothing here is conventional or predictable. For those looking for an entry point, ‘COA’ is the album's most playful and accessible track, but it quickly ventures into uncharted territory with each subsequent song offering a distinct identity and sound.
Reflecting on the project, Pette shared: "This album emerged from navigating contradictions, feeling deeply connected to the world while maintaining pragmatism—swaying between extremes, confused yet cautious. All these elements contribute to conveying diverse messages through my lens as a woman with trans experience. It's a perspective that's both complex and imaginative, channelling the powerful emotions of queer rage and angst born from personal struggles."
Listen to Pette Shabu’s ‘SPRAK’ here.
Henry Cooper is a Writer at Mixmag Asia. Follow him on Instagram.
Cut through the noise—sign up for our weekly Scene Report or follow us on Instagram to get the latest from Asia and the Asian diaspora!
