From the South Bronx and the inner cities of New York, hip-hop is one of most powerful cultural movements to influence Filipino youths on the streets of Metro Manila and around The Philippines. Started in the late 70s, many Filipino youths got into rap, djing, breakdancing or graffiti mainly because of the strong US influence on The Philippines and the presence of US military bases. The Philippines has one of the oldest and most active hip-hop scenes in Asia. It is also one of the most established in the region and its history is older compared to neighbouring Asia countries. Metro Manila itself is a centre of hip-hop culture in Asia.
Pinoy hip-hop has strong influence from American jazz, disco, soul, funk and blues. It is also influenced by both east coast and west coast hip-hop. But Pinoy hip-hop developed to a unique style by adding Filipino cultural elements, rapping about local subject matters or the use of the Tagalog language and other Philippine dialects.
PINOYRAP.COM was created back in the mid 90s to introduce Filipino hip-hop worldwide and to promote rap acts around the country. And what better way to do it is to have it done in English, a universal language and understood by many. Originally started by Ill Creator (now webmasta) and Dj. Kive, the site has been a one-stop portal and features info on rap acts around The Philippines and abroad, a interactive forum, news on what is going on The Filipino hip-hop scene and an online store where you can purchase local rap CDs, vinyls and more.
Know more about Filipno hip-hop by visiting our site @
Featured track: "Let The Beat Flow" by Bass Rhyme Posse. Recorded in 1991, this is a fresh sample of pure old school Pinoy rap music.