Felip (musician) explained

Felip
Other Names:Ken
Birth Name:Felip Jhon Suson
Birth Date:12 January 1997
Birth Place:Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines
Alma Mater:Technological Institute of the Philippines
Years Active:2018–present
Module:
Embed:yes
Instruments:Vocals
Current Member Of:SB19

Felip Jhon Suson (born January 12, 1997), known mononymously as Felip (stylized in all caps) or by stage name Ken, is a Filipino singer-songwriter, rapper, dancer, and producer. He is the main dancer, lead rapper, and lead vocalist of the Filipino boy band SB19. The group debuted in October 2018. They initially struggled to gain attention from the public before rising to fame after their song went viral the next year. Their discography includes the album Get in the Zone (2020) and two extended plays (EPs). Felip has a wide vocal range and is known for his distinctive deep voice.

Felip started going by his mononym for his solo projects starting from the release of his debut solo single "Palayo" in 2021. He released another single titled "Bulan" in 2022 before releasing his debut solo EP Complex in 2023. The latter two works are hip hop-orientated, in contrast with "Palayo", a slow R&B track.

Early life and education

Felip Jhon Suson was born on January 12, 1997, in Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur. He has bisdák (Cebuano) and Ilocano roots. He was raised by his grandparents in Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur. Felip's father and grandfather are pastors, and their love for gospel music inspired his own passion for music. The influence of his uncle, who plays many musical instruments, led him to learn how to play several instruments early in life.[1] [2] He started dancing when he needed to for a school project. Felip attended Cagayan de Oro College and studied architecture before his musical career began. After joining the band, he transferred to the Technological Institute of the Philippines.[3] [4]

Career

2018–present: SB19

See main article: article and SB19.

ShowBT Philippines, a subsidiary of Korean company ShowBT, conducted a talent search which would ultimately lead to the formation of the band SB19.[5] Two weeks after Felip sent his video audition, he was invited to train in Manila. He dropped out of school and left his hometown, which his parents initially disapproved of. "It was a difficult decision", he later told the South China Morning Post, "but I had to do it because dancing is what I really love".

The five members of SB19 were selected in 2016, having undergone grueling daily training at a training camp. Their act largely took inspiration from K-pop. Felip debuted as Ken, the band's main dancer, lead vocalist, and rapper, in October 2018. That year, SB19 released their debut single, "Tilaluha", followed by "Go Up". SB19's leader, Sejun (now Pablo), said that the band had begun to grow disheartened after training so long, but receiving little attention. The group had already considered to disband, but their dance practice video for their song, "Go Up", went viral in 2019, leading Sejun to call it their "redemption song". SB19 released a third single, "Alab (Burning)", before their debut studio album Get in the Zone came out on July 31, 2020. Containing their previous three singles, Get in the Zone was highly anticipated by their newly developed fanbase, which was dubbed A'TIN (pronounced 'eighteen').[6] The Philippine Daily Inquirer later wrote that SB19 became the leaders of the Pinoy pop (P-pop) industry.

20212022: Solo singles

In April 2021, SB19 became the first Filipino act to be nominated for a Billboard Music Award when they became a contender for the fan-voted category Top Social Artist. Around the same time, Felip was visiting his hometown after his grandmother died. On July 22, 2021, the band released their first extended play (EP) Pagsibol .[7] SB19 began August with the online concert Back in the Zone. During the concert, Felip debuted the original song "Palayo" in a solo performance. His outfit, a red lace top paired with high-rise pants, drew attention on social media.[8]

In August, Felip featured on a remix of Filipino rapper Matthaios's song "Pangga" .[9] On September 18, Felip officially released "Palayo" as his debut solo single, alongside the music video. He wrote and composed the slow R&B tracka departure from SB19's energetic pop styleabout someone walking away from a relationship, with lyrics in Cebuano, Filipino, and English. Using the mononym Felip for his solo projects, Felip was the first SB19 member to start a solo career.[10] [11] His fans were dubbed sisiws .[12] On November 26, Felip launched his clothing line Superior Son, which promptly sold out.[13]

On May 28, 2022, Felip released the single "Bulan", along with the music video. The song was written by Felip, who composed the melody, and described by GMA News' Shia Lagarde as having a "more experimental and aggressive sound", influenced by rock and hip-hop, than "Palayo".[14] Both the song and the music video were inspired by Philippine mythology;[15] [16] he used the story of Bulan, Haliya, and the Bakunawa as a metaphor for crab mentality. The single's melody and chants were inspired by indigenous ritual music. In November 2022, Felip was named "Breakthrough Artist of the Year" at the 8th Wish 107.5 Music Awards.

2023: Complex and Pagtatag!

Felip began his production for his debut solo EP while he was on the WYAT (Where You At) Tour, SB19's first world tour, in late 2022;[17] he wrote some of the lyrics during flights.[18] Felip released the lead single "Rocksta" on January 19, 2023, along with its black-and-white music video.[19] On February 3, his debut EP Complex was released under Warner Music Philippines. A six-track hip-hop record, it has a heavy composition and takes inspiration from hip-hop and rock. Felip described Complex as "a play on the many meanings of the word complex" and more confident and musically experimental. It has lyrics in English and Cebuano. Journalists described the EP as autobiographical and unapologetic.[20] [21] On February 10, he released the music video for the EP's closing song "Straydogs", which was filmed in Japan.[22] Felip later did live performances of the EP's songs called "Superior Sessions Live".[23]

On May 19, SB19 released "Gento",[24] the lead single off their second EP Pagtatag! .[25] The song was a commercial success,[26] while its popularity on TikTok helped introduce SB19 to viewers in other countries, such as the United States.[27] [28] Pagtatag! was released on June 9.[29] That month, SB19 became self-managed after they established the company 1Z Entertainment.[30] In September, Felip performed at Music Matters Live 2023 in Singapore, marking his first solo performance at an international music festival.[31] He then did a solo show in Clarke Quay.[32]

Artistry

Influences

Ken is a fan of metal and rock bands such as IV of Spades, Slipknot, Korn, Metallica, FM Static, Sleeping with Sirens, and Paramore. He also likes hip-hop bands and, due to his religious upbringing, gospel bands. Ken's inspirations for "Bulan" included Post Malone, Lay Zhang, One Ok Rock and Jaden Smith.[33] He was influenced by hip-hop artists such as Al James, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Post Malone, Kid Cudi, and Lil Uzi Vert in Complex. His favorite K-pop artist is BTS member RM. His also fan of RnB music and singer Daniel Caesar.

Musical style

Each member of SB19 has a different taste in music, so they do a mix of their respective styles in their songs. He considers his solo work a way to explore genres of music other than his band's P-pop, saying that his songs as Felip are more experimental. His deep bass voice, once a point of insecurity for him, now features heavily in both SB19's music and his solo projects. However, he has a wide vocal range, and can do falsetto. He considers his genre to be "hip-hop metal rock", and has also been influenced by R&B. After the release of Complex, HipHopDX Asia's MC Galang wrote that there was "no set precedent" for pop stars in the Philippine music industry successfully crossing over to another genre, like Felip has.

Felip, who speaks Cebuano, Filipino, and English, chose to highlight the Cebuano language in Complex, because Cebuano-language rap and artists have received less attention in the Philippines.

Public image

Filipino magazines such as Nylon Manila have highlighted Felip's "experimental" fashion choices, writing that he blends menswear and womenswear together.[34] [35] [36] [37] He has been described as the most reserved member of SB19.[38] NME Tanu I. Raj, after interviewing the band, wrote that "Ken remains the tempered, silent pillar throughout, speaking only when the others prod him to, and only after glancing at them from the corner of his eye."

Discography

See main article: SB19 discography and List of songs recorded by SB19.

Album

List of albums with selected details!Title!Album Details
7sins

Track Listing:

  1. Foes
  2. Envy
  3. Wrath
  4. Greed
  5. Pride
  6. Gluttony (feat. PLAYERTWO)
  7. Lust (feat. Cyra Gwynth)
  8. Sloth
  9. Ache

Extended plays

Title! scope="col" style="width:18em;"
Album Details
Complex
  • Released: February 3, 2023
(PH)

As a lead artist

TitleYearAlbum
"Palayo"2021[39]
"Bulan"2022[40]
"Rocksta"2023Complex[41]
"Straydogs"[42]
"Fake Faces"2024

As featured artist

TitleYearAlbum
"Pangga (Remix)"
2021
"Flyyy"
2024rowspan="2"
"Pagdali"

Videography

See also: SB19 videography.

Music videos

YearTitleDirector(s)
2021"Palayo"[43]
2022"Bulan"[44]
2023"Rocksta"[45]
"Straydogs"[46]
"Kanako"[47]
2024"Fake Faces"Creative Director: FELIPMusic Composer: Hyuk Shin[48]

Live performances

See main article: List of SB19 live performances.

Concerts

Joint Concerts

EventDateVenueLocationCollaboration With
Aquatic BeatsApril 1, 2023Aqua PlanetMabalacatMC Einstein·Quest[49]
PPOPCONJuly 16, 2023Araneta ColiseumQuezon CitySB19·Alamat·BINI·Josh Cullen[50]
Winter CarnivalDecember 23, 2023P7 ArenaDubaiBandang Lapis·Alamat[51]

Showcases

TitleDateVenueLocation
Complex ShowcaseFebruary 5, 2023Ayala Malls Manila BayParañaque[52]
Complex Friday March 24, 2023URBN QCQuezon City[53]
Superior Sessions Live April 14, 2023Social House Bar and RestaurantMakati[54]
Complex ShowcaseApril 16, 2023MarQuee MallAngeles[55]
Complex Live in SingaporeSeptember 13, 2023Clarke QuaySingapore[56]
A Not So Silent Night: Felip Live in Abu DhabiDecember 24, 2023Villaggio HotelAbu Dhabi[57]
FelipJanuary 16, 202412 Monkeys Music Hall & PubPasig[58]

Music Festivals

EventDateVenueLocationOrganizer(s)
We Play HereApril 27, 2023SM Aura Samsung HallTaguigWarner Music Philippines[60]
Music Matters LiveSeptember 12, 2023
  • Scape The Ground Theatre
SingaporeBranded Pte Ltd.[61]

Performances on Award Shows and Specials

EventDateVenueLocationPerformed Song(s)
Miss Zamboanga del Sur September 16, 2023Mega GymnasiumPagadian"Criminal" • "I Want You"[62]
A Holiday Trail: Tree Lighting CeremonyNovember 8, 2023Ayala Malls GloriettaMakati"Rocksta" • "Palayo" • "Moving Closer" • "Criminal"[63]
Asia-Pacific Predator LeagueJanuary 13, 2024SM Mall of Asia ArenaPasay"Rocksta" • "Criminal" • "Drinksmoke"[64]
Lucky Chinatown's Countdown to Chinese New Year 2024 February 9, 2024Lucky Chinatown MallManila"Rocksta" • "Superiority" • "Drinksmoke" • "Criminal" • "Straydogs" • "Mictest"[65]
Rhythms of the HeartFebruary 11, 2024Ayala Malls TrinomaQuezon City"Rocksta" • "Criminal" • "Drinksmoke" • "Moving Closer" • "Pagdali" • "Flyyy" • "Palayo" [66]

Awards and nominations

See main article: List of awards and nominations received by SB19.

Award ceremony! width="15%"
YearCategoryNominee(s)/work(s)Result
Channel R Radio Music Awards - Seattle, USA2023Best New Artist Himself[67]
Awit Awards2023Best Instrumental Recording"Bulan"[68]
Record of the Year
Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist
Best Rock Metal Recording
Music Video of the Year
Best Cover Art
Best Musical Arrangement
People's Voice Favorite Song
People's Voice Favorite Breakthrough ArtistHimself
People's Voice Favorite Male Artist
PPOP Awards2023Top Performing Artist of the YearHimself[69] [70]
Wish Music Awards2023Breakthrough Artist of the YearHimself[71]
Wisher's Choice Award
Wishclusive R&B Performance of the Year"Palayo"
2024Wishclusive Hip-hop Performance of the Year"Rocksta"[72]

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pagulong . Charmie Joy . May 12, 2023 . Ken of SB19 shows own music style as Felip . October 1, 2023 . The Philippine Star.
  2. News: Mallorca . Hannah . 2023-02-10 . Felip, or SB19's Ken, is out to change the P-pop genre for the long haul . 2023-09-30 . . en.
  3. Web site: Tuazon . Nikko . 2 February 2020 . SB19: The future of P-pop is here . September 30, 2020 . Philippine Entertainment Portal.
  4. Web site: Vila . Alixandra Caole . March 15, 2020 . The phenomenal rise of SB19, Philippine answer to K-pop groups, who beat the odds to become home-grown idols . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200315070750/https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3075058/phenomenal-rise-sb19-philippine-answer-k-pop-groups-who . March 15, 2020 . October 6, 2020 . . en.
  5. Web site: Raj . Tanu I. . 2021-08-02 . SB19: P-pop leading lights determined to do their fans proud and "live with a purpose" . 2023-09-30 . . en.
  6. Web site: Panaligan . Jojo . July 31, 2020 . This is the day: SB19 finally drops debut album 'Get in the Zone' . 2023-09-30 . . en.
  7. Web site: Singh . Surej . 2021-07-22 . Listen to SB19's highly anticipated six-track EP 'Pagsibol' . 2023-09-30 . . en.
  8. Web site: Bodegon-Hikino . Kara . 2021-08-02 . SB19 take fans BACK IN THE ZONE with second major online concert – gig report . 2023-09-30 . Bandwagon . en.
  9. Web site: Idris . A. Azim . 2021-09-20 . Ken of SB19 debuts as FELIP with slick music video for solo single 'Palayo' . 2023-10-01 . . en.
  10. Web site: Malig . Kaela . 2021-09-18 . SB19's Ken marks solo debut with 'Palayo' MV . 2023-09-30 . . en.
  11. Web site: Galang . MC . 2021-09-21 . SB19's Ken Marks Solo Debut As FELIP With 'Palayo' . 2023-09-30 . . en.
  12. Web site: Galang . MC . 2023-02-02 . FELIP's Thunderous Arrival: Meet Rap's New Rockstar . 2023-10-01 . . en.
  13. News: Robles . RenzNeil . November 27, 2021 . Superior Son: Ken Suson's new clothing line sold-out after launch . Village Pipol . September 30, 2023.
  14. News: Lagarde . Shai . May 28, 2022 . SB19's Ken drops solo comeback as Felip with 'Bulan' . . October 1, 2023.
  15. Web site: Singh . Surej . 2022-05-30 . SB19's Ken shines a spotlight on Filipino mythology in video for new FELIP single 'Bulan' . 2023-10-01 . . en.
  16. Web site: Guanzon . Sofia . 2022-05-26 . FELIP Spotlights Filipino Lore In Comeback Single 'Bulan' . 2023-10-01 . . en.
  17. Web site: September 5, 2022 . LOOK: SB19 Announces WYAT World Tour Dates . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230615103344/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/sb19-announces-where-you-at-world-tour-dates/ . June 15, 2023 . June 15, 2023 . . en-PH.
  18. Web site: De Cartagena . Angelo . 2023-02-02 . Loud And Clear: A Rocksta Of His Creation, Felip Is Out To Make Some Noise . 2023-10-01 . . en-US.
  19. Web site: Ordonez . Eli . 2023-01-20 . SB19's Felip shares edgy video for new single 'Rocksta' off 'Complex' EP . 2023-10-01 . . en.
  20. Web site: Felip debuts six-track EP 'Com-plex' under Warner Music Philippines . 2023-09-18 . . en.
  21. Web site: SoundStrip . 2023-01-19 . Ken Suson of SB19 releases solo music project as FELIP . 2023-10-01 . . en-US.
  22. Web site: Galang . MC . 2023-02-10 . FELIP Roams The Streets Of Japan In 'COM•PLEX' EP Standout Cut, 'Straydogs'—Editor's Pick . 2023-10-01 . . en.
  23. Web site: Galang . MC . 2023-04-12 . FELIP Premieres 'Superior Sessions Live' Performance Of 'ROCKSTA' . 2023-10-01 . . en.
  24. Web site: Basbas . Franchesca Judine . May 19, 2023 . SB19 Find Gold in New Single 'Gento' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230614152214/https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/sb19-find-gold-in-new-single-gento-music-video-patatag-ep-release-comeback-sony-music-philippines-may-2023 . June 14, 2023 . June 14, 2023 . Bandwagon . en-PH.
  25. Web site: May 10, 2023 . SB19 to Release New Single 'Gento' This May . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230615112052/https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/sb19-to-release-new-single-gento-pagtatag-comeback-album-sony-music-showbt-p-pop-philippines-may-2023 . June 15, 2023 . June 15, 2023 . Bandwagon . en-PH.
  26. News: Policarpio . Allan . July 18, 2023 . Stell on SB19's 'Nerve-wracking' Leap to Self-manage Career: If Not Now, When? . en-PH . . live . August 5, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230805155538/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/509649/stell-on-sb19s-nerve-wracking-leap-to-self-manage-career-if-not-now-when . August 5, 2023.
  27. Web site: Bautista . Rafael . May 31, 2023 . SB19's 'Gento' Is Taking over TikTok—as It Should . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230531090910/https://nylonmanila.com/sb19s-gento-is-taking-over-tiktok/ . May 31, 2023 . August 5, 2023 . . en-PH.
  28. Violata . Annalyn . July 2, 2023 . Trending Ngayon: SB19's 'Gento', Taylor Swift's the Eras Tour, Team Australia's 59 Medals at Special Olympics . . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230805162144/https://www.sbs.com.au/language/filipino/en/podcast-episode/trending-ngayon-sb19s-gento-taylor-swifts-the-eras-tour-team-australias-59-medals-at-special-olympics/b9tpie2nt . August 5, 2023 . August 5, 2023 . tl . SBS Filipino . 1:35 . Trending ang 'Gento' dance challenge sa TikTok, hindi lamang para sa mga kapwang Pinoy at Pilipino celebrity, ganon din sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo. Alam niyo ba na umabot na ito sa Amerika at iba’t ibang bahagi ng Asya at maging sa Aprika? . The 'Gento' dance challenge is trending on TikTok, not only for fellow Filipinos and Filipino celebrities but also in different parts of the world. Did you know it has reached America, parts of Asia, and even Africa?.
  29. Web site: Cruz . Jashley Ann . June 13, 2023 . How SB19 ushered in a new era of music during 'PAGTATAG!' launch . 2023-09-30 . . en.
  30. Web site: Cruz . Jashley Ann . June 13, 2023 . SB19 unveils 1Z Entertainment's plans for the future . 2023-10-01 . . en.
  31. Web site: Bautista . Rafael . 2023-09-20 . Peek Into FELIP's "Complex, Crazy, Blessed" 2023, So Far . 2023-10-01 . . en-US.
  32. Web site: Judine Basbas . Franchesca . 2023-09-08 . SB19's FELIP to perform solo show in Singapore . 2023-10-01 . Bandwagon . en.
  33. Web site: June 1, 2022 . SB19's Ken, also known as Felip, shoots down copying allegations in 'Bulan' . October 1, 2023 . ABS-CBN News.
  34. Web site: Alumno . Lyn . 2021-08-17 . 8 Of Ken Suson's Most Bad-ass 'Fits That Prove He's A Style Icon in the Making . 2023-09-30 . . en-US.
  35. Web site: 2021-09-20 . In Palayo, Ken Suson Raps In Full Bisaya And Nails The Cropped Blazer Look . 2023-09-30 . . en-US.
  36. Web site: Estrebello . Fern . 2020-02-10 . SB19 Ken is defying gender norms — so let's stan him harder . 2023-09-30 . . en-US.
  37. Web site: Mallorca . Hannah . December 1, 2021 . From eye makeup to sparkly suits: How SB19 breaks gender barriers through fashion . 2023-09-30 . Philstar Life.
  38. Web site: Severo . Jan Milo . July 7, 2022 . SB19's Ken becomes first full-blooded Filipino to perform in Grammy's Global Spin . 2023-10-01 . The Philippine Star.
  39. Web site: September 18, 2021 . Palayo by Felip . September 18, 2021 . Felip . Apple Music.
  40. Web site: May 29, 2022 . Bulan by Felip . May 29, 2022 . Felip . Apple Music.
  41. Web site: Rocksta by Felip. January 19, 2023. Warner Music Philippines. Apple Music. January 19, 2023.
  42. Web site: Straydogs by Felip. January 19, 2023. Warner Music Philippines. Apple Music.
  43. Web site: Felip - 'Palayo' Official MV. September 18, 2021. Felip. YouTube. April 21, 2021.
  44. Web site: Felip - 'Bulan' Official MV. May 28, 2022. Felip. YouTube. May 26, 2022.
  45. Web site: Felip - 'Rocksta' Official Music Video. January 19, 2023. Felip. YouTube. January 19, 2023.
  46. Web site: Felip - 'Straydogs' Official Music Video. February 10, 2023. Felip. YouTube. February 10, 2023.
  47. Web site: FELIP - 'Kanako' Official Music Video. December 22, 2023 . Felipaccess-date=December 22, 2023.
  48. FELIP - 'Fake Faces' Official Music Video . 2024-04-05 . FELIP . 2024-05-17 . YouTube.
  49. Web site: Borromeo. Emily. Felip, Quest, and More Make a Splash in Aquatic Beats Concert. wish1075.com. April 9, 2023 . April 10, 2023.
  50. Web site: Llemit. Kathleen. In photos: Felip, Josh solos; SB19 closes PPopcon 2023 with a bang. philstar.com. July 20, 2023.
  51. Web site: SoundCloud Events. Winter Carnival is Here. twitter. December 19, 2023.
  52. Web site: Com·plex Showcase at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Ayala Malls Manila Bay. twitter.com. February 1, 2023.
  53. Web site: Complex Friday at Urbn QC. Warner Music PH. twitter.com. March 20, 2023.
  54. Web site: Superior Sessions Live. Warner Music PH. Twitter. April 4, 2023.
  55. Web site: Com·plex Showcase at MarQuee Mall. MarQuee Mall. twitter.com. April 15, 2023.
  56. Web site: Basbas. Franchesca Judine. SB19's Felip to perform solo show in Singapore. September 8, 2023 . Bandwagon Asia. September 11, 2023.
  57. Web site: SoundCloud Events. SB19's Felip to perform Christmas show in Abu Dhabi. twitter. December 22, 2023.
  58. Web site: Felip. Felip at 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub. twitter=access-date=January 5, 2024.
  59. Web site: Felip at Aegis Christmas Concert. twitter. CinemaBravo. December 20, 2023.
  60. Web site: Llemit. Kathleen. SB19's Ken headlines 'We Play Here' music fest. philstar.com. April 23, 2023.
  61. Web site: Music Matters Live 2023. branded.live.
  62. Web site: Felip. Felip at Miss Zamboanga del Sur. Twitter. September 10, 2023.
  63. Web site: Glorietta. A Holiday Trail: Tree Lighting Ceremony. Twitter. November 6, 2023.
  64. Web site: Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals tickets are now available at SM Tickets. Rappler. December 20, 2023 . December 20, 2023.
  65. Web site: Lucky Chinatown unveils 500-foot dragon to mark Binondo milestone for Chinese New Year. Manila Bulletin. February 7, 2024.
  66. Web site: FELIPxP2 in Rhythms Of The Heart. Ayala Malls. Twitter. February 12, 2024.
  67. Web site: Channel R Radio Awards 2023. 2023-12-17 . channelrradio.com. en.
  68. Web site: Awit Awards. List of Nominations at Awit Awards 2023. Facebook. September 10, 2023.
  69. Web site: Still the Kings: SB19, sweeps the 8th PPOP Awards 2023 by Jia Bote. Daily Tribune. December 2, 2023.
  70. Web site: Complete list of winners at the 8th PPOP Awards 2023 by Jonathan Hicap. Manila Bulletin . December 2, 2023.
  71. Web site: November 15, 2021 . 8th Wish Music Awards: The Official Nominees . November 23, 2022 . DWNU.
  72. Web site: January 14, 2024 . Full List Of Winners Of The 2024 Wish Music Awards . January 14, 2024. Billboard Philippines.