Inside Hev Abi’s Songwriting, and How His Melodies Flow Like Water

Quezon City’s Hev Abi has made a career out of making the everyday sound anthemic. The proud Tomas Morato rapper, whose hooks have become street staples, continues to build his legacy as one of the most consistent voices in Filipino hip-hop. “Sige akin na ‘to lahat,” he jokes in his episode of Rolling Stone Philippines’ Greatest Hits, half in jest but all conviction, a nod to his hometown pride and the playful braggadocio that drives his work.

Hev has built a steady catalog with hits like “Para Sa Streets,” “Walang Makapa,” and “Antagonista,” records that capture both soul and groove. In his Greatest Hits appearance, he walks viewers through the simple yet clever tricks that make his melodies stick. 

“Actually tricks ko ‘yun,” he tells Rolling Stone Phillippines. “Pag gumagawa ako ng hook, tinatry ko habaan ‘yong mga words para mag mukha siyang tunog alon.” His approach mirrors how his music feels: undulating, rhythmic, and hypnotic.

Never Force It

For Hev, songwriting is more gut feeling than structure. He admits during the interview that he doesn’t overthink lyrics or concepts. “Pag gumagawa kami ng kanta, as much as possible gawin natin yung best,” he says. “Alam mo yung pag gumawa ka ng kanta, ‘di mo iniisip ‘yong words, talagang pumapasok siya.” Most of his ideas come from raw, spontaneous bursts, often recorded as mumbled melodies in the early hours of the morning before they become fully formed songs.

That unfiltered process gives his work its charm. On tracks like “WELCOME2DTQ,” he weaves observation and authenticity with an effortless bounce. Hev says the current state of Filipino hip-hop keeps him inspired. “Ang init ng hip-hop sa panahon yun,” he says. “Ang dami kong nakikitang rappers na nanggagaling sa iba’t ibang city, nakakatuwa at nakaka-inspire.”

Hev represents Tomas Morato as a state of mind. Tomas Morato, to him, gives him a sense of belonging and ambition that defines his sound. Whether he’s experimenting with melody or freestyling his way into another hit, his vision remains rooted in community and craft. Hev’s story, like his songs, thrives on instinct and honesty, two things that can’t be manufactured.

“Karamihan yung mga kanta na pupunta sa ganon,” he says, “‘E yung mga klaseng kanta na hindi pinilipit yung artist.”

You can watch Hev Abi’s episode of Greatest Hits now exclusively on our YouTube channel.