Filipino rapper Abra made a bold return to the hip-hop world with his latest single “Mais,” targeting prominent figures in the hip-hop industry. This release, written like a diss track, comes a week after his comeback single “Kontrol,” marking his first new material in seven years since Hendrix EP in 2018.
A diss track is a long-standing tradition in rap involving artists trading sharp and incriminating lyrical blows, typically in a 16-bar format. Recently, diss tracks have re-entered mainstream consciousness, partly due to Kendrick Lamar’s explosive anthem “Not Like Us,” which took aim at Canadian rapper Drake by accusing him of pedophilia and cultural appropriation.
For decades, diss tracks have been a staple in the Philippine hip-hop scene. Notable examples include Fliptop Battle rapper Apekz’s “Makabaho,” which called out rapper-vlogger Makagago’s clout-chasing antics; trap heavy CLR points at JAWTEE, part of the group Salbakuta, and his oldhead habits in “Cain,” while Loonie’s ruthless takedown of veteran rapper Badang in “Isang Bara Ka Lang.” Abra’s “Mais” now joins this storied local tradition, adding a fresh chapter to the country’s diss track legacy.
However, the track has sparked mixed reactions among listeners a day after its release. On one hand, long-time Abra fans praised the rapper for his boldness for calling out EZ Mil, Abra raps “Nakita ko EZ sa MV ni Emi, hindi man lang ako na-inggit / Sa katunayan nga, n’ong unang nood / ‘Yong naka-braids, man, akala ko chick.” He also weaves double entendres about K-Pop, saying, “Carbon copy ng K-pop, fake fuck / Nagpaparinig pa sa nananahimik, say what? / Dapat diyan pinapakitaan ng tunay rap, ASAP / Ang lakas mag-angas nitong bagitong nakamake-up.” Loyal fans of the boy group SB19 believe “Mais” is a direct attack towards Josh Cullen, member of the famous boygroup, who won the Hiphop Song of the Year with “GET RIGHT” at the 10th Wish Music Awards.
On the other hand, some have criticized the timing and intent behind the release. Abra’s return after a prolonged absence from the music industry is adding more fuel to the fire as the traction for the single grows, making it all the more intriguing on who he is targeting specifically.
