Felip
Felip in 2023
Born
Felip Jhon Suson

(1997-01-12) January 12, 1997
Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines
Other namesKen
Alma materTechnological Institute of the Philippines
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • rapper
  • dancer
  • producer
  • composer
  • entrepreneur
Years active2018–present
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentsVocals
Labels
Member ofSB19

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 and rapper. He is the main dancer, lead rapper, and 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 COM • PLEX 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,[1] in Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur.[2] He has bisdák (Cebuano) roots. Felip's father and grandfather are pastors, and Felip had a religious upbringing. He was raised by his grandparents in Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur , whose love for gospel music inspired his own passion for music. The influence of his uncle, who plays many instruments, led him to learn how to play instruments early in life.[3][4] He started dancing when he needed to for a school project.[5] 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.[1][2]

Career

2018–2021: SB19

ShowBT Philippines, a subsidiary of Korean company ShowBT, conducted a talent search which would ultimately lead to the formation of the band SB19.[6] 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".[2]

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.[2][6] Felip debuted as Ken, the band's main dancer, lead vocalist, and rapper, in October 2018.[4] That year, SB19 released their debut single, "Tilaluha" (lit. 'Tearful'), 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)",[2][6] 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').[7] The Philippine Daily Inquirer later wrote that SB19 became the leaders of the Pinoy pop (P-pop) industry.[4]

2021–2022: 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.[6] On July 22, 2021, the band released their first extended play (EP) Pagsibol (lit. 'Growth' or 'Sprouting').[8] SB19 began August with the online concert Back in the Zone. During the concert, Felip debuted the original song "Palayo" (lit. 'Away') in a solo performance. His outfit, a red lace top paired with high-rise pants, drew attention on social media.[9]

In August, Felip featured on a remix of Filipino rapper Matthaios' song "Pangga" (lit. 'Love').[10] On September 18, Felip officially released "Palayo" as his debut solo single, alongside the music video. He wrote and composed the slow R&B track—a departure from SB19's energetic pop style—about someone walking away from a relationship, with lyrics in Cebuano, Filipino, and English. Using the mononym Felip (stylized FELIP) for his solo projects, Felip was the first SB19 member to start a solo career.[11][12] His fans were dubbed sisiws (lit. 'Chicks').[13] On November 26, Felip launched his clothing line Superior Son, which promptly sold out.[14]

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".[15] Both the song and the music video were inspired by Philippine mythology;[16][17] he used the story of Bulan, Haliya, and the Bakunawa as a metaphor for crab mentality.[15] 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.[18]

2023: COM • PLEX 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;[4][19] he wrote some of the lyrics during flights.[20] Felip released the lead single "ROCKSTA" on January 19, 2023, along with its black-and-white music video.[21] On February 3, his debut EP COM • PLEX 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 COM • PLEX 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.[3][4][5][22] On February 10, he released the music video for the EP's closing song "STRAYDOGS", which was filmed in Japan.[23] Felip later did live performances of the EP's songs called "Superior Sessions Live".[24]

On May 19, SB19 released "Gento",[25] the lead single off their second EP Pagtatag! (lit. 'Establishment').[26] The song was a commercial success,[27] while its popularity on TikTok helped introduce SB19 to viewers in other countries, such as the United States.[28][29] Pagtatag! was released on June 9.[30] That month, SB19 became self-managed after they established the company 1Z Entertainment.[31] In September, Felip performed at Music Matters Live 2023 in Singapore, marking his first solo performance at an international music festival.[32] He then did a solo show in Clarke Quay.[33]

Artistry

Influences

Ken is a fan of metal and rock bands such as Slipknot, Korn, Metallica, FM Static, Sleeping with Sirens, and Paramore. He also likes hip-hop bands and, due to his religious upbringing, gospel bands.[3][13] Ken's inspirations for "Bulan" included Post Malone, Lay Zhang, One Ok Rock and Jaden Smith.[34] He was influenced by hip-hip artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Post Malone, Kid Cudi, and Lil Uzi Vert in COM • PLEX.[13] His favorite K-pop artist is BTS member RM.[1]

Musical style

Each member of SB19 has a different taste in music, so they do a mix of their respective styles in their songs.[3] He considers his solo work a way to explore genres of music other than his band's P-pop,[13] saying that his songs as Felip are more experimental.[4] His deep bass voice, once a point of insecurity for him, now features heavily in both SB19's music and his solo projects.[4][20] However, he has a wide vocal range,[5] and can do falsetto.[13] He considers his genre to be "hip-hop metal rock",[3] and has also been influenced by R&B. After COM • PLEX's release, 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.[13]

Felip, who speaks Cebuano, Filipino, and English, chose to highlight the Cebuano language in COM • PLEX, because Cebuano-language rap and artists have received less attention in the Philippines.[13]

Public image

Filipino magazines such as Nylon Manila have highlighted Felip's "experimental" fashion choices, writing that he blends menswear and womenswear together.[35][36][37][38] He has been described as the most reserved member of SB19.[20][39] NME's 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."[6]

Discography

Extended plays

List of extended plays with selected details
Title Album Details
Com•plex
Track listing
  • 1. "ROCKSTA"
  • 2. "SUPERIORITY"
  • 3. "MICTEST"
  • 4. "DRINKSMOKE"
  • 5. "CRIMINAL"
  • 6. "STRAYDOGS"

As a lead artist

Title Year Album Ref.
"Palayo" 2021 Non-album single [40]
"Bulan" 2022 [41]
"ROCKSTA" 2023 Com•plex [42]
"STRAYDOGS" [43]

Videography

Music videos

Year Title Director(s) Length Ref.
2021 "Palayo"
  • Felip
  • Bea Laino
  • Chapters Ph
 4:23 [44]
2022 "Bulan"
  • Felip
  • Bea Laino
  • Chapters Ph
 3:23 [45]
2023 "ROCKSTA"
  • Felip
 2:15 [46]
"STRAYDOGS"
  • Felip
  • Bea Laino
  • Chapters Ph
 3:29 [47]

Live performances

Concerts

Joint Concerts

Event Date Venue Location Collaboration With Ref.
Aquatic Beats April 1, 2023 Aqua Planet Mabalacat MC Einstein·Quest [48]
PPOPCON December 23, 2023, 2023 Araneta Coliseum Quezon City SB19·Alamat·BINI·Josh Cullen [49]
Winter Carnival July 16, 2023 P7 Arena Dubai Bandang Lapis·Alamat [50]

Showcases

Title Date Venue Location Ref.
Com·Plex Showcase February 5, 2023 Ayala Malls Manila Bay Parañaque [51]
Complex Friday [lower-alpha 1] March 24, 2023 URBN QC Quezon City [52]
Superior Sessions Live [lower-alpha 2] April 14, 2023 Social House Bar and Restaurant Makati [53]
Com·plex Showcase April 16, 2023 MarQuee Mall Angeles [54]
Com·plex Live in Singapore September 13, 2023 Clarke Quay Singapore [55]
A Not So Silent Night: Felip Live in Abu Dhabi December 24, 2023 Villaggio Hotel Abu Dhabi [56]
  1. ↑ co-headlining with Playertwo
  2. ↑ co-headlining with Dilaw

Guest Appearances

Event Artist Date Venue Location Ref.
Aegis: The Christmas Bonus Concert Aegis December 20, 2023 Solaire Parañaque [57]

Music Festivals

Event Date Venue Location Organizer(s) Ref.
We Play Here April 27, 2023 SM Aura Samsung Hall Taguig Warner Music Philippines [58]
Music Matters Live September 12, 2023 *Scape The Ground Theatre Singapore Branded Pte Ltd. [59]

Performances on Award Shows and Specials

Event Date Venue Location Performed Song(s) Ref.
Miss Zamboanga del Sur September 16, 2023 Mega Gymnasium Pagadian "Criminal" • "I Want You" [60]
A Holiday Trail: Tree Lighting Ceremony November 8, 2023 Ayala Malls Glorietta Makati "ROCKSTA" • "Palayo" • "Moving Closer" • "Criminal [61]

Awards and nominations

Award ceremony Year Category Nominee(s)/work(s) Result Ref.
Channel R Radio Music Awards - Seattle, USA 2023 Best New Artist FELIP Nominated [62]
Awit Awards 2023 Best Instrumental Recording "Bulan" Nominated [63]
Record of the Year Nominated
Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist Nominated
Best Rock Metal Recording Nominated
Music Video of the Year Nominated
Best Cover Art Nominated
Best Musical Arrangement Nominated
People's Voice Favorite Song Nominated
People's Voice Favorite Breakthrough Artist FELIP Nominated
People's Voice Favorite Male Artist Nominated
PPOP Awards 2023 Top Performing Artist of the Year FELIP Won [64][65]
Wish Music Awards 2023 Breakthrough Artist of the Year FELIP Won [18]
Wisher's Choice Award Nominated
Wishclusive R&B Performance of the Year "Palayo" Won
2024 Wishclusive R&B Performance of the Year "ROCKSTA" Pending [66]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Tuazon, Nikko (February 2, 2020). "SB19: The future of P-pop is here". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 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". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on March 15, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Pagulong, Charmie Joy (May 12, 2023). "Ken of SB19 shows own music style as Felip". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Mallorca, Hannah (February 10, 2023). "Felip, or SB19's Ken, is out to change the P-pop genre for the long haul". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 "Felip debuts six-track EP 'Com-plex' under Warner Music Philippines". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Raj, Tanu I. (August 2, 2021). "SB19: P-pop leading lights determined to do their fans proud and "live with a purpose"". NME. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  7. ↑ Panaligan, Jojo (July 31, 2020). "This is the day: SB19 finally drops debut album 'Get in the Zone'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  8. ↑ Singh, Surej (July 22, 2021). "Listen to SB19's highly anticipated six-track EP 'Pagsibol'". NME. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  9. ↑ Bodegon-Hikino, Kara (August 2, 2021). "SB19 take fans BACK IN THE ZONE with second major online concert – gig report". Bandwagon. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  10. ↑ Idris, A. Azim (September 20, 2021). "Ken of SB19 debuts as FELIP with slick music video for solo single 'Palayo'". NME. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  11. ↑ Malig, Kaela (September 18, 2021). "SB19's Ken marks solo debut with 'Palayo' MV". GMA News Online. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  12. ↑ Galang, MC (September 21, 2021). "SB19's Ken Marks Solo Debut As FELIP With 'Palayo'". HipHopDX. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Galang, MC (February 2, 2023). "FELIP's Thunderous Arrival: Meet Rap's New Rockstar". HipHopDX. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  14. ↑ Robles, RenzNeil (November 27, 2021). "Superior Son: Ken Suson's new clothing line sold-out after launch". Village Pipol. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  15. 1 2 Lagarde, Shai (May 28, 2022). "SB19's Ken drops solo comeback as Felip with 'Bulan'". GMA News. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  16. ↑ Singh, Surej (May 30, 2022). "SB19's Ken shines a spotlight on Filipino mythology in video for new FELIP single 'Bulan'". NME. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  17. ↑ Guanzon, Sofia (May 26, 2022). "FELIP Spotlights Filipino Lore In Comeback Single 'Bulan'". HipHopDX. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  18. 1 2 "8th Wish Music Awards: The Official Nominees". DWNU. November 15, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  19. ↑ "LOOK: SB19 Announces WYAT World Tour Dates". Rappler. September 5, 2022. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  20. 1 2 3 De Cartagena, Angelo (February 2, 2023). "Loud And Clear: A Rocksta Of His Creation, Felip Is Out To Make Some Noise". Nylon Magazine. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  21. ↑ Ordonez, Eli (January 20, 2023). "SB19's Felip shares edgy video for new single 'Rocksta' off 'Complex' EP". NME. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  22. ↑ SoundStrip (January 19, 2023). "Ken Suson of SB19 releases solo music project as FELIP". BusinessMirror. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  23. ↑ Galang, MC (February 10, 2023). "FELIP Roams The Streets Of Japan In 'COM•PLEX' EP Standout Cut, 'Straydogs'—Editor's Pick". HipHopDX. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  24. ↑ Galang, MC (April 12, 2023). "FELIP Premieres 'Superior Sessions Live' Performance Of 'ROCKSTA'". HipHopDX. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  25. ↑ Basbas, Franchesca Judine (May 19, 2023). "SB19 Find Gold in New Single 'Gento'". Bandwagon. Archived from the original on June 14, 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  26. ↑ "SB19 to Release New Single 'Gento' This May". Bandwagon. May 10, 2023. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  27. ↑ Policarpio, Allan (July 18, 2023). "Stell on SB19's 'Nerve-wracking' Leap to Self-manage Career: If Not Now, When?". Inquirer. Archived from the original on August 5, 2023. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  28. ↑ Bautista, Rafael (May 31, 2023). "SB19's 'Gento' Is Taking over TikTok—as It Should". Nylon Manila. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  29. ↑ Violata, Annalyn (July 2, 2023). "Trending Ngayon: SB19's 'Gento', Taylor Swift's the Eras Tour, Team Australia's 59 Medals at Special Olympics". SBS Filipino (Podcast) (in Tagalog). Special Broadcasting Service. Event occurs at 1:35. Archived from the original on August 5, 2023. Retrieved August 5, 2023. 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?]
  30. ↑ Cruz, Jashley Ann (June 13, 2023). "How SB19 ushered in a new era of music during 'PAGTATAG!' launch". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  31. ↑ Cruz, Jashley Ann (June 13, 2023). "SB19 unveils 1Z Entertainment's plans for the future". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  32. ↑ Bautista, Rafael (September 20, 2023). "Peek Into FELIP's "Complex, Crazy, Blessed" 2023, So Far". Nylon Manila. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  33. ↑ Judine Basbas, Franchesca (September 8, 2023). "SB19's FELIP to perform solo show in Singapore". Bandwagon. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  34. ↑ "SB19's Ken, also known as Felip, shoots down copying allegations in 'Bulan'". ABS-CBN News. June 1, 2022. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  35. ↑ Alumno, Lyn (August 17, 2021). "8 Of Ken Suson's Most Bad-ass 'Fits That Prove He's A Style Icon in the Making". Nylon Manila. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  36. ↑ "In Palayo, Ken Suson Raps In Full Bisaya And Nails The Cropped Blazer Look". Nylon Manila. September 20, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  37. ↑ Estrebello, Fern (February 10, 2020). "SB19 Ken is defying gender norms — so let's stan him harder". Village Pipol. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  38. ↑ Mallorca, Hannah (December 1, 2021). "From eye makeup to sparkly suits: How SB19 breaks gender barriers through fashion". Philstar Life. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  39. ↑ Severo, Jan Milo (July 7, 2022). "SB19's Ken becomes first full-blooded Filipino to perform in Grammy's Global Spin". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  40. ↑ "Palayo by Felip". Felip. September 18, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2021 – via Apple Music.
  41. ↑ "Bulan by Felip". Felip. May 29, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2022 – via Apple Music.
  42. ↑ "Rocksta by Felip". Warner Music Philippines. January 19, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2023 – via Apple Music.
  43. ↑ "Straydogs by Felip". Warner Music Philippines. January 19, 2023 – via Apple Music.
  44. ↑ "Felip - 'Palayo' Official MV". Felip. September 18, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021 – via YouTube.
  45. ↑ "Felip - 'Bulan' Official MV". Felip. May 28, 2022. Retrieved May 26, 2022 – via YouTube.
  46. ↑ "Felip - 'Rocksta' Official Music Video". Felip. January 19, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2023 – via YouTube.
  47. ↑ "Felip - 'Straydogs' Official Music Video". Felip. February 10, 2023. Retrieved February 10, 2023 – via YouTube.
  48. ↑ Borromeo, Emily. "Felip, Quest, and More Make a Splash in Aquatic Beats Concert". wish1075.com. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  49. ↑ Llemit, Kathleen. "In photos: Felip, Josh solos; SB19 closes PPopcon 2023 with a bang". philstar.com. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  50. ↑ "Winter Carnival is Here". twitter. SoundCloud Events. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  51. ↑ "Com·plex Showcase at Ayala Malls Manila Bay". twitter.com. Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  52. ↑ "Complex Friday at Urbn QC". twitter.com. Warner Music PH. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  53. ↑ "Superior Sessions Live". Twitter. Warner Music PH. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  54. ↑ "Com·plex Showcase at MarQuee Mall". twitter.com. MarQuee Mall. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  55. ↑ Basbas, Franchesca Judine. "SB19's Felip to perform solo show in Singapore". Bandwagon Asia. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  56. ↑ "SB19's Felip to perform Christmas show in Abu Dhabi". twitter. SoundCloud Events. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  57. ↑ "Felip at Aegis Christmas Concert". twitter. CinemaBravo. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  58. ↑ Llemit, Kathleen. "SB19's Ken headlines 'We Play Here' music fest". philstar.com. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  59. ↑ "Music Matters Live 2023". branded.live.
  60. ↑ "Felip at Miss Zamboanga del Sur". Twitter. Felip. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  61. ↑ "A Holiday Trail: Tree Lighting Ceremony". Twitter. Glorietta. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  62. ↑ "Channel R Radio Awards 2023". channelrradio.com. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  63. ↑ "List of Nominations at Awit Awards 2023". Facebook. Awit Awards. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  64. ↑ "Still the Kings: SB19, sweeps the 8th PPOP Awards 2023 by Jia Bote". Daily Tribune. December 2, 2023.
  65. ↑ "Complete list of winners at the 8th PPOP Awards 2023 by Jonathan Hicap". Manila Bulletin . December 2, 2023.
  66. ↑ "9th Wish Music Awards: The Official Nominees". Wish 107.5. November 17, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.

Further reading

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