Hip-hop’s vibe is a wild mashup of musical elements — think rhythmic beats, lyrical storytelling and the art of sampling.
Dave Dela Cruz from Cebu, for instance, adds his signature sound by predominantly using regional language into his boom bap style with killer flows along the way.
“Being a native of Cebu, rapping in Bisaya became an important part of my identity. I was determined to promote our language in hopes that it would become more known to the rest of the Philippines. I currently pride myself to be an artist that mainly raps in Bisaya,” said Dave.
In 2006, Dave kicked off his hip-hop career with the crew “Whut It Do,” led by his close friends and fellow hip-hop fanatics. He quickly became one of their key players. But Dave didn’t stop there; in 2012, he joined “6000 Goonz,” and by 2020, he was part of the thriving “Rebel Doggs” crew, making his mark in the ever-changing hip-hop scene.
“The inspiration of my lyrics comes mostly from my observations in our community; both society and hip-hop. I am influenced heavily by boom bap, and now I’m known for this style. The one thing that I strive for above all else, is to elevate Bisaya in a positive light,” said Dave
For Dave, collaborations are more than just musical endeavors; they are a sign of mutual respect and a means of supporting fellow artists. Beyond his solo projects, he thrives on working with artists from diverse styles, constantly pushing his boundaries and learning from these experiences.
“I am more than grateful for the milestones I have achieved thus far. I don’t take this journey for granted and I am here thanks to the support of countless people. What I do hope, however, is to be able to build a hip-hop scene that the current young generation can be proud of, and use as a pedestal for their future success,” said Dave.
Like many artists, Dave faces challenges such as writer’s block and the ever-evolving nature of the hip-hop scene. However, he finds solace in surrounding himself with like-minded individuals who share his passion, allowing him to regain clarity and continue his musical innovation.
“When I started, I was heavily influenced by Estranghero. However, as time went by, and I started to grow as an artist, I looked to other genres as well. I think it’s important that I keep an open mind and learn from other genres in order to be able to develop and evolve. We don’t ever stop learning,” said Dave.
“I am lucky enough to be surrounded by a crew who share the same dedication as I do, and I’m forever grateful for their love and support,” he added.
From serene landscapes to the lively streets of Cebu City, Dave’s creative muse knows no bounds. Whether he’s sharing laughs with friends or savoring life’s little pleasures, he makes every experience an opportunity for artistic expression.
Among his many tracks, “Black and White” holds a special place in Dave’s heart. According to him, its message urges society and individuals to wake up and take action.
“Without a doubt, ‘Black and White’ resonates the most. My message with this track is simple: wake up. Not only as a society, but as individuals. We need to stop turning a blind eye to our surroundings. Nothing changes when we remain sheep. Wake up and be the difference we want to see,” said Dave.
Hip-hop is a dynamic mix of rhymes, beats, synthesizers, samplers and more but Dave’s music stands out for its cultural depth. He’s not just following trends; he is an observer of society, using his music to deliver real messages that move people.
“I’d like to thank everyone for supporting me throughout the years. Despite not having released a single for the past three years, my supporters have continued to shower me with love and kindness. My recent work has all been collaborations, and I appreciate the support they have shown to my fellow artists as well. I am forever grateful for my supporters. Without them, I wouldn’t have a stage to stand on. I am also forever in debt to the men and women who have provided the foundation for the artist that I am today,” said Dave.