Who is Hev Abi?
Meet Gabriel Abilla, better known as Hev Abi. Born on January 31, 2002, this Quezon City native has quickly become one of the hottest names in Filipino rap. His breakout single WELCOME2DTQ took off in 2023, and since then, he hasn’t looked back. With a fresh sound and relatable lyrics, Hev Abi is riding the wave of a hip-hop revolution in the Philippines.
Oh, and he co-founded his own label too—Downtown Q Entertainment. Not bad for someone still in his early twenties, right?
The Glow-Up
Well, 2023 wasn’t just a good year for Hev Abi—it was his year. He dropped his debut album, Kung Alam Mo Lang, and the rest is history. From tearing up the Billboard Philippines Songs charts to racking up millions of streams, this guy is redefining the local rap game. Tracks like Alam Mo Ba Girl and Babaero topped charts, and before you knew it, Hev Abi was a household name.
With 5.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, he’s proving that Filipino rap has global potential. Want numbers? Check out his Top 10 most-streamed songs:
- Babaero – 150M+ streams
- Walang Alam – 143M+ streams
- Alam Mo Ba Girl – 141M+ streams
- Makasarili Malambing (feat. Hev Abi) – 127M+ streams
- Lil Kasalanan Shortie – 102M+ streams
- Para Sa Streets – 89M+ streams
- Burgis – 74M+ streams
- WELCOME2DTQ – 72M+ streams
- Sumugal – 70M+ streams
- Pakundangan (feat. Hev Abi) – 66M+ streams
What Hev Abi’s Got to Say
We’ve all seen the numbers, but what’s the man himself got to say? In an interview with Rappler, Hev Abi broke it down—his rise, his music, and how Filipino hip-hop has evolved. Here are the highlights:
On His Lyrics: Hev’s lyrics hit different because they’re real. Inspired by his own life, he doesn’t shy away from telling it like it is. That’s why so many people vibe with him—he’s not just rapping; he’s speaking truth.
On the Hip-Hop Scene: Filipino rap has come a long way from its battle rap days. According to Hev Abi, the scene is more versatile now—there’s room for all kinds of styles. He’s all about pushing boundaries and getting creative.
On Filipino Culture: Hip-hop’s blowing up in the Philippines, and Hev Abi thinks it’s because Filipinos know how to enjoy life, even the tough parts. His music reflects that—there’s always humor, always a little light even in the dark moments.
On Success: Even with all the success, Hev stays humble. Sure, things happened fast, but he keeps his feet on the ground. His secret? A solid support system and staying true to himself.
On Legacy: Hev Abi isn’t just thinking about hits—he’s thinking about what he’ll leave behind. He wants to be remembered for his creativity and his ability to stay unique in an industry that loves to follow trends.
On Being Quirky: One thing that sets Hev Abi apart is his willingness to be different. He embraces his quirks and encourages others to do the same. His message? Don’t be afraid to stand out; it’s what makes you you.
On Hip-Hop Fun: Hip-hop doesn’t always have to be serious. For Hev Abi, the humor and playfulness in his music are a reflection of Filipino culture. His tracks aren’t just for nodding along—they’re for laughing, vibing, and living.
Hev Abi isn’t just another rapper—he’s a game-changer. His rapid rise, raw lyrics, and creative vision have made him one of the most exciting new faces in the Filipino music scene. And honestly, this is just the start. Hev Abi’s already making waves, and if you’re not following him yet, it’s time to get on board.
Catch Hev Abi on Spotify and Instagram and keep an ear out because this guy is taking Filipino hip-hop to the next level.
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