Spotify Wrapped Shame: Why Are Filipinos Embarrassed About Their Own Music Taste?

Every December, Spotify Wrapped becomes a battlefield of personal taste. For some, it’s a badge of honor showcasing their diverse musical interests. For others, it’s a source of quiet shame—especially when names like Dionela and Hev Abi dominate their playlists. Why do these two artists, loved by many and criticized by just as many, spark such strong and conflicting reactions?

Is it really about their music, or does this say more about how Filipinos judge themselves and each other?

Dionela: When "Deep" Becomes Too Much

Dionela is undeniably talented, with hits like Sining and Langit resonating across OPM fans. His lyrics are drenched in poetic imagery and deep Filipino words—a rarity in modern music. For some, this is a refreshing approach, celebrating the beauty of language and the intensity of love. But for others, his work comes across as “pa-deep” or trying too hard.

The Lyrics Divide

Take phrases like “pinasala’y ikininamada” or “turn limbics into a bouquet.” While these might sound impressive on the surface, they’ve drawn mixed reactions. Some listeners appreciate the romantic hyperbole, understanding it as exaggerated expressions of love. Others, however, feel it borders on cringe-worthy. Critics argue that simpler words like “emotions” could have been used instead of “limbics,” or that the lyrical style can feel forced rather than natural.

The result? Dionela’s lyrics sometimes feel less like an organic outpouring of emotion and more like an attempt to sound intellectual. As one listener puts it:

“The problem with Dionela is it's not that we don't understand him -- we actually do, and in a way that we can see right through his pretentious style.”

This is where the backlash begins. Instead of being celebrated for his poetic experimentation, Dionela is dismissed by some as a "phony" who uses deep words for the sake of depth.

@dionelaofficial

THE MEANING BEHIND THESE WORDS >>

♬ sining sa museyo baby - Dionela

Authenticity vs. Presentation

Criticism isn’t limited to Dionela’s songwriting. His public persona has also come under fire. Listeners point out a disconnect between how he speaks and how he writes. Described as an “englishero” in interviews or casual conversations, Dionela suddenly shifts to using deep Filipino words in his music. This discrepancy feels inauthentic to some, especially to the everyday Filipino listener.

Adding fuel to the fire is how he describes his songs as “obra” and once asked fans, “Which song of mine saved your life?” To detractors, this comes across as humble-bragging and further reinforces the idea that his persona is carefully crafted rather than genuinely reflective of who he is.

Is the Hate Justified?

Despite these critiques, there’s no denying Dionela’s skill as a songwriter and performer. His music resonates deeply with fans who relate to the intensity of his lyrics and appreciate the elevation of the Filipino language in OPM. But the backlash highlights a broader issue in Filipino culture: our tendency to overanalyze, tear down, and critique artists who are on the rise.

“Smart shaming ang tawag d’yan. Pag pang-bobo ang lyrics, ibabash din. Lol,” one commenter quips, pointing out the double standard.

At the end of the day, Dionela’s work walks a fine line between artistry and accessibility. Whether you love him or cringe at his lyrics, his impact on the OPM scene is undeniable.

Hev Abi: The Guilty Pleasure of Drill Rap

On the opposite end of the spectrum lies Hev Abi, a drill rapper whose music is unapologetically raw and, for some, downright vulgar. While Dionela’s criticism centers on being too deep, Hev Abi’s backlash is rooted in his themes of “drugs, sex, and cheating.” Yet, despite the controversy, his music has found a dedicated fanbase—and even a spot on many Spotify Wrapped lists.

Why Hev Abi Appeals

Hev Abi’s music thrives on vibe. Tracks like Welcome2DTQ and PWEDE BANG? are less about lyricism and more about mood. The catchy beats, melodic flows, and drill-inspired rhythms make his music perfect for casual listening—whether you’re on a long drive, hanging out with friends, or drinking with your tropa.

“Lyrically, he caters to the younger generation doing their shenanigans, but his rhythm and beat can get the inuman going,” says one listener.

But for critics, this vibe-first approach comes at the expense of meaningful content. They argue that his music glorifies vices and lacks depth.

TikTok Fame and Generational Divide

A big part of Hev Abi’s success can be credited to TikTok, where snippets of his songs exploded in popularity. However, this viral fame also makes his music polarizing. For older or more “serious” listeners, his tracks feel overly commercial or even shallow.

Still, fans argue that Hev Abi’s appeal lies in his ability to capture a certain lifestyle and emotional vulnerability. He speaks to a younger generation navigating relationships, heartbreaks, and the messy in-betweens of life.

“Kahit sa vibes n'ya as a guy na maangas pero may soft side, trip na trip ng mga babaeng red flag enjoyers,” one fan jokes.

Why the Shame? 

So why are some Filipinos embarrassed to have Dionela or Hev Abi on their Wrapped? The answer lies in how we judge music—and, by extension, ourselves.

1. Taste as Identity
   Spotify Wrapped isn’t just a list of songs; it’s a reflection of who we are. Dionela and Hev Abi are polarizing because they challenge the idea of what “good” music should be. Dionela’s overly poetic lyrics and Hev Abi’s raw themes don’t fit neatly into the mold of what’s considered respectable or cool.

2. Cultural Tendencies
   Filipinos have a habit of tearing down those who rise to prominence (“pumukol ng hitik sa bunga”). Whether it’s Dionela’s deep Tagalog or Hev Abi’s drill beats, success often breeds scrutiny.

3. Moral and Intellectual Judgments
   Dionela is accused of being pretentious, while Hev Abi is dismissed as shallow. This reflects a deeper cultural issue of smart-shaming, where we criticize people for being too intellectual or not intellectual enough. It’s a lose-lose situation.

Let People Enjoy Things

At the end of the day, music is subjective. Whether you’re vibing to Hev Abi during an inuman or dissecting Dionela’s lyrics for their poetic meaning, what matters is how the music resonates with you.

Spotify Wrapped is meant to celebrate your individuality, not conform to someone else’s standards. So, if you love Dionela’s romantic metaphors or Hev Abi’s drill beats, wear it with pride.

As one listener wisely puts it:

“Just enjoy the music you’re listening to. Di mo naman living yung pagiging music critic.”

Let Dionela be deep. Let Hev Abi be playful. Let music be what it’s supposed to be: a source of connection, self-expression, and joy—without the shame.