After months of waiting and anticipation, Raymond Abracosa a.k.a ABRA, finally releases his first solo album under Artifice Records and Ivory Music & Video.
Dubbed the “Makatang Hibang” by his fans, Abra’s exceptional lyricism, extensive vocabulary, ingenious literary technique, speed and lucidity of delivery, and fiery stage presence made him a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. His 4 nominations at the 2014 MYX Music Awards including Favorite Male Artist, Favorite Music Video, Favorite Urban Video and Favorite MYX Celebrity VJ would be a clear verification.
The “Gayuma” star is nothing but ecstatic with what’s happening with his career, most specially that the fruit of his hardwork is finally out, “Hindi kapani-paniwala [yung feeling]. Overjoyed, overwhelmed, and overflowing with excitement,” he says, adding “Kulit nga e, pagkahaba-haba na ng biyahe pero parang simula pa lang din. Maraming salamat ulit sa lahat ng tumulong, sumuporta, gumabay at nagduda.”
The album features 14 tracks including star-studded collaborations with Chito Miranda of Parokya Ni Edgar, Arci Munoz of Philia, KZ Tandingan, Loonie, Ron Henley and LDP. “Magic. Isang malaking karangalan na makasama ang mga idol ko sa aking album,” he shares, adding “Isinasalaysay at inilalarawan ng album na ito yung mga nakikita, nararamdaman at naiisip ko.”
Abra opted magic-related single titles but each with a theme of its own. “Yung ‘Gayuma’ [ay] pseudo-love song, yung ‘Ilusyon’ [ay] sociopolitical, yung ‘Bolang Kristal’ [ay] kakaibang kwento tungkol sa tatlong pinakakinaaadikan ng tao, yung ‘Diwata’ naman [ay] tunay na love song, tapos yung ‘Cerberus’ [ay] epitome ng Pinoy rap yung datingan,” he narrates. “Kasama rin sa album yung Alab ng Puso, OST ng primetime teleseryeng Juan dela Cruz, Isang Jeep (Radio Version) at saka 3 LDP tracks. Meron pang booklet with artwork + lyrics + photos + Artifice ID. Sulit ang P280.”
From his heart to yours, Abra says “Maraming, maraming salamat sa walang sawa at ‘hibang’ klaseng suporta. Sana magustuhan niyo itong kauna-unahang magnum opus ko. Say p*kyu to piracy.”
His promise to CD buyers? “Kung wala kang nagustuhang kanta sa album, malamang hater ka lang. Promise.”
TRACKLISTING:
01. PANIMULA
02. GAYUMA (feat. Thyro & Jeriko Aguilar)
03. BOLANG KRISTAL (feat. KZ Tandingan)
04. PATALASTAS
05. ILUSYON / NOYSULI (feat. Arci Munoz of Philia)
06. DIWATA (feat. Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar)
07. PROPESIYA
08. CERBERUS (feat. Loonie & Ron Henley of Stickfiggas)
09. PANGWAKAS (feat. Josef Amarra of Beatbox Philippines)
Bonus Tracks:
10. ISANG JEEP
11. ALAB NG PUSO (OST for “Juan dela Cruz”)
12. WHEN THE BEAT DROPS – Lyrically Deranged Poets
13. PSYCHOPATHS ON THE LOOSE (2009) – Lyrically Deranged Poets
14. HERE TO OWN IT 2 (feat. Quest) – Lyrically Deranged Poets