MBNel, the Stockton, California-based Filipino-American rapper, and the Manila-based hip-hop collective O Side Mafia have joined forces on Ashtray, a single fusing West Coast vibes with Filipino street rap. This track underscores the shared themes of resilience, identity, and struggles common to both artists’ experiences. MBNel’s Tagalog verses add authenticity, bridging Filipino and American cultures in a way that feels both raw and relatable. Ashtray serves as a reflection of MBNel’s recent journey to reconnect with his roots, while O Side Mafia’s distinct style reinforces the Philippines’ vibrant local hip-hop scene.
Song Highlights:
- Bilingual Lyrical Mastery: Lyrics shift seamlessly between Tagalog and English, emphasizing cross-cultural artistry.
- Gritty Visuals: The music video captures the intense, gritty aesthetic that defines both MBNel’s and O Side Mafia’s brand.
- Themes of Struggle and Resilience: The artists draw from real experiences of hardship, enhancing the emotional pull of the track.
About the Collaboration
MBNel, known for his introspective lyrics about his life in Stockton, and O Side Mafia, a group renowned for representing Manila’s urban streets, find a shared voice in Ashtray. The song brings both artists’ communities together, offering listeners a powerful story about overcoming adversity while celebrating identity. For MBNel, this is part of a broader endeavor to stay connected with his Filipino heritage, a theme present throughout his discography.
Future Prospects
This collaboration paves the way for future joint projects between Filipino-American and Philippine-based artists. The success of Ashtray hints at a rising interest in cross-cultural hip-hop collaborations that resonate with a global audience, particularly those in the Filipino diaspora.
