For the first time in Manila, MTV Music Evolution 2015 brought the local hip hop scene together with international chart topping artists. This free ticket event marked a first for the Philippines as MTV wrapped up the summer season.
Claiming 2015 as the year to visit the Philippines, what better way to celebrate than having such a huge and exciting event take place in a country that has long embraced the hip hop culture. Here was our experience at MTV Music Evolution 2015…
Held at the historic Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, the milestone event drew a large crowd of about 22,000 fans and was hosted by a pleasing team of VJs–MTV Asia’s Alan and Hanli and MTV Pinoy’s very own Yassi and Schneider.
The VJs did an excellent job of keeping the crowed hyped in between acts, who then erupted into cheers as soon as Gloc-9 hit the stage. His opening performance was a moving tribute to the legendary Francis M.
It was a perfect start to the show, and what better way to keep the energy going than having Abra follow him up. The crowd was immediately taken in by the young rapper’s intense energy and mesmerizing wordplay.
Rounding out the local performers was the one and only Apl.de.ap, who, as expected, gave a show that wasn’t only entertaining, but heartfelt and warm–especially when he performed The Apl Song.
Kicking off the international performers was none other than the true Spin Master, DJ Cash Money, who brought that old school sound that is the essence of hip hop. We were all taken back to the days of hip hop’s origins as he mixed and scratched sounds from the 80s up to the new millennium.
Next up was Billboard Top 100 Chart-topping artist YG, who brought his distinct style of West Coast music to Manila. Performing with DJ Goofy 500 and Slim 400, the trio performed a medley of their best hits (that seemed to last a bit too long).
Last and certainly not least, the Grammy Award-wining Naughty by Nature–who brought the house down–performing their timeless classics like Hip Hop Hooray, OPP, and Feel Me Flow. Hands down, the best performance of the night, the trio had the crowd shouting for more as they closed the show with an homage to Francis M’s Kaleidoscope World.
What a night!
MTV Music Evolution 2015 wrapped up with all iconic and current hip hop artists taking the stage with Naughty by Nature to the background of a breath-taking explosion of confetti.
Overall, it was an awesome concert! We loved how they made it a free event for everyone to enjoy. We got to meet new people who shared similar interests, and also got to witness the evolution of hip hop in the Philippines and in the US through this showcase of different styles and sounds.
Cheers to MTV for a successful Music Evolution event!
