Gabriel Abilla (born January 31, 2002), known professionally as Hev Abi, is a Filipino rapper from Quezon City. He gained popularity in 2023 with a string of successful singles, starting with the viral ”WELCOME2DTQ”. He also helped start the independent record label, Downtown Q Entertainment. In October, Hev Abi released his debut album Kung Alam Mo Lang. He appeared on three consecutive number one songs on Billboard’s Philippines Songs charts, including ”Alam Mo Ba Girl” and ”Babaero”. Hev Abi’s breakthrough is part of a wider peak in Filipino hip-hop’s popularity caused by mainstream attention and streaming services.

Hev Abi was inspired to start making music by emulating his favorite rappers, including Kanye West and Tyler, the Creator. He pays tribute to his hometown, Quezon City, and his street, Tomas Morato Avenue, in his songs. Little is known about his personal life, which Gil thought was a clever way to increase interest in him, however unintentional.

Hev Abi’s songs range from the aggressive delivery of ”WELCOME2DTQ” to the relaxed vocals of ”Para Sa Streets”. His lyricism on Kung Alam Mo Lang is more personal compared to the bravado and confidence of his earlier work, and the first half has love songs. When he starts writing, Abi has a general concept for each song but otherwise keeps his method fluid. Gelo Lasin, the editor-in-chief of Complex Philippines, ascribed Abi’s mainstream success to how his lyrics can be sentimental, confident or ”maangas” (proud) without seeming inauthentic or too offensive. Lasin added that his ”smooth” beats and ”casual” tunes appealed to younger listeners; his vocals have incorporated singing. Hev Abi has produced some of his songs himself, including ”Binibiroski” and the boom bap of ”Alam Mo Ba Girl” on Kung Alam Mo Lang. Most of the album, however, was produced by Neil John ”NJ” Subong.

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