Q-York on hip hop: Passion and fire

MANILA, Philippines – For Filipino-American rap duo Q-York, hip hop is all about passion and positive change.

Knowa Lazarus and Flava Matikz have been in the Philippines a mere 4 years, but the talented young rappers from Queens, New York have seen fire in the Pinoys’ hearts, and have used their craft to add fuel to it.

In an interview with Rappler’s G Tongi on October 30, the duo talked about using their music to reach out to the Filipinos all around the world.

“What made us decide to stay is really passion and purpose. For people in the Philippines to see that we are world-class, that we have a story to tell and a message that is relevant.”

Positive change

“When hiphop started in New York, it was basically about making a positive change,” said Knowa, who expressed disappointment at how it has turned into a money-making industry.

In the hopes of making more relevant use of their music, the duo partnered with Gawad Kalinga and gave inspirational talks to children in San Diego, where a significant rate of Pinoy teen suicide has been recorded.

Later on, the duo found that they, in turn, were changed and inspired by the children.

They considered the experience as an “awakening” which gave their craft a concrete purpose and a goal to strive for.

With that goal and their passion-fueled talent in tow, Knowa and Flava came to the Philippines 4 years ago and have since strived to promote Pinoy talent and values of nationalism and volunteerism.

“Our voice is not just to sing other people’s songs,” said Knowa, referring to how Pinoys are very much capable of original, world-class compositions.

“[Pinoy music] is a form of marketing and promotion for culture. That’s what we need to reach the world.”

Starting a fire

In the short time the duo has been in the country, they have seen a fire in the Filipino people that isn’t easily doused by any storm or hardship.

This fire, they believe, is the very essence of being a Pinoy.

“Being Filipino is just really moving with your heart and also having faith that better things will come, also smiling through adversity knowing you can overcome anything. Approaching things with grace,” said Knowa.

“Apoy sa Pinas!” (Fire in the Philippines!) exclaimed Flava, a proclamation of his efforts to help “spark a fire” in each day he spends in the country.

But the flames are spread throughout the world, even stronger in the hearts of Filipinos living overseas, dubbed “Balikbayani” (Balikbayan and hero) by the boys of Q-York.

“When you come back here as a Filipino who made a living over seas, you already are a hero. When you come back to the Philippines, you should have that in your mind that you are a hero,” said Knowa.

He added, “There’s this fire here in the Philippines, sa loob ng puso sa lahat ng Pilipino sa mundo, may apoy sa dibdib that the world needs to feel.”

Be awakened by the Pinoy fire with Q-York’s song ‘Mainit’:

– Rappler.com

#BalikBayan is a project that aims to harness and engage Filipinos all over the world to collectively rediscover and redefine Filipino identity.