Al James: No Rush, Maestro

From the underground to the mainstream, the Philippines boasts a rich hip-hop scene. And rising through it all is Al James—the hitmaker who has had us all trailing his lead.

Those who are into the intricate beats and flows can attest that Al James’ music is a can’t-miss experience. With over 20 million streams on Spotify alone, you’ll know why the ‘Pahinga’ artist puts a premium on quality, stays true to his sound, and keeps creating songs that are meant to last in this #MusicIssue cover story.

The fingerprint

Hip-hop has clearly evolved far beyond just aggressive tunes and abrasive styles. If you’re still on that side of the genre, a voice like Al James’ offers the perfect place to start exploring. In his words, “The chill and laid back sound is just who I am.”

Al James wears White Suit from Anthony Ramirez

But Al James admits that creating his tone was not an overnight success. A decade into the scene, the veteran has gone through the hostile lyrics, speed rapping, and every other style that defined hip-hop’s early years.

It was only after listening heavily to slow jams and R&B that he discovered a style he was comfortable with. While the sound isn’t exclusive to him, his music carries an unmistakable signature—one that speaks right through you.

“When I’m composing my track, it’s almost meditative. I’m more tapped in, more intentional. It’s like I’m having a quiet conversation with whoever’s listening.”

Al James' slow, steady, and intentional process means he never rushes his work. In fact, it's what makes his music so highly anticipated.

‘Comeback of the Year’

Despite releasing only a few tracks yearly, the sheer expectations surrounding the singer-songwriter’s thoughtful pace led one publication to dub his work as ‘Comeback of the Year.’ 

Al James wears White Jacket from Viktor Manila

Al James hit close to a hundred million streams with just three singles in 2024. So, honestly, they weren’t wrong.

"That means a lot, especially coming from a scene that does not hand out praises lightly. It reminds me that there are people still waiting and rooting for me even after some silence. It feels good to know that the music spoke loud enough and made an impact," he comments.

But what really drives him to be intentional with what he puts out there is a simple truth: he knows himself and his audience all too well.

Making a statement

Unlike many musicians who chase the latest sound, Al James takes a different approach. Trends, hype, and fever will soon die down, but his music always lingers.

"I listen, but I don't follow. I respect trends—they tell you what people are feeling, but I never let them change me. My tone is my fingerprint. If I can give listeners what they want while still sounding like me, then I’m doing it right," he asserts.

Al James treats every release as a statement. So while his pace, approach, or even message may not be for everyone, he still delivers a piece of himself to every listener—something that's free-flowing, less overthought, and more emotional. 

He adds that if he were to be remembered for something, it would be for speaking the truth, for not chasing the hype, and for moving people with his music.

An artist’s pahinga

Al James’s thoughtful pace might make you think he isn't busy creating. In truth, he is constantly seeking fresh ideas, but when inspiration wanes, he knows it's time to step back.

“Sometimes that means disappearing for a bit, spending time with people who keep me grounded, watching films, traveling, or just driving around the city late at night with no destination. That stillness helps me reset."

As expected, it’s in those times of quiet and stillness that Al James finds the inspiration he looks for creatively.

However, in the coming years, you won't find the hip-hop talent resting his craft for good. He'll continue to grow, whether it's by collaborating with OPM icons that inspired him—such as Parokya ni Edgar, Loonie, and Rico Blanco—or by exploring what lies ahead beyond our local scene.

Music will still run his soul, and a dream-come-true gig with SZA, Travis Scott, Don Toliver, and Post Malone may even be a possibility.

In the meantime, he is brewing more collabs and new music. So even if the wait for a new Al James anthem feels like an eternity, he always keeps us on our toes.

The moment he frees his artistry, we cannot help but follow a tune so familiar yet so fresh—one that keeps us seated and wanting more. Then again, no rush, maestro!

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Photography by Miggy Brono

Art Direction by Joe Andy

Words by Kryzzle Cailing

Styling by AR Valdez of Team Ryuji Shiomitsu

Assistant Styling by Bryla Kyle of Team Ryuji Shiomitsu

Designers Anthony Ramirez and Viktor Manila

Grooming by Cherry Lising

Hair by Radz

Sittings by L.A. Bendaña

Parcinq Intern Gabrielli Barrios

Venue Sponsorship by Roppongi

Special thanks to Girlie San, Lockedin Artist Management and Rhanica Restrivera

Publisher Big Pictures Asia

For partnership or advertising inquiries: Sales & Marketing – jsmooth@bigpictureasia.com