AUDIOJUNKIE: Dua Lipa under the 'Illusion' and Pinoy rap’s biggest gainers


At a glance

  • Lo Ki and Juan Caoile are two rappers who are gaining ground in the Pinoy rap scene.


composite photo Dua Lipa Lo Ki Juan Caoile.jpg
Dua Lipa, Lo Ki, and Juan Caoile

Dua Lipa’s “Illusion” is a banger that continues the singer’s branding as a modern-day club and dance diva. The new track follows in the footsteps (or dance steps rather) of previous tracks “Houdini” and “Training Season.”  

Big dance beats build to a head as DL sings “I been known to miss a red flag / I been known to put my lover on a pedestal,” then “I already know your type / tellin’ me the things I like / tryna make me yours for life / takin’ me for a ride.” Then at the chorus, we see that DL can see thru the charade and see the person in front of her for who they really are as croons in that unbelievably sexy voice: “Don’t know who you think that you’re confusin’ / I be like, ooh, its amusin’ / you think I’m gonna fall for an illusion.”

Like her two previous singles, “Illusion” is also released with an extended version, an instrumental track, and an acapella version. The extended release is, of course, de rigueur for the clubs and an obvious nod to the scene in which Dua Lipa is a reigning diva. But listen to the all-vocal version to hear what an exceptional vocalist Dua Lipa truly is. There's no hiding in autotune for this singer, that’s for sure.

According to Dua Lipa, the singles and the subsequent album theme and sound will be a tribute to the UK rave culture. DL’s love for the scene and acts such as Massive Attack and Primal Scream have informed the feel of the new album. As for the theme, Dua Lipa sings songs about her exiting a long-term relationship and being single again.

From an interview, Dua Lipa said: “I want to capture the essence of youth and freedom and having fun and just letting it happen, whether it’s good or bad. You can’t change it. You just have to roll with the punches of whatever’s happening in your life.”

Dua Lipa photo from her official Facebook.jpg
Dua Lipa (Facebook)

“Illusion” is the third single off her new and upcoming (and also her third full-length) album titled “Radical Optimism” and is due out May 3.

Lo Ki and Juan Caoile are two rappers who are gaining ground in the Pinoy rap scene.

Following his acclaimed single "Pano Na?" Lo Ki again proves why he’s a respected artist in Pinoy rap with his latest offering, "Oh Yeah." The vibing new track finds Lo Ki dishing out a scintillating, mid-tempo banger bound to add to his growing reputation as an ace rap artist. This number finds Lo Ki in chill mode, but Lo Ki earned his stripes in the Pinoy rap scene with a string of peer-approved, hard-rapping tracks that includes "Kagome," "Manifest," and "Munting Paraiso."

Fresh off the success of his latest viral hit, "Marikit Sa Dilim," Juan Caoile again enters the spotlight with "Panauhin." Known as one-half of the dynamic Juan x Kyle rap duo, Juan Caoile ventures solo with this slow groove bop that showcases his versatility. "Panauhin" seamlessly blends trap beats, soul, and R&B elements, as well as Juan’s knack for crafting compelling narratives. With its themes of temptation and tumultuous relationships, "Panauhin '' offers listeners a glimpse deeper into Juan Caoile's musical leanings.

Juan Caoile shot to fame with his chart-topping hits "Marikit" during the Pandemic days and its recent sequel single "Marikit Sa Dilim," solidifying his status as a rising rapper in the scene.

"Oh Yeah" by Lo Ki and "Panauhin" by Juan Caoile can now be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.