Philippines – Two of Filipino hip-hop’s promising stars, Alex Bruce and Zae, turn up the heat with the release of their collaborative single “A to Z (Drop It)”—out today via Sony Music Entertainment.
The fun, upbeat track marks a pivotal moment for both artists as they navigate a new chapter in their career, with Bruce preparing to turn 18 soon and Zae dropping her second track as an artist under AWAL. Together, they deliver another catchy R&B/hip-hop jam that embodies confidence, self-expression and femininity.
More than just a banger, the track is a declaration of empowerment. Featuring bold, sassy, and unapologetic vibes, “A to Z (Drop It)” is about “embracing who you are and owning your space,” shares Alex Bruce.
The collaboration exudes a natural chemistry between Bruce and Zae, two artists who hit it off instantly despite the material being their first joint. The song showcases the best of both worlds, blending their strengths and perspectives in one compelling package.
“Working with Zae brought a fire that matched mine, and together we created something that’s pure sassy, classy, nasty vibes,” says Alex Bruce. “This is us stepping up our game.”
Championing women in hip-hop
The song is a testament to the power of female solidarity in a genre often dominated by men. In the music video, the presence of strong women in Pinoy hip-hop is emphasized, including a special appearance by one of the heavy-hitting rookies in the game: Illest Morena. Inspired by the iconic dance movie, Step Up (2010), the music video revolves around the concept that women should be celebrated, and not pitted against each other.
“We’re not just here for the spotlight; we’re here to uplift each other and make sure our voices are heard,” shares Bruce. “In a space where women are often overlooked, we’re showing that we’ve got each other’s backs. Together, we rise and create a powerful statement of unity and respect.”
The music video was helmed by Louie Ong, a two-time MYX Music Award nominee. He brought the concept to life with dynamic cinematography and high-energy visuals, further enhancing its message.
The track also represents a breakthrough for both acts as they continue to challenge expectations and barriers in the Pinoy hip-hop scene. For Alex and Zae, this release is a declaration of their rightful place in a culture that is often slow to recognize women as key players.
“Women are often told to fit into certain expectations, especially in hip-hop,” says Zae. “With this song, we wanted to show that we’re more than just our image.”
“A to Z (Drop It)” is produced by Markbeats, a prominent urban producer who played a significant role in shaping the track’s overall sound and arrangement.
“He has always been a solid collaborator,” reveals Bruce. “He brought the energy we needed. His production really amplified the potential of the song and turn it into an anthem that hits hard.”
Alex Bruce and Zae’s “A to Z (Drop It)” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch out for the music video to be released at 7:00 pm on her official YouTube channel.
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