Abra (1990 - )

Raymond Abracosa, better known as Abra, is a Filipino hip hop artist and occasional actor.^[1] He gained popularity in his song "Gayuma" ("Love Potion"). The music video for the song shows Abra being given a potion only to realize that his love interest is in fact a transgender. The video has reached more than 26 million views on YouTube, the highest number generated by any local artist.

Career

His career started as a member of Pinoy hip hop group Lyrically Deranged Poets (LDP) in 2010. They released their independent debut album, The Project in 2009, and had their first major concert at the legendary Music Museum in 2010. LDP was awarded Best Urban Group at both the 2010 and 2011 Urban Music Awards, among other nominations.  In 2011, LDP was granted TV air time on myx for the music video of their song, "Here to Own It", which was able to enter the charts. He is also a major icon in the Fliptop battle league, as well as a co-host onPTV 4's show iConnect.

When the Fliptop and Sunugan rap battle leagues came about in 2010, Abra was one of the first battle emcees to compete and gradually make a name for himself. After a couple of intense rap battles, Abra has been considered as one of the heavyweights in Filipino rap battling. Using his compelling lyrical style coupled with witty antics, he is able to impress viewers and artists alike; and has YouTube videos that have amassed millions of views. It did not take long until Abra was able to perform on live

television, radio shows and various events across the country.

In 2013, Abra and his label Artifice Records signed a major distribution deal with Ivory Music & Video.^[3] He released his self-titled debut album nationwide on February 21, 2014.^[4] He took home the 'Best Music on Youtube Award' for his Youtube Channel called 'Abra TV' at the 2013 Globe Tatt Awards.^[5][6] On March 29, he collaborated with Maja Salvador for the song "Halika Na" on her debut album Believe

Singles

• "Abrakadabra"
• "Gayuma" (feat. Thyro Alfaro & Jeriko Aguilar) (2012)
• "Alab ng Puso" (theme of Juan dela Cruz)
• "Ilusyon" (feat. Arci Muñoz) (2013)
• "Diwata" (feat. Chito Miranda) (2013)
• "Midas" (feat. Jaq Dionisio) (2013)
• "Bolang Kristal" (feat. Kz Tandingan)
• "Cerberus" (feat. Loonie & Ron Henley) (2014)
• "Sanib Pwersa" (feat. Raimund Marasigan) (2014)
• "Dedma" (feat. Julie Anne San Jose) (2014)

As featured artist

• "Halika Na" – Maja Salvador
• "Mine" – Pow Chaves
• "Tanyag" – Loonie
• "Halik sa Hangin" – Ebe Dancel\\

Television and media appearances

Television

• ASAP (ABS-CBN, guest)
• It's Showtime (ABS-CBN, guest judge/performer)
• Kris TV (ABS-CBN, guest)
• Gandang Gabi, Vice! (ABS-CBN, guest)
• Sarah G. Live (ABS-CBN, guest)
• Rated K (ABS-CBN, guest)
• Showbiz Inside Report (ABS-CBN, guest)
• Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal (ABS-CBN, guest player)
• Minute to Win It (ABS-CBN, guest player)
• Pilipinas Got Talent (ABS-CBN, guest)
• Banana Split: Ihaw Na! (ABS-CBN, guest)
• Bandila: Ikaw Na! (ABS-CBN, guest)
• Wowowillie (TV5, 2013)
• iConnect (PTV 4, 2012–present)
• Sharon: Kasama Mo, Kapatid (TV5, guest)
• Party Pilipinas (GMA, guest)
• H.O.T. TV: Hindi Ordinaryong Tsismis (GMA, guest)
• Celebrity Bluff (GMA, guest player)
• Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA, guest)
• The Ryzza Mae Show (GMA, guest)
• Flashbook (GMA News TV, guest)
• Front Row (GMA, guest)

Film

• Boy Pick-Up: The Movie, as fictional version of himself (cameo)
• Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles, as Benjie

Music videos

• "Gayuma" (feat. Thyro Alfaro & Jeriko Aguilar; September 2012)
• "Abrakadabra"
• "Ilusyon" (feat. Arci Munoz; July 2013)
• "Alab ng Puso" (Juan dela Cruz OST)
• "Rejoice Haba ng Hair" (for Rejoice commercial)
• "Rejoice Ikaw na ang Malupit" (for Rejoice commercial)
• "WonderfulXmasTime"
• "Midas" (feat. Jaq Dionisio – Boy Golden OST)
• "Sanib Puwersa" (feat. Raimund Marasigan, for Colt 45 commercial)
• Cerberus (feat. Ron Henley & Loonie)
• Dedma (feat. Julie Anne San Jose; October 2014)
• "Diwata" (feat. Chito Miranda; December 2014)