2010 SOULFIESTA Pinas Hiphop Power Rankings #21

Mike Kosa feat. Jazze Manuel - Tunog Kalye (Produced by PIKASO)

NUMBER 21: 187 MOBSTAZ ENTERTAINMENT - Self made hiphop micro-entrepreneurs, hustlers, artists and movers. They are often overlooked by bigger players -- radio, TV, record labels, awards shows but they have been pushing the boundaries of independent music for a minute now. From the heart of Tondo, where separation exists and life long family ties and gangs decide which streets to walk on or not to walk on, 187 Mobstaz sprouted with both history and future in hand. There are several crews holding down Tondo but none has repped it harder that this. Amongst shanties and the poor living conditions, these artists are able to build studios, mix and master they tracks and put it out. Hell, they even have better equipment than I do. They have bred leaders in the presence of Gab, Mike Kosa, Chub-b -- all holding respectable roles in pushing they're brand.

Mike Kosa performing MY GAME



187 Mobstaz freestyle session with Mista Blaze

Mike Kosa is currently the flag bearer -- an amazing freestyler, but a much more greater lyricist, who just recently graduated with a degree in Criminology looking to be a cop soon, ironically. He has been the face of 187, has his songs pirated throughout the country. Kids everywhere know of him, knows his lyrics and has been flown out to do shows outside the metro. He has done shows from rap contest's to APL DE AP's Ondoy Benefit Show and more. He recently bagged a spot on PIKASO's TURF CD Compilation -- which for me, is the best song in that release. Pikaso gives him a beat to rip, and Jazze blesses it with style and soul. Rumor is Mike Kosa even penned the hook for this one. Shoutouts to Ron Thug for letting me hear that song! He also was the cover and feature story on Konektado DVD's first issue! Gab, the unsung hero behind this movement is the glue that keeps them all together. He makes the decision and leads the team to further business ventures and produces shows for the movement. The strength of this Mobstaz movement is showcased through their expansion out of Tondo - there are heads in Baguio who are part of this and as well in Makati, Malate, Marikina, Malabon and more cities. Chub-b, the ultimate local hiphop hustler has been marinating in the scene for a minute now -- he started as an employee of FUBU then to now earns a living through his venture as a urban apparel business man and promotes his I LOVE HUSTLIN' store which also houses the BOSS BALITA shirts! And I even see people in Singapore rocking those shirts! They also house underground veterans Lyrical Assault, pinoy R&B acts J-Russ and Just Hush -- which by any means are great acts yo, trust me check out Third Floor Man's CD. They also were on Autotune when it was the shit to do! Thats how ahead these fools are, hahaha! They also produce they're own videos, own merchandise and have aligned themselves with Konektado, Tuesday Troop resulting to appearances in TV.

Shoutouts to the whole team: J-Russ, J-Skeelz, Tuglaks, Abaddon, Puting Istilo Crew, Badang, One Mic Productions, Stan Lee Mike, Kial, Jwill, Third Floor Man, CMT, Righteous Onez, Esse, Lyrical Assault, Just Hush and the rest of the guys! Galingan niyo pa! Here's to boost up your confidence and let you know the potential you guys have!


KEVIN "THE KID" GARNETT T-WOLVES NUMBER, 187.