Andrew E.

Based in: Metro Manila (Parañaque)

Alias: Rap Master Fordy

Language(s): Tagalog, English

Style(s): Mainstream, Masa / Novelty, Dirty Rap

Status: Active

Affiliation: Dongalo Wreckords, Rock All Parties Crew

Biography:

Andrew Espiritu, or more known as Andrew E. is one of the biggest names in Pinoy Hip-Hop.

He is known through his style of masa oriented mainstream rap and adult themed tracks with double-meaning lyrics.

Espiritu started his hip-hop career back in the mid 80s as both an MC and a DJ in some of the most popular discothèques around Metro Manila such as Euphoria Disco in Makati. He was then known as “Rap Master Fordy” when he founded Rock-All-Parties Crew, a mobile group specializing in hip-hop music.

Other than his usual gigs, Espiritu also hosted various hip-hop events including Pinoy Rap competitions such as Power Jam and DJ Mixing Competitions organized by Disco Mix Club Philippines.

He got his big break in 1991 when he got signed under Viva Records and recorded his first hit track, “Humanap Ka Ng Panget”. The track launched his career and was the featured track of his same titled debut album released the same year.

“Humanap Ka Ng Panget” also became a popular film of the same title and made Andrew E. an introductory movie star, acting alongside popular Philippine Comedy actors such as Herbert Bautista and Jimmy Santos.

The popularity of the film gave him a career not just in music but also in cinema and would later star in several comedy films. At the same time, he produced the soundtrack of the movies he acted in .

Andrew E. was also the host of The Drive By Show back in 1995. It was hosted by popular radio station, DM 95.5 FM and became the first of its kind to showcase all hip-hop music both US and The Philippines. Many new and upcoming Pinoy Rap artists / groups were featured at the show and it was that time when Espiritu formed Dongalo Wreckords the same year. It became the premier independent Pinoy Rap label and some of the featured guests joined its first roster of artists including Syke, Itim Pero Kayumanggi, Chinese Mafia, Madd Poets, BB. Clan and more.

He was also the host of Rap 13, the first television show on Pinoy Hip-Hop which aired on Philippine TV channel, IBC-13 back in 1997.

Other than The Philippines, Andrew E. was also popular in Japan and recorded two hit tracks in Japanese about the misadventures of a tourist in Tokyo.

Andrew E. continue to remain active in the Pinoy Rap scene, both creating tracks, producing and hosting at popular variety shows on television.

Discography:

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