Off The Chest, arguably the greatest cypher showdown in Philippine hip-hop, launched its Season 2: NCR Qualifiers last June 14, 2025. Five contestants battled for the title, "Rap King of Metro Manila", a widely coveted laurel bestowed only to a select few.
The road to greatness, as they say, starts with a climb—and for Off The Chest Season 2, that was quite literally so.
Long Road To The Top
As one makes their way up the hills of Antipolo to reach Tagpuan’s “Orange Stage,” it's as if the sun begins to clock out in slow motion, painting the sky with shades of lavender and gold.
For a moment, it feels like you're walking toward the heavens. And just like that, the tone is set—this is the biggest rap cypher to happen in Philippine Hip-hop, and surely something truly divine was about to happen.
Cut to Tagpuan: a crowd painted in a mosaic of moods. Some were on dates sipping fruit shakes, others clinked beers with their "tropa". One corner hosted a birthday bash, another, a crew deep in pre-show banter. From above, folks at cafés and bars peered down at the stage. Different vibes, one pulse. You could feel it—everyone was all waiting for something big.
Tonight is all about rap. And tonight, the rap gods are about to smile upon one talented individual.
A Curious Case Of Buga, Bara, Beats
MC Bmac took the mic and introduced the chosen five for the first cypher battle of the season: Ice, Hex Magus, Shouja, Dodong Saypa, and Andros. The mic ran like a lightning bolt, and every verse felt electrifying than the last. The crowd grew louder, denser, more invigorated—until only two titans remained: Ice and Andros. One-on-one. Who will the Filipino rap gods choose?
Ice spit fire soaked in the blood of José Rizal and Andrés Bonifacio. Andros, meanwhile, answered with the tongue of an angel and the swagger of a future king. Then came a bonus: performances by Matthaios and Smugglaz, sending fans from the hills scrambling down to jam up close with their idols.
Finally, Andros’ manifesto sang true—Php 75,000 richer and crowned Rap King of Metro Manila. The night closed with a sky-shattering fireworks display that felt like adrenaline and awe rolled into one long explosion. Engrande. Epic. Unforgettable.
On To The Next
Off The Chest S2 is on the move—and they're bringing the biggest rap stage to M-Empire Superclub in Olongapo City, Zambales on June 28, 2025 – M Empire Superclub, Zambales for the Off The Chest Season 2 Northern-Central Luzon Qualifiers.
The stage is set, the bars are real, and the battles are just getting started. Pull up, vibe out, and witness the rise of the next Rap Kings of Zambales, Laguna, Bacolod, Cebu, and General Santos City. History just might be waiting to be made.
