Ken Suson
Felip Jhon Suson (born January 12, 1997), also known by his stage name Ken and by his mononym Felip, is a Filipino singer, songwriter, dancer, and producer.[1] He is the main dancer, lead vocalist and lead rapper of the Filipino boy band SB19 managed under ShowBT Philippines.[2] He is the founder of record label FELIP,[3] and is the CEO, creative director and lead designer for fashion brand Superior Son.[4]
Ken Suson | |
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Born | Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines | January 12, 1997
Other names | Felip |
Alma mater | Technological Institute of the Philippines |
Occupations |
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Years active | 2018–present |
Musical career | |
Genres | |
Instruments | Vocals |
Labels | |
Member of | SB19 |
Early life and education
Felip Jhon Suson was born on January 12, 1997, in Pagadian, the capital city of the province of Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines, but was raised in the municipality of Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur. His father is a Christian pastor and is the second-born child. He originally wanted to be an architect, but decided to pursue dancing. He studied architecture at PHINMA - Cagayan de Oro College, then transferred to Technological Institute of the Philippines when he relocated to Metro Manila.[5]
Career
2018: SB19
On July 15, 2018, Ken was introduced as the fifth member of ShowBT Entertainment's new boy group, SB19.[6] He became the main dancer and lead vocalist of the group.[7] He has co-written and released track with SB19: "Go Up" (2018).
2021: Solo activities
On September 18, Ken just made his official solo debut with “Palayo” (Away). He goes by the mononym Felip for his solo project, explores a left-field R&B direction in “Palayo,” a marked departure from the high-octane pop style his band's well known for. The Vispop track dropped with a self-executive-produced companion visual (called “mood film”) starring himself in high-fashion ensembles.[8]
On November 26, Ken launched his self-established clothing line called “Superior Son”.[9]
On December 19, HipHopDX Asia, an online magazine of hip hop music included "Palayo" on the list of the Top 20 best hip hop and R&B Songs of Asia.[10]
2022–present: Bulan
On May 28, Ken released his new single "Bulan", a comeback single under his mononym Felip. It was originally due for release on May 15 in conjunction with a rare blood moon phenomenon.[11] "Bulan" was written and composed by Felip. Compared to his debut single "Palayo", a chill, smooth R&B and sexy groovy Vispop track. "Bulan" is more experimental and aggressive sound, reminiscent of hip-hop tracks that are often used in krumping with influence of rock music and mix with Filipino ethnic elements.[12]
"Bulan" music video features the Paoay sand dunes and the Graciano Cliffs along Cape Bojeador in Ilocos Norte.[13][14]
On July 5, Felip performed his newest single, "Bulan," at The Recording Academy Grammy's online series Global Spin, which celebrates global music, international artists, and the world's sounds.[15] He is the first Filipino act and P-pop artist and the first Pilipino Music featured on the Grammy's Global Spin live series.
On February 3, Felip has release and unveiled his first-ever solo EP, COM•PLEX via Warner Music.
Artistry
Ken has the deepest voice out of all SB19 members. He has received critical praise for his unique bass voice, vocal fry, falsetto, and emotional range as a singer.[16] And he can play the guitar and piano as well.[17] Ken's music inspirations are Daniel Caesar a Canadian singer and songwriter, Filipino rock band, IV of Spades and Filipino rapper Al James. He admires Japanese rock band One Ok Rock and EXOs soloist Kai. He has always been vocal in his past interviews that he also appreciate the music style of Post Malone, Lay, and Jaden Smith.[18]
Public image
Becoming a self-made fashion icon, Ken is the most experimental among SB19 members when it comes to his style choices. He blurs the lines of menswear and womenswear every chance that he can get.[19] On the 2021 Village Pipol Choice Awards, Ken brought home the Fashion Influencer of the Year award for two consecutive year.[20]
Discography
Extended plays
Title | Album Details |
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Bulan |
Track listing
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COM•PLEX |
Track listing
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As a lead artist
Title | Year | Album | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
"Palayo" | 2021 | Non-album single | [21] |
"Bulan" | 2022 | Bulan | [22] |
"ROCKSTA" | 2023 | COM•PLEX | [23] |
"STRAYDOGS" | [24] |
Production credits
All song credits are adapted from the Tidal, unless otherwise noted.[25]
Year | Artist(s) | Song | Album | Lyricist | Composer | Ref. | ||
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Credited | With | Credited | With | |||||
2020 | SB19 | "Go Up" | Get in the Zone | ![]() |
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2021 | Felip | "Palayo" | Non-album single | ![]() |
— | ![]() |
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Matthiaos | "Pangga (Remix)" | Non-album singles | ![]() |
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— | ||
2022 | Felip | "Bulan" | Bulan | ![]() |
— | ![]() |
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2023 | Felip | "ROCKSTA" | COM•PLEX | ![]() |
— | ![]() |
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"SUPERIORITY" | ![]() |
— | ![]() |
— | ||||
"MICTEST" | ![]() |
— | ![]() |
— | ||||
"DRINKSMOKE" | ![]() |
— | ![]() |
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"CRIMINAL" | ![]() |
— | ![]() |
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"STRAYDOGS" | ![]() |
— | ![]() |
— |
Videography
Awards and nominations
Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee(s)/work(s) | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Village Pipol Choice Award | 2021 | Fashion Influencer of the Year | Ken Suson | Won | [30] |
2022 | Won | [31] | |||
2023 | Won | ||||
Wish Music Awards | 2023 | Breakthrough Artist of the Year | Felip | Won | [32] |
Wisher's Choice Award | Nominated | ||||
Wishclusive R&B Performance of the Year | "Palayo" | Won |
References
- Idris, Azim A. (September 20, 2021). "Ken of SB19 debuts as FELIP". nme.com/en_asia.
- Llemit, Kathleen (January 12, 2021). "SB19's Ken is first Pinoy idol to have billboard in South Korea". Philstar.com.
- Garcia, Rapha (September 15, 2021). "SB19's Ken is set to make his solo under FELIP". villagepipol.com.
- Robles, RenzNeil (November 27, 2021). "Superior Son: SB19 Ken's new clothing brand". villagepipol.com.
- Tuazon, Nikko. "SB19: The future of P-pop ihere". PEP.ph. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
- "The boys from nowhere: SB19, Filipino pop idols, on their rise". South China Morning Post. March 15, 2020. Archived from the original on March 15, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
- "SB19". Spotify. Archived from the original on February 19, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- Galang, MC (September 21, 2021). "Filipino musician Ken of Filipino boy band SB19 just made his official solo debut with "Palayo" (Away)". hiphopdx.com.
- Robles, RenzNeil (November 27, 2021). "Superior Son: Ken Suson's new clothing line sold-out after launch". villagepipol.com.
- Staff, DX Asia (November 19, 2021). "HiphopDX Asia's 20 Best Songs of 2021". hiphopdx.com.
- Ng, Scott (May 11, 2022). "SB19's FELIP postpones solo single 'Bulan' following Philippines election". www.nme.com/en_asia.
- Lagarde, Shai (May 28, 2022). "SB19's Ken drops solo comeback as FELIP with 'Bulan'". www.gmanetwork.com.
- Lagarde, Shai (May 28, 2022). "'Bulan' music video features the sand dunes of Paoay and the Graciano Cliffs along Cape Bojeador in Ilocos Norte". www.gmanetwork.com.
- Lagarde, Shai (May 28, 2022). ""Bulan" has lyrics about how negativity is being normalized". www.gmanetwork.com.
- "Watch Felip's Performance Of "Bulan'" - Global Spin". Recording Academy/GRAMMYs. July 5, 2022. Retrieved July 6, 2022 – via YouTube.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - Alumino, Lyn (September 20, 2021). "SB19, Ken Suson just keeps on blowing us away". nylonmanila.com.
- Lipat, Geryl (March 27, 2022). "SB19's Ken blows us away with his voice". lamusicreview.com.
- "SB19 Ken, pinukol ng 'plagiarism' allegations; P-pop idol, sumagot". Balita - Tagalog Newspaper Tabloid. May 31, 2022. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
- Alumino, Lyn (August 17, 2021). "Ken is unafraid with his bold style choices". nylonmanila.com.
- Robles, RenzNeil (March 13, 2022). "Ken Suson is the 'Fashion Influencer of the Year'". villagepipol.com.
- "Palayo by Felip". Felip. September 18, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2021 – via Apple Music.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - "Bulan by Felip". Felip. May 29, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2022 – via Apple Music.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - "ROCKSTA by Felip". Warner Music Philippines. January 19, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2023 – via Apple Music.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - "STRAYDOGS by Felip". Warner Music Philippines. January 19, 2023 – via Apple Music.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - "Felip Jhon Suson - Credits". listen.tidal.com. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - "FELIP - 'Palayo' Official MV". FELIP. September 18, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021 – via YouTube.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - "FELIP - 'Bulan' Official MV". FELIP. May 28, 2022. Retrieved May 26, 2022 – via YouTube.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - "FELIP - 'ROCKSTA' Official Music Video". FELIP. January 19, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2023 – via YouTube.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - "FELIP - 'STRAYDOGS' Official Music Video". FELIP. February 10, 2023. Retrieved February 10, 2023 – via YouTube.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - Austria, Josh (January 8, 2021). "VP Choice Awards 2020: Official list of nominees — Lifestyle". Village Pipol. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
- Lorejo, Leanne (March 3, 2022). "VP Choice Awards 2021: The Full List of Winners".
- "8th Wish Music Awards: The Official Nominees". Wish FM 107.5. November 15, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2022.