The Cool Girl Records release takes the pop star’s sound into darker, grittier hip-hop and R&B territory

Following the positive reception to her comeback single “Personal,” Nadine Lustre joins forces with Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas for “Donuts,” a polished fusion of pop, hip-hop, and R&B released through Cool Girl Records.

Guided by the commanding narration of Francis Brew of The Dawn and underscored by eerie choir “oohs,” the song gradually erupts into a sonic clash driven by booming 808s, sharp lyricism, and raw, gritty dissonance.

“Donuts” stands in stark contrast to the polish and pop sheen of Nadine’s previous single “Personal,” while still retaining the attitude and candor that defined her earlier releases. She drops her rap-sung lines over retro-futurist production, backed by drums that sound like the stomps of a platoon march. The track shows her suave side effortlessly, pushing her sound toward a more urban direction.

Adding another layer of star power to the mix is Black Eyed Peas’ own Apl.de.ap, whose eclectic presence stands out on the track. The Pampanga-born rapper also delivers a powerful Taglish verse, showing how far he has come while still representing his roots by proudly referencing the historic Datu of Mactan, Lapu-Lapu, and rapping about taking control of one’s destiny.

“Donuts” was penned by Nadine Lustre, Andric Ivo Empreso, and Jan Roberts Baloloy, with Khalil Atienza, Elijiah Wudz Bitacura, and Isagani Palabyab handling production. The track’s anthemic and poised sound marks the second release in a growing series of singles, hinting at a larger project potentially on the horizon for the multi-hyphenate artist.

The award-winning actress, entrepreneur, and pop artist previously shared her excitement about collaborating with Apl.de.Ap in an Instagram post on September 5, 2026. She wrote, “A little surreal making music with a legend, @apldeap. D O N U T S out on all platforms.”

Nadine Lustre’s “Donuts” is currently streaming on major digital music platforms worldwide, released through Cool Girl Records.

HER COMING-OF-AGE MASTERPIECE IS AMPLIFIED WITH UPGRADED VISUALS, SURPRISE NEW TRACKS, AND SPANISH LANGUAGE SONGS, INCLUDING COLLABORATIONS WITH MALUMA AND THE LATE SELENA

B’DAY (20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION) IS AVAILABLE NOW LISTEN HERE | ORDER THE CD & VINYL HERE

Today marks Beyoncé’s birthday and the release of a voluminous remastered B’DAY, her coming-of-age second album. When it was released on September 4, 2006, music fans around the world were introduced to a 25-year-old woman with a bold, new voice. Not just a powerful singing voice, but an artist determined to take over her career as a singer, songwriter, producer, and visual artist. She recorded the album in a two-week session, fully cemented at the helm, and knowing exactly what she wanted to create. She was pushing herself, revealing layers to her innovative approach to recording, writing, and producing. That fierce and urgent approach was extended to all her collaborators, with each one digging a little deeper to define the sound of her deeply personal album.

“I wanted the album to be big, percussive, hard, up-tempo, and energized, and it was important to me that we used live instrumentation,” she recalls. “Hip-hop was taking over at the time, but I was fighting to preserve the bridges, melodies, and harmonies that have always been at the heart of R&B. The goal was to blend those two worlds through the art of sampling. I loved the minimalism of a beautiful vocal arrangement over a simple drum loop or a classic guitar like ‘Irreplaceable’…but only if that 808 was banging underneath.”

B’DAY was essentially her first visual album, with short films that explored the making of a relationship in full, through every turn. It was a conceptual project, urgent and captivating. Its themes of finding one’s confidence, liberation, audacity and compatibility are as relevant today as they were two decades ago.

And in preparing for this milestone release, Beyoncé once again went back to the boards and worked on remastering songs. The videos, originally captured on 35mm are now remastered and re-colored and finished in 4k, including “Déjà Vu,” featuring JAY-Z, and directed by Sophie Muller, also out today.

Images, shot on location in New Orleans, and never seen before, are also included. New Orleans, where Beyoncé’s family has deep roots, was working on rebuilding following the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. The Big Easy’s resilience and fortitude served as inspiration for Beyoncé who wanted to contribute in her own way to the city’s revitalization.

When news of the B’DAY (20th Anniversary Edition) broke last July 4th, it was ushered in by the song “MORNING DEW (DONK).” Astute fans quickly pointed to the history of the song, which leaked in 2023. A remix of the track, featuring JAY-Z, was delivered on August 4th, solidifying the song’s placement among the twenty-three-year plus history of collaborations between the Carters.

B’DAY 20th Anniversary Edition is replete with a celebratory offering of Spanish language songs that speak to Beyoncé’s love and admiration for the culture and the incredible artists who contributed and continue to build on the genre. “Cuerpo Tumbao (Get Me Bodied) feat. Maluma” marks a first-time collaboration with the Colombian artist, one of the leading voices in Latin music. She has been a fan of his work and feels flattered to finally work with this multi-genre artist. A philanthropist in every way, Beyoncé applauds Maluma for the work he does in his country to help young people through the arts, and through humanitarian efforts following the recent earthquake. The song contains a sample of Afro-Cuban star, Celia Cruz’s “La Negra Tiene Tumbao.” Beyoncé has long admired Cruz’s pride in her African culture; her refusal to bend in the wake of racism, colorism and the narrow definition of beauty. In a time when society wanted her to be bitter and broken down, she boldly claimed her Blackness. The sample was the perfect fit for a song that pushes strength and confidence on the dancefloor and in life. The song was produced by Beyoncé, Edgar Barrera, CASTA and co-produced by Ali “Ali Ali” Alvarez.

“Irreemplazable (Como La Flor) featuring Selena” is a momentous inclusion. Selena was one of the most celebrated Mexican American entertainers and was known as the “Queen of Tejano Music.” Since her passing in 1995, her estate rarely grants use of her music. This resounding approval for Beyoncé from Selena Quintanilla’s estate made it possible for this timely and meaningful duet. Two women from Texas. Two unmistakable and irreplaceable voices that broke down and continues to break down barriers.

Beyoncé revered Selena and remembers listening to her on the radio in Houston. She credits her for inspiring the recording of Irreemplazable, her Spanish EP released in 2007.

B’DAY 20th Anniversary Edition – Deluxe Vinyl – a 4LP edition pressed on 180G Bayou Blue Vinyl. It features “MORNING DEW (DONK),” Spanish recordings, and B-Sides. It comes with a 60-page commemorative booklet and two collectible double-sided art prints. The Deluxe Vinyl is jampacked with massive, new gems including “Can I Watch You”, produced by Beyoncé and Pharrell, and “My First Time,” which was originally recorded for Beyoncé’s debut solo album, DANGEROSUSLY IN LOVE, but was taken off the final track list. Also included here are “Lost Yo Mind,” “Creole” and “Back Up,” B-sides that were not included on B’DAY in 2006.

B’DAY (20th Anniversary Edition), is available in standard and deluxe volumes on vinyl and CD, as well as a deluxe digital offering.

B’DAY 20th Anniversary Edition – Standard Vinyl is a limited edition 180G 2LP with new sequencing and new tracks/remixes. It features “MORNING DEW (DONK)” and a 16-page collectible booklet with never-before-seen imagery.

B’DAY 20th Anniversary Edition Digital Deluxe – All tracks on the deluxe vinyl plus two digital-only bonus additions, “Cuerpo Tumbao (featuring Maluma)” and “Irreemplazable (Como La Flor) Featuring Selena.”

B/DAY 20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION -DIGITAL DELUXE (31 TRACKS)

1. DÉJÀ VU (FEAT. JAŸ-Z)
2. GET ME BODIED
3. SUGA MAMA
4. UPGRADE U (FEAT. JAŸ-Z)
5. RING THE ALARM
6. KITTY KAT
7. FREAKUM DRESS
8. GREEN LIGHT
9. IRREPLACEABLE
10. CHECK ON IT (FEAT. SLIM THUG)
11. BEAUTIFUL LIAR (BEYONCÉ & SHAKIRA)
12. FLAWS AND ALL
13. RESENTMENT
14. LISTEN
15. MORNING DEW (DONK)
16. MY FIRST TIME
17. CAN I WATCH YOU (FEAT. PHARRELL)
18. WELCOME TO HOLLYWOOD (FEAT. JAŸ-Z)6
19. LOST YO MIND
20. CREOLE
21. BACK UP
22. GET ME BODIED (EXTENDED MIX)
23. CUERPO (TUMBAO) FEAT. MALUMA
24. IRREEMPLAZABLE (COMO LA FLOR) FEAT. SELENA
25. AMOR GITANO (BEYONCÉ & ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ)
26. LISTEN (OYE)
27. BEAUTIFUL LIAR (BELLO EMBUSTERO)
28. IRREPLACEABLE (IRREEMPLAZABLE)
29. GET ME BODIED (TIMBALAND REMIX) [FEAT. VOLTIO]
30. IRREPLACEABLE (IMPLAZABLE) [NORTEÑA REMIX]
31. GET ME BODIED (MUEVE EL CUERPO)

ORDER THE VINYL HERE

Gigi de Lana, Bino of Sunkissed Lola, HEY JUNE!, and Jet Pangan join the veteran band for a free celebration at Eton Centris

After building a legacy of generation-defining anthems and a lasting connection with the Filipino audience, 6cyclemind will celebrate 25 years of making music with a special concert at Eton Centris in Quezon City on September 12, 2026.

The anniversary concert serves as a homecoming for OPM music fans who have watched the band grow and earn their rightful place in pop culture—thanks to their accessible yet heartfelt pop-rock tunes and earnest songwriting that reflect everyday Filipino life.

To make the event even more special, the free show will feature a cross-generational lineup of artists, including Gigi de Lana, Bino of Sunkissed Lola, HEY JUNE!, and The Dawn’s Jet Pangan. CLNO, the band formed by former 6cyclemind member Chuck Isidro, will open the concert.

According to 6cyclemind, reaching 25 years goes far beyond legacy. “We consider every anniversary a milestone,” says bassist Bobby Cañamo. “25 years is such a special milestone kasi mas ramdam namin yung era na natawid ng banda. Also, this time, may opportunity kami i-celebrate yung milestone nang mas grand.”

Since its formation in the early 2000s, 6cyclemind has released six studio albums and maintained a solid spot in OPM history. Songs such as “Sandalan,” “Sige,” “Upside Down,” and “Biglaan” have continued to find listeners decades after its peak, taking on new meanings as both the band and its audience have moved past it.

For drummer Vic Aquino, the longevity of the band’s music can partly be traced to its relatability and to the band’s decision to keep playing. Its songs, he notes, have become part of different listeners’ lives through gigs, videoke sessions, family playlists, and everyday listening.

Official poster

Live shows remain central to 6cyclemind’s identity: a place they call home, bringing comfort and familiarity. The band began its career playing bar gigs and small events, eventually performing across the Philippines in festivals as a headlining act. After decades onstage, the members still regard live performance as one of the most rewarding aspects of being in the band.

“A live show always seems like a reunion with our audience for us,” manager and 6th member
Darwin Hernandez says, reflecting on the band’s extensive touring history. “We were blessed that we were able to build a connection with our audience through our songs.”

The anniversary celebration arrives as the band steps into a new era. 6cyclemind is currently working on a new album with Isidro serving as producer.

As 6cyclemind enters its 26th year, the band remains grounded in the same commitment that has sustained it for a quarter-century: making music, performing, reaching new listeners, and growing alongside the Filipino music community.

“We just want to share our music and be an inspiration to others,” Aquino says. “Gaya nung lyrics, ‘di kami tumigil, itinuloy namin through ups and downs and lineup changes ng members ng banda.”

The 25th anniversary concert therefore stands not simply as a look back, but as a marker of continuity: celebrating where 6cyclemind has been while opening the door to whatever comes next.

The Filipino-Australian artist brings her own versions of the songs that shaped her career to the Philippine stage

A decade after embarking on her professional music career, Ylona Garcia is coming home to the Philippines for two special shows that celebrate her journey while looking ahead to the next chapter of her career.

The two-part anniversary celebration will feature songs from her 10-year journey in the music industry, reimagined through her personal interpretations and the perspective she has gained as an artist.

The homecoming celebration kicks off on September 4 with Backyard Live: Ylona Garcia Spotlight, a Manila-exclusive show at Backyard Warehouse Studio in Baesa, Quezon City. By invitation only, the intimate and music-centered event will give a limited audience an exclusive first look at Ylona’s 10th anniversary celebration.

The following day, September 5, Ylona brings the celebration to a wider public audience with 10 Years of Ylona Garcia: Live at Venice Grand Canal Mall in McKinley Hill, beginning at 7 p.m.

“Celebrating 10 years in music is a reminder of how far I’ve come, but also of what really matters to me,” Ylona shares. “Personally, the first five years were a great challenge as I was learning more about my culture and how showbiz worked. However, the last five years have been some of the hardest years of my life. I lost someone very important to me, went through experiences where I allowed people to take advantage of me emotionally, and found myself alone in another country for the second time. Artistically, though, those experiences taught me a lot about the difference between being a singer and being an artist.”

The two live experiences will eventually be part of Ylona Garcia’s 10th Anniversary Live Album, a nine-track collection featuring her versions of the songs from the past decade. The project also serves as a bridge to her long-awaited second EP, with elements of her emerging new sounds and inspirations woven intricately into the anniversary performances.

Ylona’s journey in music has always been rocky but filled with delightful surprises. After establishing herself as a pop star with a loyal following in the Philippines, she signed with Paradise Rising, 88rising’s Filipino-focused imprint, and subsequently relocated to Los Angeles to pursue her music internationally. Her work has included a performance at 88rising’s Head in the Clouds festival and “Entertain Me,” released in partnership with Riot Games’ VALORANT. At the same time, her growing international profile has led to recognition from outlets such as V Magazine.

As Ylona Garcia returns to the Philippines to mark her 10th year in music, she is revisiting the songs, experiences, and lessons that have shaped her journey, while looking ahead to the future. For the project, the versatile artist is teaming up with Sony Music Entertainment to give her existing catalog a fresh take through exciting new interpretations.

“This is my third time working with a music label, and collaboration truly means a lot to me,” Ylona explains. “So, through this project, being able to figure out what collaboration looks like between Sony Music Entertainment and me has actually been a very healing experience. I’ve learned a lot about what it means to bring my vision into a room, listen to other people’s perspectives, and build something together without losing what I came there to say.” 

Catch Ylona Garcia as she celebrates her tenth anniversary as an artist:

Event 1: Backyard Live: Ylona Garcia Spotlight
Date: Sept. 4, 2026
Location: Backyard Warehouse Studio, Baesa, Quezon City

By invitation (registration link): http://ylonagarcia.lnk.to/Ylona_At_Backyard_Live

Event 2: 10 Years of Ylona Garcia: Live at Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill
Date: Sept. 5, 2026
Location: Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill
Event Time: 7:00 PM

Register to get free tickets: http://ylonagarcia.lnk.to/Ylona_at_Venice