Filipina hip-hop and R&B royalty Hi-C is back in the spotlight, and she is giving fans an intimate, visually stunning look at her latest single, “Payapa.” Released under her independent creative stride, the official music video brings a hauntingly beautiful dimension to a track that tackles the suffocating weight of a toxic, doubt-filled relationship.
For OPM fans who remember the golden era of the mid-2000s urban music scene, Hi-C (Honeyleen Concepcion Rosaroso) needs no introduction. As the sultry, unmistakable vocal force behind the legendary Cebuano hip-hop group Dice and K9 (Mobbstarr), she etched her name into Philippine music history with the massive 2004 nationwide hit “Itsumo.” Decades later, her fluid career spans music, fashion, and entrepreneurship, proving that her ability to reinvent herself is completely timeless.
The Song: A Soulful Cry for Peace
Originally released on her album My Illicit Love Fantasies, “Payapa” is a masterclass in modern Pinoy Pop and R&B. Written by H. Rosaroso and W. Rosaroso, and produced by long-time collaborator Acidice, the song acts as a raw, vulnerable confession.
The lyrics pull no punches: “Parang bihag sa selda ng duda, pusong tahimik ginising ng gulo…” (Like a captive in the cell of doubt, a quiet heart awakened by trouble). It chronicles the exhausting reality of being micromanaged, constantly questioned, and suffocated by a partner’s jealousy. The chorus shifts beautifully into a desperate plea for “payapa” (peace)—debating whether to hold on or finally let go. Hi-C’s signature smooth, velvety vocals anchor the emotional weight perfectly, making the heavy subject matter glide over a sleek, atmospheric R&B beat.
The Visuals: Grandeur Meets Heartache
Directed and edited by DiCE Rosaroso, the music video uses spatial contrast to illustrate emotional isolation. Filmed at the magnificent Temple of Leah in Busay, Cebu City, the sweeping, classical Roman architecture provides a grand yet cold backdrop that mirrors the narrative of the song—a beautiful space that has essentially become an emotional prison.
The video brilliantly relies on contemporary dance to express the inner turmoil text messages and arguments cause. Choreographed by Kaye Alfafara, a talented troupe of dancers handles the physical weight of the narrative, moving fluidly around Hi-C like physical manifestations of her anxieties and the invisible strings tying her down.
Hi-C shines at the center of it all. Handling her own styling alongside DiCE, and paired with striking hair and makeup by Chady Pantaleon, she commands the camera with effortless, high-fashion grace. She balances a cold, regal exterior with glimpses of intense, raw vulnerability that match the track’s lyrics perfectly.
”Payapa” is a triumphant testament to Hi-C’s legacy as a solo artist. It proves that she doesn’t just adapt to the changing landscape of OPM R&B—she helps shape it. The music video is sophisticated, emotionally resonant, and visually arresting, making it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates storytelling through song and dance.
The Album
Released under 6G Music Inc., My Illicit Love Fantasies is the 2026 studio album by Pinoy R&B and hip-hop artist Hi-C. The project marks a definitive chapter in her solo career, showcasing her evolution from her iconic mid-2000s roots with Dice & K9 (Mobbstarr) into a fully realized modern OPM Pop and R&B icon.
The album spans a total runtime of 37 minutes across 12 tracks, balancing sultry bedroom anthems with heavy, vulnerable reflections on love and relationships.
Key Tracks to Know
- “Payapa”: The standout track of the album, capturing the suffocating feeling of toxic relationships and a deep yearning for emotional peace.
- “Tag, You’re It”: The album’s energetic, high-stakes opening track.
- “Ikaw Agad”: A smooth, romantic R&B entry.
- “Rush Rush” (feat. DiCE): A massive, 5-minute track bringing back her chemistry with long-time collaborator and producer DiCE.
Musically, My Illicit Love Fantasies blends atmospheric, slow-burn R&B production with modern urban pop rhythms, highlighting Hi-C’s signature smooth vocals and her trademark gift for vulnerable songwriting.
