Two of Filipino hip-hop’s most influential voices—Ron Henley and Abra—have come together once again for a bold new collaboration entitled “KBTHN”, a track that pulses with raw energy, spiritual symbolism, and a stripped-down visual style.
Short for “Kabutihan”, the song and its music video dive deep into the idea of growth, consciousness, and transformation in a world that often feels chaotic. But this release is far from spontaneous.
PGMN was granted exclusive access for its release, sitting down one-on-one with producer YungBawal and Ron Henley himself to unpack the story behind this long-brewing creative fusion. What we discovered was more than a song. It’s a signal flare—a raw, evolved vision from two of the most influential voices in the game.
According to the track’s producer YungBawal, the roots of KBTHN stretch back more than a decade. “This track originally came together back in 2014,” he shares, referring to its first incarnation on his album SPNZ-404sx, which remains available on YouTube to this day.
“Lately, I felt like revisiting it, so I decided to flip a remix and bring in Abra, since he’s always been drawn to this kind of vibe too,” Henley explains. For him, the timing just felt right—a return to unfinished ideas with new depth and renewed energy.
Rather than chasing perfection, the team leaned into spontaneity. The music video, directed by Louie Ong, takes a deliberately unpolished, fluid approach.
“We kept the music video real simple, just trippy visuals, no storyline, all free-flowing energy,” says Henley.
“We just wanted to enjoy the process and let that raw creative energy lead the way.”
That energy is anchored in a shared identity. “Abra and I are both psychonauts,” he adds. “The concept of kabutihan was inspired by the word kabute—mushroom. For us, it symbolizes something essential, like how the world could use a little more kabutihan to grow into a better place.”
Shot in a single location, the video compensates for its minimal set with immersive, often surreal visuals. “I focused a lot on the visuals, especially how the environment moves and flows.
I wanted everything to feel random and organic, like you’re being pulled into a trip.” With Director Ong fully aligned with their vision, the result is a hypnotic, meditative experience meant to evoke a kind of guided introspection.
The project’s strength lies in contrast—blending Ron Henley’s reflective tone with Abra’s more visceral delivery. “Even though Abra and I have different styles, we turned that contrast into a strength,” says Henley.
“It wasn’t just about sharing space. Tt was about elevating the message by letting each voice shine where it resonated most.”
There’s no denying the spiritual undertones. The reference to mushrooms, or kabute, isn’t just visual—it symbolizes awakening. With Abra’s name rooted in “Abracadabra,” the themes of magic, altered states, and higher perception flow effortlessly.
“The whole experience is meant to feel otherworldly, tapping into the surreal and deeper layers of consciousness,” says Henley.
Of course, the creative journey wasn’t without detours. Some props didn’t make it to set, and the location presented limitations. But those obstacles became opportunities.
“Those unexpected moments ended up giving us some of the most raw and authentic visuals,” Ron recalls. “They added a layer of honesty that made the video feel even more real.”
At its core, KBTHN is a reflection—not only of the world, but of the artists’ evolution. “The song and visuals explore the idea of breaking free—whether from expectations, inner struggles, or anything that cages the mind,” Ron says.
“We’re no longer creating just to impress. We create to express.” And that expression? It’s as honest and grounded as ever. For Ron Henley and Abra, KBTHN isn’t just another track. It’s a trip through chaos and clarity. A signal of creative rebirth. A call for kabutihan in a world that desperately needs it.
Watch the official music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Hnq9F0Y9Kw
