The Philippines has the oldest hip hop scene in South East Asia, largely due to the historical connections with the Philippines and United States, the home of hip hop. The beginning of Pinoy rap came in the early 1980s, with Dyords Javier ("Na Onseng Delight") and Vincent Dafalong ("Nunal"). The genre developed slowly during the 80s, but soon entered the mainstream with Francis Magalona 's Yo! , which included the hit "Mga Kakabayan". Magalona became an instant hit. More stars follwoed, including Lady Diane (The First Lady of Rap ), Denmark (I'm Markie D.! ), Michael V. ("Maganda Ang Piliin"), Rap Asia ("Hoy! Tsismosa") and MC Lara (MC Lara ).

Other than hip hop music. Filipino hip-hop is also represented in turntablism like DJ. Coki, DJ. Kimozave, breakdancers like The Battle Krew and graffiti like SBA CRU ang UAT.

1992 saw the beginning of rapid stylistic innovation with Francis M.'s Rap Is Francis M , and Death Threat 's "Gusto Kong Bumaet".