MANILA, Philippines – Knowa Lazarus and Flava Matikz of the Fil-Am rap duo Q-York talk to Rappler for #BalikBayan.

The duo has been creating music since 2002. They are originally from Queens, New York. In search of a “deeper purpose” for their artistic talents, Lazarus and Knowa began volunteering for Gawad Kalinga and speaking to public school youth about “positivity through hip hop” in San Diego, California.

Watch the interview below.

A short trip to the Philippines and collaboration with the award-winning hip-hop dance group, the Philippine All Stars in 2007, compelled them to sell “whatever they didn’t need” and pack their bags for a one-way trip to the Philippines.

Q-York describes their style as having a “local-feel with international appeal.” Their songs are composed mainly in English, but they also infuse their songs with some Tagalog words.

According to the duo, their music emphasizes “self-empowerment, positivity, spirituality and pride in their culture while at the same time, having fun.”

The group talks about breaking into the music industry, the Philippine hip-hop scene, volunteerism and more.

Their 2009 single “Mainit” won the most requested award from MYX Philippines and MTV Philippines. This is just one of several the group has won.

#Ratcha, their new single, recently hit the Philippine airwaves. They will be putting out a new album entitled, “Q-Labonation” early next year. The album will feature collaborations with other Philippine artists like Ogie Alcasid, Yeng Constantino, Sponge Cola, Gab Valenciano, and more.

 – Rappler.com

Follow Q-York on Twitter: @Q_York 

#BalikBayan is a project that aims to harness and engage Filipinos all over the world to collectively rediscover and redefine Filipino identity.