October is Filipino-American History month, a movement to celebrate the culture and contributions of Filipinos in the United States. Despite being the second largest Asian group in the country after Chinese-Americans, Filipino-Americans still experience levels of invisibility in society, including mainstream music and culture.

Filipino youth cuIture in particular is heavily influenced by hip-hop, and from that emerged a generation of turntablists and producers. There’s a range of talent extending beyond genres, so it’s only right to close out the month by highlighting Filipino-American producers whose work you likely heard of, and up-and-coming producers who deserve a spot on your playlist.

Chad Hugo

Touted as the silent other half of The Neptunes, multi-instrumentalist and producer Chad Hugo is anything but the shadow of his more famous counterpart, Pharrell. Hugo played an integral role defining the signature Neptunes sound, innovating music with thunderclap syncopations and hip-hop futurism. From The Clipse’s “Grindin,” to Snoop Dogg’s “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” and Britney Spears’ “I’m a Slave For You,” Hugo’s work defined an era in pop and hip-hop in the late nineties to mid-2000s.

His latest project “I Know Nigo” marked Hugo’s reunion with Pharrell, though he continues to grace his solo genius on tracks like SG Lewis’ “Chemicals” and Brockhampton’s “When I Ball.” In June 2022, the “other” Neptune was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

!llmind

You likely bumped tracks !Ilmind produced for artists like Drake, Jay Z, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Travis Scott. The 2x Grammy award-winning producer’s style is versatile to say the least, with hip-hop as his forte. Known for heavy 808s and synthesizers, !llmind recently added fellow Filipino-American rapper Guapdad 4000’s full-length release “1176” to his credits.

Gingee

To say LA-based producer and DJ Gingee is on a come up is an understatement. Her high energy sounds are a mix of global bass, moombahton, and hip-hop, with each track celebrating her indigenous Philippine roots. Incorporating the kulintang (gong) and cowbells in her beats, Gingee’s contribution to the global roots scene is being recognized — with performances at Burning Man and this year’s Coachella Fest as major endorsements.

Mndsgn

For music that induces a quest for self-discovery and euphoria, look no further than Mndsgn (pronounced “mind design”). The Jersey-born and LA-based songwriter and producer lays tracks reminiscent of soulful 70s psychedelia, taking you into a dreamlike state. Experimental at best, Mndsgn’s hypnotic spin on jazz, funk, and soul earned him a spot on Stones Throw Records’ roster, the legendary indie label that housed infamous hip-hop producer J Dilla.