Nik Makino

{{Short description|Filipino rapper (born 1995)}} {{Infobox musical artist | birth_name = Nikolson Makino | birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1995}} | origin = Abad Santos, Tondo, Manila | genre = Pinoy hip hop | years_active = 2011–present | label = Believe AS Philippines }}

'''Nikolson Makino''' (born 1995) is a Filipino rapper. Although he started rapping as a 16-year-old in 2011, Makino rose to popularity with the controversial tracks "Neneng B" and "Lexi" during the COVID-19 pandemic. After becoming a family man and concerned with his negative influence on children, Makino decided to move away from his sexually explicit lyrics in his debut album ''Hype One's'' (2022), a more personal record which explores themes of self-realization, love and friendship. He appeared on the ''Billboard'' Philippines Songs chart twice, with the Flow G collaborations "Moon" and "We Made It".

== Life and career ==

=== Early career and "Neneng B" era (2011{{Endash}}2020) === Nikolson Makino<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Biong |first=Ian |date=November 18, 2019 |title='Neneng B' artists reach settlement with foreign producer who accused them of stealing beat |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/351999/neneng-b-artists-reach-settlement-with-foreign-producer-who-accused-them-of-stealing-beat |access-date=February 27, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref> was born in 1995.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Wang |first=Nickie |date=March 14, 2022 |title=Cruising with Nik Makino |url=https://manilastandard.net/?p=314214199 |access-date=February 27, 2024 |website=Manila Standard}}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> Growing up in Abad Santos, Tondo, Makino started rapping in 2011 as a 16-year-old and spends time in the U.S. state of New Jersey.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Jusay |first=Annalyn S. |date=March 18, 2022 |title=Nik Makino gets mature with Hype One's |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/3/17/nik-makino-gets-mature-with-hype-ones |access-date=February 27, 2024 |website=Manila Bulletin}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=November 30, 2023 |title=Face to Face with Filipino hip-hop artist Nik Makino |url=https://www.believe.com/newsroom/face-face-filipino-hip-hop-artist-nik-makino |access-date=February 27, 2024 |website=Believe Music}}</ref> His early releases were a series of mixtapes and extended plays (EPs),<ref name=":3" /> including ''Most Needed Mixtape'', ''Now I Know'', ''Love Lust Lies Mixtape,'' and ''It's Nik Mixtape''.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Arsua |first=Koji |date=March 11, 2022 |title=Nik Makino, Singer Of "Neneng B," Has A New Album And It's More Wholesome |url=https://www.wheninmanila.com/nik-makino-singer-of-neneng-b-has-a-new-album-and-its-more-wholesome/ |access-date=February 28, 2024 |website=When in Manila}}</ref>

Makino rose to popularity with the singles "Neneng B", a collaboration with Raf Davis, and "Lexi",<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> which garnered a combined 95 million views.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Plaza |first=Marane A. |date=March 17, 2022 |title=WATCH: Sunset yacht party as Pinoy rapper Nik Makino launches first album |url=https://www.philstar.com/music/2022/03/17/2166072/watch-sunset-yacht-party-pinoy-rapper-nik-makino-launches-first-album |access-date=February 27, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}}</ref> "Neneng B" went viral during the COVID-19 pandemic,<ref name=":1" /> reaching at least No. 12 on the now-defunct Philippine Music Charts in February 2020,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gil |first=Baby A. |date=February 5, 2020 |title=Ben&Ben, Tala and Catriona hit songs |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2020/02/05/1990337/benben-tala-and-catriona-hit-songs |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=The Philippine Star}}</ref> but both songs proved controversial because of their sexually explicit lyrics and Makino attracted many critics.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Lino Brocka's organization, The Concerned Artists of the Philippines, criticized "Neneng B" for "[reinforcing] the idea that women exist to be fetishized for male pleasure", like many other artists who "tread this well-worn path of toxic and fragile masculinity.”<ref name=":6" /> In November 2019, a European producer, known as Roko Tensei, threatened to sue Makino and Davis, alleging that "Neneng B" had stolen his beat "Relax". While Makino claimed that he had already paid for the beat, they later reached an out-of-court settlement.<ref name=":0" />

Makino decided to move on from his "bad boy" image after he found out children were listening to "Neneng B" at parties. He considered what kind of influence he wanted to have with his music.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> He also wanted to change personally, having become a family man:<ref name=":1" /> he had settled down with his now-wife Krystal Kate "Siobe Lim" Mana, the model from the "Neneng B" music video, and began raising his newborn daughter, born in 2020 or 2021.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> According to the ''Manila Standard'', Makino now wanted make songs about "self-realization and [celebrating] family, friendship, and some clean, laid-back fun"{{Emdash}}music that had a "lasting impact".<ref name=":1" />

=== Believe, ''Hype One's'', and collaborations (2020{{Endash}}2024) === Makino was Believe AS Philippines' first signee, and his first projects under the label were the EPs ''Aye Mami'' (2020){{Emdash}}which Makino called his transition from his "fuckboy" image{{Emdash}}''Bouncy Boy'', featuring collaborations with Shao Lin and Kenzo, and ''Censored'' (both 2021).<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Galang |first=MC |date=February 13, 2022 |title=Nik Makino Premieres Valentine's Day Track, 'Pag-Ibig Sayo' |url=https://hiphopdx.com/en_asia/news/id.68036/title.nik-makino-premieres-valentines-day-track-pag-ibig-sayo |access-date=February 28, 2024 |website=HipHopDX}}</ref> Believe noticed him because his large social media following;<ref name=":2" /> he often posts vlogs online and also has many TikTok followers.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Mercado |first=Josh |date=November 4, 2023 |title=Young OPM artists Nik Makino, Mayo Marte debut unreleased songs |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/11/04/23/nik-makino-mayo-marte-debut-unreleased-songs |access-date=February 28, 2024 |website=ABS-CBN News}}</ref> Makino said he suffered depression during his first year with Believe and had to reflect on why he chose to do music. Believe mostly gave Makino creative freedom, and Makino built his own home studio.<ref name=":3" />

On January 15, 2022, Makino released the single "Dahan Lang" (Filipino: Just Take it Slow), which featured A. Ross. He released "Pag-Ibig Sayo" (Love For You) for Valentine's Day.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":7" /> "Ready Ka" (You Ready), featuring Dash Calzado, came out days before he released his debut album ''Hype One's'' (2022). A mellower and more personal record, its 14 songs were inspired by the 26-year-old's journey both in his music and his personal life. Makino wanted his listeners to connect to his music more positively and be inspired to follow their own goals. He tried to distance himself from "Neneng B" and "Lexi"; the more laidback sound was reminiscent of his early career.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /> Makino also credited his partner, Siobe Lim, for his success, stating that what he had accomplished in his career would not have been possibly if she had not stuck by him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Severo |first=Jan Milo |date=November 6, 2023 |title='Akala ko anak ni Boss Toyo': Nik Makino on potential collab with Francis M's alleged daughter |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/music/2023/11/06/2309368/akala-ko-anak-ni-boss-toyo-nik-makino-potential-collab-francis-ms-alleged-daughter |access-date=May 31, 2026 |website=The Philippine Star}}</ref>

The Flow G feature "Moon" was one of the album's most anticipated tracks. On it, the pair rap about the ups and downs of their rise to success over strings and a trap beat.<ref name=":4" /> In September, it peaked at No. 16 on the ''Billboard'' Philippines Songs chart.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=September 10, 2022 |title=Philippines Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/philippines-songs-hotw/2022-09-10/ |access-date=February 27, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Makino and Flow G later performed "Moon" at the 8th Wish Music Awards ceremony in Quezon City's Araneta Coliseum.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Galang |first=MC |date=January 22, 2023 |title=Felip, Flow G, JRLDM, James Reid, SB19 & More Win Big At 8th Wish Music Awards |url=https://hiphopdx.com/en_asia/news/felip-flow-g-jrldm-james-reid-sb19-more-win-big-at-8th-wish-music-awards |access-date=February 28, 2024 |website=HipHopDX}}</ref> Other songs had a pop rap sound, where Makino sings about watching the sunset and counting the stars.<ref name=":2" />

After ''Hype One's'', Makino continued to release singles.<ref name=":3" /> On June 17, 2022, he featured on DAZE's single "G.G.D." (Good Girl Drug).<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 7, 2022 |title=DAZE collaborates with 'Neneng B' and 'Lexi' hitmaker Nik Makino on upcoming single 'G.G.D.' |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/06/06/daze-collaborates-with-neneng-b-and-lexi-hitmaker-nik-makino-on-upcoming-single-g-g-d/ |access-date=February 28, 2024 |website=Manila Bulletin}}</ref> He featured on and co-wrote KZ Tandingan's "Pinas Lang Malakas" (Only Philippines is Strong), the theme song for the Filipino teams Blacklist and Echo at the MLBB M4 World Championship, which was released on December 28.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Santos |first=Rhea Manila |date=January 2, 2023 |title=EXCLUSIVE: KZ Tandingan on co-writing her new song 'Pinas Lang Malakas': 'It was a dream project!' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/2023/1/2/kz-on-co-writing-her-new-song-pinas-lang-malakas-954 |access-date=February 28, 2024 |website=Push}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lojo |first=Michelle |date=December 10, 2022 |title=Blacklist, ECHO collide with compatriots in M4 group stages |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2022/12/10/2229882/blacklist-echo-collide-compatriots-m4-group-stages |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=The Philippine Star}}</ref> In November 2023, Makino and Mayo Marte, a long-time collaborator and fellow Believe signee, hosted a listening party for their unreleased songs at Quezon City's Sine Pop. While there, Makino said he based his songs on his self-reflection on his life experiences. He also talked about his wife's constant support and said that instead of trying to make hits, he is currently just doing what he enjoys.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wang |first=Nickie |date=November 14, 2023 |title=Nik Makino charts new artistic course, moves beyond 'Neneng B' era |url=https://manilastandard.net/showbitz/314389886/nik-makino-charts-new-artistic-course-moves-beyond-neneng-b-era.html |access-date=February 28, 2024 |website=Manila Standard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Severo |first=Jan Milo |date=November 6, 2023 |title='Akala ko anak ni Boss Toyo': Nik Makino on potential collab with Francis M's alleged daughter |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/music/2023/11/06/2309368/akala-ko-anak-ni-boss-toyo-nik-makino-potential-collab-francis-ms-alleged-daughter |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=The Philippine Star}}</ref>

Makino's second charting song was another Flow G collaboration, "We Made It", which peaked at No. 7 in February 2024.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=February 24, 2024 |title=Philippines Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/philippines-songs-hotw/2024-02-24/ |access-date=February 27, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Its music video included futuristic cityscapes of Manila.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bonoan |first=Christian |date=January 11, 2024 |title=Watch Nik Makino x Flow G 'We Made It' |url=https://myx.global/watch-nik-makino-x-flow-g-we-made-it/ |access-date=February 27, 2024 |website=Myx}}</ref> Filipino actor Miguel Tanfelix participated in a popular TikTok challenge set to the song which followed dance moves by Filipino choreographer Jay Joseph.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Hazel Jane |date=January 24, 2024 |title=Miguel Tanfelix flexes his trendy hairstyle |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/109125/miguel-tanfelix-flexes-his-trendy-hairstyle/story |access-date=February 28, 2024 |website=GMA Lifestyle |quote=Miguel also joined the viral “We Made It” challenge on TikTok. It is a short choreography by Filipino choreographer Jay Joseph to Nik Makino and Flow G's “We Made It.”}}</ref> Makino's second single for the year, "Sobrang Solid" (Super Solid), was a collaboration with producer NexxFriday.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Angan |first=Kara |date=May 7, 2024 |title=Nik Makino Performs 'Sobrang Solid' On Billboard Philippines Soundwave — Watch |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/media-channels/soundwave/nik-makino-performs-sobrang-solid-on-billboard-philippines-soundwave-watch/ |access-date=May 19, 2024 |website=Billboard Philippines}}</ref> For Coke Studio, Makino and the Filipino boy band Alamat released their collaborative track "Ngayong Gabi" (Tonight) and performed at the Ultimate Fandom Concert in Manila's MOA Arena on September 5.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tobias |first=Jap |date=September 7, 2024 |title=K-pop group NewJeans shares stage with Alamat, Zack Tabudlo in Manila show |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/korean-wave/2024/09/07/2383533/k-pop-group-newjeans-shares-stage-alamat-zack-tabudlo-manila-show |access-date=May 31, 2026 |website=The Philippine Star}}</ref> Makino also collaborated with his fellow Filipino rapper Shao Lin on the five-track ''META MIXTAPE'' (2024), featuring the two artists' characteristic crooning and rapping.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ooi |first=Jensen |date=December 18, 2024 |title=Nik Makino & Shao Lin invite everyone to get cozy at the Diamond Vibe Sessions |url=https://liftedasia.com/article/nik-makino-shao-lin |access-date=May 31, 2026 |website=LiFTED Asia}}</ref>

=== Further collaborations and ''THE ALBUM IS DONE'' (2024{{Endash}}present) === Makino garnered further collaborations among his seven singles in 2025. He released "ADIK NA SAYO" (Addicted to You) and "LAPUK" (Rotten), another song with Shao Lin.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Saenz |first=Rome |date=October 3, 2025 |title=Nik Makino Releases New Single 'PANO KAYA' |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/nik-makino-new-single-pano-kaya/ |access-date=May 31, 2026 |website=Billboard Philippines}}</ref> "Mahal Kita" (I Love You) began in 2022 as a demo that Makino sent to MC Einstein, who started working on it. MC Einstein approached Yeng Constantino, his labelmate at Cornerstone Entertainment, to perform on the track in 2024. Her participation came as a surprise to Makino, who idolized the singer. However, the pair had to wait for a year because Constantino had a busy schedule. The song combines the hip-hop, R&B, and pop rock of Makino, MC Einstein and Constantino's respective styles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Go |first=Mayks |date=August 1, 2025 |title=MC Einstein, Nik Makino, And Yeng Constantino Release New Single 'Mahal Kita' – Listen |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/mc-einstein-nik-makino-and-yeng-constantino-release-new-single-mahal-kita-listen/ |access-date=May 31, 2026 |website=Billboard Philippines}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Go |first=Mayks |date=September 11, 2025 |title=MC Einstein, Yeng Constantino, Nik Makino To Release Performance Video For 'Mahal Kita' |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/mc-einstein-yeng-constantino-nik-makino-mahal-kita-performance-video-release-2025-cornerstone-entertainment/ |access-date=May 31, 2026 |website=Billboard Philippines}}</ref>

The year continued for Makino with "TABE", a collaboration with Robledo Timido, "DOWN", "LAPIT" (Close) with Shao Lin and TreyLow Baby, and "PANO KAYA".<ref name=":8" /> On October 17, Makino launched what he called his "last hip-hop album for now," literally titled ''THE ALBUM IS DONE''. On it, he continues his commitment to excercising restraint with his lyrics{{Em dash}}balancing the ''balagbag'', or rebellious, energy he had in his youth and capturing a side of himself that is more personal and self-aware.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pareño |first=Elijah |date=October 17, 2025 |title=Nik Makino Balances 'Balagbagan' Hip-Hop Energy and Fatherhood in New Album |url=https://rollingstonephilippines.com/music/hiphop-rnb/nik-makino-album-is-done-interview/ |access-date=May 31, 2026 |website=Rolling Stone Philippines}}</ref>

== Discography ==

* ''Hype One's'' (2022) * ''THE ALBUM IS DONE'' (2025)

== References == <references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Makino, Nik}} Category:Living people Category:Filipino rappers Category:Musicians from Manila Category:1995 births Category:21st-century rappers