Vex Ruffin’s recent EP Emilio is introducing old and new fans to his fresh take on ‘Original Pilipino Music’ (OPM). Before the release of his third LP for Stones Throw – LiteAce Frequency – we chat about his love for ‘70s Manila sound, Japanese funk, and hip-hop.
You recently released Emilio. How have people responded differently to this album than your past releases?
I’ve been getting positive feedback on Emilio. New fans who have never heard my other albums. I feel like this is a new start and a new stage in my music.
What was the writing and recording process like?
Well, I’m definitely in a different mind-state then I was in my past records—more at peace. But the process is still the same for me. The best songs happen in an instant. They come quick and just flow, which works for me because you don’t have a lot of time when you have a family lol.
“Some people are mad that i sampled that, lol, but it’s the hip-hop in me.”
There’s an overall tone of positivity to this EP, and the name was inspired by your grandfather. What does this album mean to you?
Positivity is a must. Everyone should practice a positive mental attitude. That’s where I’m trying to be right now, even tho sometimes you slip. But in the end, my goal is to spread positivity through my music.
What’s your favorite track on Emilio?
Live your life good.
I found it interesting that ‘Warm Life’, ‘Forget It’, and ‘Ruined’ from your 2013 self-titled album have a similar aesthetic to this EP. There’s warmth, a relaxed vibe, and a bit of singing on your part. What inspired you to do more songs like these?
A lot of times my art just hits me, so most of the time it’s not pre-meditated or planned. I love digging for samples on YouTube, records, tapes, whatever. That’s my favorite part of the process. My voice and lyrics come after. I think about characters and bands that I create in my head while making songs sometimes.
I had never heard of Original Pilipino Music until now. Have you considered your past albums to be OPM? What it is about Emilio that pays tribute to OPM?
When I tell people I make music they always ask me what genre I make lol. It’s always been hard for me to answer, so I usually just say it’s a mix of different styles and influences. But I figured if I have to be a part of one, I might as well call it OPM. I love the Philippines. I lived in Paranaque in the 90s from 10 to 15 years old, and I haven’t been back since 1998. So that’s the only Philippines I know.
How did you discover and decide to use the sample track for ‘Do It Right’?
Some people are mad that I sampled that, lol, but it’s the hip-hop in me. I’m not trying to find the rarest stuff to sample either. If I rapped on it would there be a problem?
This is random, but MGMT had a brilliant pop song on their last album called ‘Me and Michael’. As it turns out, it’s a collaboration with the Filipino band Truefaith. Thoughts?
What! I didn’t know that. Is this true? I love Truefaith. “huwag na Lang kaya” is my favorite song of theirs. It came out when I was living in the Philippines and it was played everywhere. Shout out to Truefaith.
Tell us about the one Filipino artist you’d love to collaborate with if you had the chance.
Joe Bataan, or Pepe Smith but he passed away last year. RakenRoll!
The album art for Emilio is so soothing. What can you tell us about it?
Yes it is! The artwork was made by the amazing painter Mikey Yates. We’ve been friends on IG for a while and I thought his painting was perfect for Emilio. I think we can all relate to the artwork. It’s our childhood for most of us, no matter what ethnicity, and it channels that.
With the album art in mind, and the love Filipino culture has for the sport, what does basketball mean to you?
Basketball for me is nostalgia. It was a time in my life when I didn’t have to worry so much. Life was simple: u go to school, eat food, and play basketball all day with your friends. You get a lot of hilarious memories on the court, lol. I’m pretty sure it’s still like that for younger kids, especially in the Philippines. There’s a basketball court everywhere over there.
What do you have planned for your next album?
Yes, I have a new album coming out in early August. I’m really proud of it, and I can’t wait to drop it. Shout out to Peanut Butter Wolf and Shags who elevated it and helped me with it.
You just dropped a new single, ‘I’m Still At It.” What’s this song really about?
Peanut Butter Wolf gave me a shot at this music and 10 years later I’m still here, still making music with Stones Throw. I’m ready! Ready to put in the work more than ever.