A new chapter begins for one of Philippine music’s most iconic families. Arkin Magalona—now carving his own identity under the moniker BARQ—steps into the spotlight as the newest artist signed under Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, ready to shake up the local hip-hop scene with his debut single, “Shake Dat Thang.”

Born into a lineage that shaped generations of Filipino artistry—his late father being the legendary Francis Magalona—BARQ enters with both reverence and rebellion. He’s honoring the legacy, but he’s also here to define his own sound.

The beat of a new generation

“Shake Dat Thang,” produced by Kyleaux, is BARQ’s bold introduction to the music world. The track dives headfirst into the Y2K revival movement, echoing the slick, rhythm-heavy style of early-2000s hip-hop icons while threading in a distinctly modern pulse. It’s energetic, cinematic, and unafraid to experiment—a soundscape that straddles nostalgia and newness.

“We were vibing to music from the 2000s—Neptunes, 50 Cent, Timbaland, Pharrell, Kanye, and all the greats,” BARQ shared. “It was our first time working together, and we just bounced off each other’s energy until everything fell perfectly into place.”

Defining his own flow

For BARQ, “Shake Dat Thang” is more than a party anthem—it’s a declaration. “I chose this as my debut single because I wanted to make a statement that I’m here and ready to shake things up in the scene,” he said. “I want listeners to have fun, let loose, and enjoy this different side of me.”

The track, with its infectious beat and playful lyricism, reflects BARQ’s core vision: to bring back joy, authenticity, and movement to hip-hop. “It’s about reminding people that having fun is one of the most important parts of making anything in life,” he added.

The stage is his

BARQ recently took the stage at Balabagan sa Mic, an urban music showcase where he debuted “Shake Dat Thang” to an electrified crowd. The performance, though brief, proved powerful—highlighting his raw charisma, dynamic stage presence, and potential to stand shoulder to shoulder with established names in the industry.

“I’m just getting started,” BARQ declared. “I can’t wait to share more songs, more collaborations, and a more confident version of myself with everyone.”

With “Shake Dat Thang” now streaming and his artistic journey just beginning, BARQ isn’t just continuing the Magalona legacy—he’s reimagining it for a new generation. In his own rhythm, his own words, and his own voice, he’s here to remind everyone that Filipino hip-hop is alive, evolving, and ready to move.