On a continuous mission to break stereotypes and push boundaries within the hip-hop scene, Bawal Clan kicks off 2020 with the release of their latest music video for ‘WUTS RLY GUD/PALUMPALO.’ The video, which also serves as renowned photographer Mark Nicdao‘s directorial debut, is a projection of the collective’s mission to mix things up and never do the same thing twice.

“We’re not gangsters or pimps, we are artists and businessmen who are serious about our craft. We are trying things that have yet to be explored in the hip-hop industry, and constantly search for ways to expand on our artistry through all mediums.”

This desire was made especially evident through the music video’s launch last February 2 at Modeka. Instead of simply showing the music video on a screen for the crowd, Bawal Clan turned the launch into an immersive installation that puts the audience right in the middle of Mark’s and the Clan’s shared vision.

“The set up was an art installation, not just an ordinary set,” explains Mic Rahman, who also served as the shoot’s creative director. “You can interact with it, be a part of it. We wanted to keep the contemplative vibe of the gallery but make it as lit as a club at the same time. It’s not our first time debuting in front of a live audience, but we want every experience to be different.”

The team-up between Bawal Clan and Mark was originally born out of a mutual respect for each other’s craft, and a creative discussion that eventually turned into the extensive collaboration of music and art we see now. On working with Mark throughout the whole process, members of the group only have good things to say.

“Mark’s full of energy! Always a good time working with people that have that light in them.”
Rjay Ty

“[Mark] was chill, hella cool vibes. Honestly, I didn’t really know he was the well known ‘photographer of the stars,’ I found out after the shoot. And I think that was the best thing, like this guy of his caliber, with all that work under his belt, and not once did I feel like any ‘diva’ or like ‘I’m famous’ vibes [from him]. Like he was totally cool the whole shoot, really enthusiastic with the shoot, and everyone part of it.
DZ SVG

Shot on location in Zambales, the cloudy and dampened beach of ‘WUTS RLY GUD’ wasn’t originally in the plan, but worked out in the end and acts as a testament to Mark Nicdao’s creative vision and execution, as well as Bawal Clan’s optimism.

“We had a shotlist but no storyboard. Mark had it all in his head. We were supposed to shoot on a dry desert, but when we got to location it was flooded and raining, so we had to improvise. The malas turned into swerte that day.”
Mic Rahman

Merging two of their songs and intertwining different storylines, the seven-minute music video is a hell of an adventure that keeps its viewers on their toes. Instead of playing one song after the other, the music video mixes things up by inserting ‘PALUMPALO’ and its urban setting midway. “I think that we were aiming for a cinematic feel,”says DZ SVG, “Where the audience could witness a switch of scenes. Vibe off the original song, take a break, then go back and finish where we started.”

Mic Rahman also shares with us what exactly is going on in the video, but Bawal Clan lets us know that this isn’t where the story ends and that there’s still more to come. “A being from another dimension/galaxy contacts us and gave us instructions and coordinates,” he explains. “So we went out looking for the location and did what the being asked for. When the others got to the coordinates, they were zapped by a laser. But instead of dying, they all woke up with a message from the being. To find out what the message is, you gotta stay tuned to our next projects.”

Rjay Ty also adds: “‘WUTS RLY GUD’ from my perspective implies not to mess with someone you don’t really know or you may get into trouble that you don’t really want. ‘PALUMPALO’ on the other hand suggests that we all stay aware and accept the fact that not everything in this world would go the way we want it to. Best be safe.” But to understand the relationships between the songs and their stories, all he has to say is this: “Y’all should watch the music videos on our YouTube channel to figure that out.”

While all the members know the stories represented by the songs and have their own interpretations, they still urge viewers and fans to use their imagination, and keep their answers short. “It’s abstract. You see what you wanna see. It all depends on the audience, what it makes ’em feel,” Mic Rahman says.

In the end, Nuevo keeps it cryptic, a perfect summary for the WUTS RLY GUD/PALUMPALO music video and what it’s like to watch it.