Prelude Press
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DMV rapper, songwriter, and producer Phil Adé (Philip Adetumbi) has released his long-awaited album philip via Seenic/United Masters. The release marks a major milestone for Adé, his first project in five years and his first independent release since parting with Epic Records. Philip ushers in a bold new era and reintroduction to one of hip-hop’s most versatile voices.
Arriving alongside the album is a cinematic visualizer for focus track “Jalen Hurts”, a full-circle moment that portrays a subdued Adé with a deadpan stare—reflecting the nuances of his younger self through today’s lens, now more focused and determined than ever.
Speaking on the focus track, Adé shares, “Jalen Hurts’ was inspired by a quote from the Eagles QB himself, ‘keep the main thing the main thing.’” He adds, “I’ve done a lot of hustling in other ways to keep my account full—my music is my first love and the driving force behind the different things I do. It’s my ‘main thing’ so I’ve never put it on the back burner.”
Known for his sharp lyricism, versatility, and seamless ability to fuse hip-hop and R&B, Adé returns with his most personal and expansive body of work to date. Philip spans across 10-tracks that showcase his growth as an artist and his renewed sense of creative autonomy. With previously released singles like the razor-focused “M.I.A.” and the dancefloor-ready “Hey Mami,” the project sets the stage for some of his most captivating storytelling yet.
Adé’s artistry is rooted in a worldly sound palette shaped by his upbringing. From singing in church as a child to rapping in high school, his early years in the DMV nurtured a deep appreciation for live instrumentation, an influence born from the region’s iconic Go-Go movement. Layered with his Nigerian and Grenadian heritage, these foundations instilled a cultural richness and relentless drive that continue to fuel his work.
Phil Adé first broke out under Grammy-nominated R&B artist Raheem DeVaughn’s 368 Music Group and went on to collaborate with Wale on The Album About Nothing, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, as well as with Logic, Mac Miller, Raekwon, Chris Brown, Ari Lennox, and more. In 2018, Adé signed with Epic Records and released two acclaimed EPs (Always Something and wyd after?) featuring Lil Baby, GoldLink, and Fatman Scoop. Collectively, those projects amassed over 40M streams to date and earned praise from Billboard, Flaunt Magazine, Vibe, XXL, and more. His music has also been featured across WWE, NFL, NBA 2K22, and the Godfather of Harlem soundtrack. Most recently, Adé was featured on Grammy-Award winning artist Mya’s “Face to Face” DMV Remix, further cementing his standing as a pillar of the region’s music scene.
Now fully independent, Adé returns with philip, a masterclass in versatility, weaving swagger, vulnerability, and cinematic storytelling across themes of nostalgia, love, hustle, luxury, heartbreak, and authenticity. His roots pulse throughout the record, underscoring the tension between his family’s wishes and his artistic ambitions, and spotlighting his evolution into a fully realized, independent artist.
“This project is a self-affirmation that who I am and what I bring to the world is enough. It’s me standing proud in my true self—at my core. Philip.”