Featuring the acclaimed songwriter behind releases by Kylie Minogue, Usher, Jennifer Lopez, and other international artists, the reimagined ballad pairs Filipino R&B heritage with global songwriting experience
Photo credits: Mica Javier
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino R&B star Jay R reimagines one of his iconic recordings with “Bakit Pa Ba” (Empty) Taglish Version, featuring multi-awarded Filipino-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and producer Lil’ Eddie.
The new version retains the emotional, suave feel that made “Bakit Pa Ba” a defining entry in Jay R’s repertoire while adding English lyrics that complement its Tagalog passages. Rather than leaning on elaborate production, the track stays intimate and less ornate, letting the fragility and nuanced delivery take center stage.
Jay R adds, “We actually worked with three different producers before finding the sound we loved. Rather than overproducing the track, we kept the background vocals minimal and let our raw voices, emotions, and signature vocal runs do the heavy lifting. Lil Eddie also suggested keeping the opening acoustic and drum-free to preserve the soul of the original.”
The collaboration took shape while the two artists were touring the Philippines to promote their duet “Statue (Taglish Version).”
“I’ve wanted to create a Taglish version of ‘Bakit Pa Ba’ for years, and fans have been asking for it too,” Jay R shares. “Lil’ Eddie’s talent and musicality made him the perfect collaborator to bring this vision to life.”
The pair spent nearly seven hours writing and recording the track. They worked on the finer details of the English lyrics until each line felt effortlessly authentic, ensuring the new version stayed faithful to the original composition's sentiment.
Lil’ Eddie brings considerable international songwriting experience to the project, with credits on releases by prominent artists including Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Usher, Jennifer Lopez, Paula Abdul, Jessie J, JoJo, and Fifth Harmony. His vocal versatility and collaborative instincts complement Jay R’s established R&B sensibilities, resulting in a performance shaped by mutual artistic exchange.
Meanwhile, Jay R has produced some of the biggest OPM hits of the last three decades, including “Bakit Pa Ba?”, which helped him earn the title “Prince of R&B” early in his career.
Jay R’s “Bakit Pa Ba” (Empty) Taglish Version, featuring Lil’ Eddie, is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.
Source: Nyou