16/04/2026
REAL RADIO WHO HIS NAME: Hev Abi made headlines Thursday after news of his arrest by the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) swept social media.
The rapper, whose real name is Gabriel Abilla, was apprehended along with six other people for a violation of the Comprehensive Fi****ms and Ammunition Regulation Act and Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Hev Abi has been making waves in the scene ever since he started his career in 2020. Among his hit songs are âAlam Mo Ba Girlâ and âLil Kasalanan Shortie.â
Below are a few things about the artist:
1. He is a self-produced, independent artist
In an interview with Scout Magazine, Hev Abi shared the pros of being an independent artist. "Nagagawa ko lahat ng gusto ko gawin â kung kailan, saan."
While he says he prefers such a set up, Hev Abi admits he's speaking from limited experience. "'Di ko masabi nang totoo kasi âdi ko pa nasusubukan âyung other side. Ngunit ngayon naman, wala akong ma-complain."
2. QC and his other influences
Quezon City figures heavily in his music. Hev Abi said he always pays tribute to his hometown and Tomas Morato, like the song "QC Girls." Even his first major concert held at New Frontier Theater in Cubao last 2024 was titled "Morato Most Wanted."
According to Scout Magazine, Hev Abi looks up to Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), Tyler, the Creator, and Pharrell. He is also inspired by Filipino producers like NJ and Pxyche.
3. A chart-topping artist
Hev Abi has appeared on several charts in the Philippines. In 2024, he was named Spotify Wrapped Philippines' Top Local Artist.
His songs have made it to the top spot of Billboard Philippinesâ Songs charts, including âAlam Mo Ba Girlâ and âBabaero," the latter of which was also honored by The Official Philippines Chart in 2025 alongside "Walang Alam" and "Alam Mo Ba Girl.â
4. He's pretty prolific
Hev Abi isnât a fluke. In fact, you must've heard of him one way or another. He's dropped hit after hit while maintaining his no-nonsense attitude.
He gained mainstream recognition for his 2023 track "WELCOME2DTQ" which went viral online, especially on TikTok.
Soon after, he released the singles "Para sa Streets", "QC Girls", and "Lil Kasalanan Shortie."
In 2023, he dropped the album, âKung Alam Mo Langâ which includes his now-hit singles, âAlam Mo Ba Girl,â âSumugal,â and âWalang Alam.â
5. This is his creative process
Hev Abiâs creative process is just to do it.
âWalang masyadong creative process,â he told Esquire. âMinsan dere-derecho âyan kung anu-ano ang maiisip ko na melody doon ko i-vo-vocalize kaagad.â
Hev Abi added that he simply jots down lines after making quick adlibs on the microphone. He then wakes up producer NJ during the early hours of the morning to get the work done.
