Alex Bruce (rapper)

Alex Bruce
Born
Thursten Alex De Villa Bruce

(2006-12-25) December 25, 2006
Batangas City, Philippines
GenresHip hop, Trap, R&B
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
Years active2018–present
LabelSony

Thursten Alex De Villa Bruce (born December 25, 2006), known professionally as Alex Bruce, is a Filipino rapper and songwriter. She is from Batangas City. Bruce gained attention for rapping at a young age and signed with Sony Music Philippines in 2019. She is known for her singles "Mind as a Weapon", "Yakap", and "Swoosh".

Early life

Thursten Alex De Villa Bruce was born on December 25, 2006, and raised in Batangas.[1][2] Her father was a member of a rapcore band, and her mother was a fan of R&B music.[2] Bruce began rapping when she was four years old, and her parents introduced her to hip-hop culture.[3][4] She cited Filipina-American rapper Ruby Ibarra as her main influence.[2] Bruce stated that she writes songs based on her feelings and personal observations.[5]

Career

Bruce released her first single, "Mind as a Weapon", in 2018.[6] The song led to performances at local events.[6] In July 2019, at the age of 12, she signed a contract with Sony Music Philippines.[7] She was the youngest artist on their roster at that time.[7] Following her signing, she released the single "Pull It Off" in May 2019.[8] This track was produced by Jim Poblete and focused on themes of self-expression.[8]

In February 2020, Bruce released the song "Go Crazy".[9] The track was co-written by Canadian songwriter August Rigo.[9] Later in 2020, she released the single "Yakap".[10] The music video for "Yakap" featured a cameo by Justin De Dios of the boy group SB19.[11] The song received a nomination for Best Rap/HipHop Recording at the Awit Awards.[12]

In August 2021, Bruce was a guest performer at SB19's virtual concert titled Back In The Zone.[13] She released her self-titled debut extended play (EP), Alex Bruce, in December 2021.[12] The EP included five songs, such as "Dime Girls" and "Fake Friends".[12]

Bruce participated in a tribute to the band Eraserheads in 2023.[14] She covered their song "Superproxy" alongside the band Of Mercury.[14] In December 2023, she released the song "Bling" in collaboration with Costa Cashman.[15] This was her first collaboration where she shared equal billing with another artist.[16] The track was produced by BRGR and featured minimalist rap styles.[15][17]

In 2023, Bruce became a brand ambassador for Nike.[18] She performed at the halftime show of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Manila.[18] She released the single "Swoosh" in March 2024, which was originally written for the Nike campaign.[18] In June 2024, she released a reggae-influenced track titled "Sumfling".[19] Later that year, she collaborated with rapper Zae on the song "A to Z".[20]

Artistry

Bruce's musical style includes hip-hop and trap music.[2] She also incorporates R&B elements into her songs.[19] Her lyrics often use both English and Tagalog.[1] She has stated that she avoids profanity in her music to distinguish herself from other rappers.[7] Her musical influences include Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Missy Elliott and Ruby Ibarra.[2]

Discography

Extended plays

Title Details
Alex Bruce

Singles

  • "Mind as a Weapon" (2018)[6]
  • "Pull It Off" (2019)[8]
  • "Go Crazy" (2020)[9]
  • "Yakap" (2020)[10]
  • "Fake Friends" (2021)[12]
  • "Dime Girls" (2021)[12]
  • "Betty Bruce" (2023)[17]
  • "Bling" (with Costa Cashman) (2023)[15]
  • "Swoosh" (2024)[18]
  • "Sumfling" (2024)[19]
  • "A to Z" (with Zae) (2024)[20]

References

  1. ^ a b Sean, D (December 13, 2022). "Alex Bruce is busy upgrading to 2.0". LiFTED Asia. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  2. ^ a b c d e Hestiada, Oscar Jr. (May 9, 2020). "13-year-old Alex Bruce is Filipino hip-hop's future". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Scout Magazine. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  3. ^ Aurelius, Marcus (December 8, 2021). "The future is here & her name is Alex Bruce". LiFTED Asia. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  4. ^ Olivares, Rick (July 25, 2019). "Sony Music PH had just signed a 12-year-old rapper". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  5. ^ Aurelius, Marcus (December 8, 2021). "The future is here & her name is Alex Bruce" [The future is here & her name is Alex Bruce]. LiFTED Asia. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  6. ^ a b c Aurelius, Marcus (December 8, 2021). "The future is here & her name is Alex Bruce". LiFTED Asia. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  7. ^ a b c Lago, Amanda T. (July 26, 2019). "Meet Alex Bruce, the 12-year-old Filipina rapping about empowerment". Rappler. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  8. ^ a b c Grefal, Liny Benzon (May 29, 2019). "Filipina Rapper Alex Bruce Drops New Single "Pull It Off"". Manila Standard. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  9. ^ a b c "LISTEN: Teen rapper Alex Bruce's new single 'Go Crazy' is co-written with BTS collaborator August Rigo". Rappler. February 20, 2020. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  10. ^ a b "LISTEN: Alex Bruce raps about her first brushes with puppy love in new single 'Yakap'". Rappler. October 30, 2020. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  11. ^ "SB19's Justin De Dios sets hearts aflutter as he stars in Alex Bruce's 'Yakap' music video". GMA News Online. February 6, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  12. ^ a b c d e f Abanes, Mariel (December 6, 2021). "Filipino rapper Alex Bruce drops self-titled debut EP". NME. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  13. ^ Peters, Daniel (July 27, 2021). "SB19's 'Back In The Zone' virtual concert to feature 4th Impact and Alex Bruce". NME. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  14. ^ a b Soo, JX (January 4, 2023). "Hear Ace Banzuelo, Alex Bruce and more cover classic Eraserheads songs". NME. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  15. ^ a b c Bonoan, Christian (December 13, 2023). "Alex Bruce and Costa Cashman Drop 'Bling'". Myx Global. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  16. ^ Ooi, Jensen (January 18, 2024). "Alex Bruce flexes her 'BLING' with Costa Cashman". LiFTED Asia. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  17. ^ a b "Pinay rapper Alex Bruce joins Costa Cashman on minimalist bop 'Bling'". Daily Tribune. December 12, 2023. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  18. ^ a b c d Angan, Kara (March 8, 2024). "Alex Bruce Premieres Energy-Packed Single, "SWOOSH"". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  19. ^ a b c "Alex Bruce bops to 'Sumfling'". Daily Tribune. June 10, 2024. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  20. ^ a b Saenz, Rome (December 3, 2024). "Zae And Alex Bruce Release Joint Single "A to Z" – Listen". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
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