Ez Mil

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Ez Mil
Birth nameEzekiel Miller Sapiera
Born (1998-07-27) July 27, 1998 (age 26)
Olongapo, Philippines
OriginLas Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active2012–present
Labels
Websitewww.ezmil.com

Ezekiel Miller Sapiera (born July 27, 1998), known professionally as Ez Mil (/ˌiːzi ˈmɪl/; EE-zee MIL), is a Filipino-American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He rose to prominence in 2021 after his song "Panalo" went viral on YouTube.[1]

In 2023, at age 25, he became the first Filipino artist—and the third rapper after 50 Cent and Stat Quo—to sign a direct joint deal with Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records.[2][3]

Early life

[edit]

Ezekiel Miller was born in Olongapo, Philippines, to a musical family. His father, Paul Sapiera, was the vocalist and guitarist of the band RockStar, known for early 1990s hits such as "Mahal Pa Rin Kita" ("I Still Love You") and "Parting Time". His mother was also active in the music industry.[4] He grew up with a younger sister, Raynn, who previously performed under the name Raining Sorrow.[5]

Miller spent his early years in Urdaneta, Pangasinan and Olongapo, where he experienced bullying for being tisoy (Filipino slang for someone of mixed or mestizo appearance).[6] From a young age, he was exposed to a variety of musical genres, including rock, hip hop, and R&B, and began producing and recording his own music.[3] He also launched a YouTube channel under the name Slashmouth, where he uploaded deathcore covers and guitar tutorials.[3]

He studied architecture at Saint Louis University in Baguio but dropped out after a year and a half to move to the United States.[7] He initially lived in Seattle, then Los Angeles, before settling in Las Vegas.[7]

Career

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2017–2020: Beginnings, Act I and Resonances

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After moving to the United States, Miller began pursuing music more seriously.[7] Initially, he wanted to continue making heavy metal and deathcore, but later transitioned to rap.[3] He recorded music in his bedroom with the help of his sister and directed his own music videos. During this period, he also worked at Burger King.[7]

In 2020, Miller independently released his debut studio album, Act I, along with the EP Resonances.[8][9] Act I includes the singles "Panalo", "Easy-Going Millions", and "Far Away From Home", while Resonances features the track "Into It All".[4][3]

That same year, he also took part in the 24 Bars Mark Beats Challenge, an online rap contest created by Filipino producer DJ Mark Beats. His entry helped him gain a following among Filipino listeners.[3]

2021–2022: Breakout years, Virgin Music, and DU4LI7Y

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On January 29, 2021, a video of Miller performing "Panalo" on the Wish Bus USA was uploaded to YouTube. The performance went viral, gaining 10 million views in three days.[4] However, the song drew criticism for a historical inaccuracy in the lyrics, which claim that Filipino hero Lapulapu was beheaded. The controversy escalated when Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan publicly demanded that Miller apologize and revise the lyrics.[10] While Miller did apologize, he stated that he had no plans to release a version of the song with altered lyrics.[6][11]

The success of "Panalo" opened new opportunities for Miller. On March 7, he made his live television debut on ASAP Natin 'To alongside 1500 or Nothin'.[12][13] He later appeared on the U.S. hip-hop radio station Power 106, where he performed a freestyle dedicated to Nipsey Hussle and YG.[13]

On June 9, 2021, it was announced that Miller had signed with Virgin Music. To commemorate the signing, a new music video for "Panalo" featuring boxer Manny Pacquiao was released.[1]

On April 15, 2022, Miller released the single "Dalawampu’t Dalawang Oo".[14] That year, he returned to the Philippines for a nationwide tour titled the *Panalo Homecoming Tour*.[5] During the tour, he performed with Gloc-9 at the New Frontier Theater.[15] He also made another appearance on *ASAP Natin 'To*, this time performing with Gigi de Lana, and performed "Panalo" with Jeremy G during the finale of Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10. He also performed on the Wish Bus again, this time alongside his sister Raynn.[16][17][18]

While on tour, Miller released "27 Bodies", a reworking of his entry for the 24 Bars Beats Challenge.[19] On July 27, 2022, he released his second studio album, DU4LI7Y.[20]

Later that year, he performed at the 1MX Filipino Music Festival in London.[21] However, the Olongapo stop on his homecoming tour was canceled after the event's producer withdrew support.[22] On September 27, he released a music video for the single "Will You", a romantic ballad.[23] He ended the year by performing at halftime during the Los Angeles Clippers' Filipino Heritage Night at Crypto Arena.[24]

2023–present: Signing with Eminem and Dr. Dre

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In February 2023, Miller released the music video for his single "Up Down (Step & Walk)".[25] A month later, Eminem heard the song and reached out to Miller after being impressed by it.[26] Initially, Miller believed the message was a prank.[27] However, once Virgin Records confirmed its legitimacy,[27] he drove from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, where he met with Eminem and Dr. Dre.

On July 27, 2023, it was announced that Miller had signed with Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records.[26] At age 25, he became the first Filipino artist and the third rapper—after 50 Cent and Stat Quo—to be signed to all three labels simultaneously.[2][3] That same day, Miller also announced DU4LI7Y: REDUX, the deluxe edition of his 2022 album DU4LI7Y.[26] This release marked his final project under Virgin Records.[28]

On August 4, 2023, "Realest", a collaboration between Miller and Eminem, was released. The song debuted at number three on both the Rap Digital Song Sales and R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales charts.[29] A week later, on August 11, DU4LI7Y: REDUX was officially released.[30] In September, he released the music video for "Podium", one of the new singles from the deluxe album.[31]

In November 2023, Miller partnered with Spotify for a performance at Hudson Square as part of the Spotify Stages series.[32]

In May 2024, Miller was included in the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list for his accomplishments in music.[33] In July, he was featured on Eminem's album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) on the track "Head Honcho", which includes a verse partially rapped in Filipino.[34] Billboard described the collaboration as "a coming-out party for EZ Mil".[35]

In December 2024, Miller returned to the Philippines as a featured artist at Akon’s “V1BE Manila” festival.[36]

Artistry

[edit]

Influences

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Miller cites Chris Brown as one of his biggest influences, particularly in regard to vocals and choreography.[1] His rapping influences include Tupac,[37] Eminem,[38] ASAP Rocky,[38] Kendrick Lamar,[38] Royce da 5'9",[38] Anderson .Paak,[39] Nipsey Hussle,[39] Tech N9ne,[39] and Hopsin.[39] He has also cited Filipino rapper Gloc-9, specifically the song "Hari ng Tondo", as a major influence.[4] Additionally, the dance crew Jabbawockeez inspired him to explore street dance styles such as krump and b-boying.[1]

Musical style

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Miller performs in multiple genres, including hip hop, rap, and R&B.[3] He is known for blending traditional Filipino rhythms with modern rap production. His style is marked by rapid-fire delivery, complex wordplay, and multilingual lyricism, often rapping in English, Tagalog, and Ilocano.[38][2]

In addition to rapping, Miller plays the guitar and piano.[37] Before his mainstream success, he produced deathcore music under the alias Slashmouth.[3]

Personal life

[edit]

Miller has a girlfriend.[40] He currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.[37] His other talents include illustrative art and skateboarding.[38] He is also the co-owner of the C3 Seafood & Bar at Shanghai Plaza in Chinatown, Las Vegas.[41]

Awards and nominations

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Key
† Indicates non-competitive categories
Star Awards for Music 2023 "Re-up" Rap Artist of the Year Won [42]
The Outstanding Filipinos of America Award (TOFA) 2021 Himself Youth † Won [43]
Wish 107.5 Music Awards 2022 "Panalo" Wishclusive Hip-Hop Performance of the Year Nominated [44]
Himself Wishclusive Elite Circle † Gold
2023 "Re-up" Wishclusive Hip-Hop Song of the Year Nominated [45]

Listicles

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Name of publisher, name of listicle, year(s) listed, and placement result
Publisher Listicle Year(s) Result Ref.
Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 2024 Included [33]

Discography

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Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums by Ez Mil
Title Album details
Act 1[46][47]
Resonances[48]
  • Released: October 25, 2020
  • Label: FFP
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
DU4LI7Y[49]
  • Released: July 27, 2022
  • Label: FFP, Virgin
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
DU4LI7Y: REDUX[50]
  • Released: August 11, 2023
  • Label: FFP, Virgin, Shady, Aftermath
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming, CD

Singles

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List of singles, showing year released, selected chart positions, and associated albums
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Bub.
[51] 		CAN
[52] 		NZ
Hot
[53] 		UK
Down.
[54]
"Hyperthermia" 2017 — — — — Non-album singles
"Till' You're Dead" 2018 — — — —
"Runnin'" 2019 — — — —
"Lackland" — — — —
"Freeze" 2020 — — — —
"Cultura" — — — —
"Far Away from Home" — — — — Act 1
"Easy-Going Millions" — — — —
"Panalo" — — — —
"Idk" — — — —
"Panalo (Pacquiao Version)" 2021 — — — — Non-album singles
"Victorious" — — — —
"1st & Last" — — — — Resonances
"Re-up" 2022 — — — — Duality
"Dalawampu't Dalawang Oo (2200)" — — — —
"27 Bodies" — — — —
"Ridin' with the Moonlight" — — — —
"Realest" (with Eminem)[55] 2023 25 95 3 27 DU4LI7Y: REDUX

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Fil-Am artist Ez Mil signs up with Virgin Music, releases Pacquiao version of 'Panalo'". Manila Bulletin. June 10, 2021. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c "Filipino rapper EZ Mil signs with Eminem and Dr. Dre". The Manila Times. July 27, 2023. Archived from the original on July 28, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Serdenia, Mycah (November 1, 2023). "Rapper Ez Mil Proves Why He's the 'Realest' - Character Media". Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d Mangubat, Lio (February 1, 2021). "Who is Ez Mil, the rapper with 10 million views on YouTube?". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  5. ^ a b Garcia, Leony (May 1, 2022). "BREAKOUT | Fil-Am rap artist Ez Mil headlines first homecoming tour | Leony Garcia". BusinessMirror. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Llemit, Kathleen A. (February 2, 2021). "Rapper EZ Mil apologizes for twisting truth about Lapu-Lapu in viral song". Philstar.com. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  7. ^ a b c d Sy, Stan (June 27, 2022). "Ez Mil: The Filipino rapper reintroduces himself after the viral whirlwind of 'Panalo'". NME. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  8. ^ Godinez, Bong. "Rapper Ez Mil joins Virgin Music Label and Artist Services". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  9. ^ Saeed, Saeed (August 9, 2023). "Filipino-American rapper Ez Mil's albums and EP ranked | The National". Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  10. ^ Mangubat, Lio (February 8, 2021). "Lapu-Lapu mayor blasts Ez Mil over Lapu-Lapu lyrics". Spin.ph. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  11. ^ Dumaual, Mario (February 9, 2021). "Ez Mil reiterates apology for historical error in lyrics of 'Panalo' but will still not alter lines of viral hit". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  12. ^ Singh, Surej (March 4, 2021). "'Panalo' rapper Ez Mil to perform on 'ASAP Natin To' this weekend". NME. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  13. ^ a b "Filipino rapper Ez Mil Drops Freestyles Dedicated To Nipsey Hussle & YG". AllHipHop. March 15, 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  14. ^ Ng, Scott (April 15, 2022). "Ez Mil releases Tagalog single 'Dalawampu't Dalawang Oo' ahead of first-ever Philippines tour". NME. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  15. ^ Severo, Jan Milo (May 3, 2022). "EZ Mil turns emotional performing with idol Gloc-9". Philstar.com. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  16. ^ "Ez Mil, live sa ASAP Natin 'To". Philstar.com. May 1, 2022. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  17. ^ "Big Night: EZ Mil and Jeremy G team up to sing "Panalo" for the Big 5 | PBB Kumunity". ABS-CBN News. May 29, 2022. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  18. ^ Ng, Scott (May 4, 2022). "Watch Ez Mil join Raynn for a performance of 'Storm' on the Wish 107.5 Bus". NME. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  19. ^ Rafid, Sabiq (June 24, 2022). "Ez Mil drops '27 Bodies', the third single off his upcoming album 'DU4LI7Y'". NME. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  20. ^ Salterio, Leah C. (July 30, 2022). "EZ Mil launches sophomore album 'DU4LI7Y'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  21. ^ Singh, Surej (June 21, 2022). "KZ Tandingan, Ez Mil, Darren Espanto and more to perform for 1MX in London this July". NME. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  22. ^ Ng, Scott (August 8, 2022). "Ez Mil cancels 'Panalo' tour homecoming concert after tour producer withdraws". NME. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  23. ^ Ng, Scott (September 28, 2022). "Ez Mil releases new ballad 'Will You' alongside romantic music video". NME. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  24. ^ Ju, Shirley (November 29, 2022). "Ez Mil, Guapdad 4000, Manila Grey And Yeek Take Over LA Clippers Filipino Night at Crypto Arena". AllHipHop. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  25. ^ "Sometimes life goes 'Up Down' for Ez Mil". liftedasia.com. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  26. ^ a b c "Controversial Pinoy rapper Ez Mil signs with Eminem, Dr. Dre". www.philstar.com. July 27, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  27. ^ a b "Ez Mil Thought Invitation to Meet Eminem Was Joke | Eminem.Pro". August 10, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  28. ^ Eggertsen, Chris (August 1, 2023). "'One Margarita' Singer's Giant Label Deal & More Music Artist Signings". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 6, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  29. ^ Severo, Jan Milo (August 18, 2023). "Pinoy rapper EZ Mil, Eminem collab song debuts at no. 3 in global Billboard". Philstar.com. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  30. ^ "Eminem Responds to Melle Mel on Shady Records Signee's Tr..." Complex. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  31. ^ "Ez Mil Incorporates Some Iconic Eminem Imagery in His New Music Video "Podium" | Eminem.Pro". September 13, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  32. ^ Tagala, Don (November 6, 2023). "Fil-Am rapper Ez Mil partners with Spotify for NYC show". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  33. ^ a b Balaoing, Benise (May 16, 2024). "Ez Mil, 'Lumpia Queen,' 5 other Pinoys make it to Forbes Asia '30 Under 30' list". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  34. ^ Purnell, Kristofer. "Filipino-American rapper Ez Mil features on new Eminem album". Philstar.com. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  35. ^ Saponara, Michael (July 12, 2024). "Eminem's 'The Death of Slim Shady' Album: Songs Ranked Worst to Best". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  36. ^ "SB19's Pablo to join Akon, EzMil, Gloc-9, and more at V1BE Manila in December". GMA News Online. September 28, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  37. ^ a b c Ramos, Jansen (February 1, 2021). "IN PHOTOS: Get to know viral Pinoy rapper Ez Mil". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  38. ^ a b c d e f Ju, Shirley (February 2, 2021). "Ez Mil Goes Viral Internationally, Rapping in 3 Languages in "Panalo" (Win)". AllHipHop. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  39. ^ a b c d Creekmur, Chuck (August 31, 2023). "Ez Mil Gives His Top 5, Talks Reppin' The Philippines & The Violence He Endured". AllHipHop. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  40. ^ "Ez Mil, ipinakilala ang nobya sa 'Magandang Buhay'". ABS-CBN News. June 23, 2022. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  41. ^ Llorente, Bev (August 16, 2024). "New song, new business: EZ Mil now restaurant co-owner in Las Vegas". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  42. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (April 28, 2024). "SB19 dominates 14th and 15th PMPC Star Awards for Music". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  43. ^ Diaz, Rasmin (October 12, 2021). "Fil-Am achievers share personal stories at TOFA awards night". INQUIRER.net USA. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  44. ^ "7th Wish Music Awards: Complete List of Winners". www.wish1075.com. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  45. ^ "8th Wish Music Awards Winners, Highlights, and More". www.wish1075.com. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  46. ^ Act 1, July 7, 2020, retrieved April 18, 2022
  47. ^ Act 1 by Ez Mil, July 7, 2020, retrieved April 18, 2022
  48. ^ "Resonances by Ez Mil". October 25, 2020. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  49. ^ "DU4LI7Y by Ez Mil". October 25, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  50. ^ "DU4LI7Y REDUX by Ez Mil". August 11, 2023.
  51. ^ devops (January 2, 2013). "Bubbling Under Hot 100 Week of August 19, 2023". Billboard. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  52. ^ tolsen (January 2, 2013). "Billboard Canadian Hot 100 Week of August 19, 2023". Billboard. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  53. ^ Peaks on the NZ Hot Singles Chart:
  54. ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart". Official Charts. August 11, 2023. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  55. ^ "EZ MIL SIGNS TO SHADY RECORDS/AFTERMATH ENTERTAINMENT/INTERSCOPE RECORDS". Shady Records. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
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