Nadine Lustre has teamed up with Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.Ap for “Donuts,” a new single that takes the Filipino artist’s music in a more urban direction.
Released under Cool Girl Records, the track follows Lustre’s comeback single “Personal” and blends elements of pop, hip-hop, and R&B.
“Donuts” moves away from the polished pop sound of “Personal,” built instead around 808s, gritty production, and drums with a marching quality. Lustre delivers rap-sung vocals over the track, showcasing a more assertive side of her musical style.
Apl.de.Ap joins Nadine Lustre on the track
Apl.de.Ap adds his own verse to “Donuts,” delivering a Taglish performance that also references his Filipino roots.
The Pampanga-born rapper incorporates a reference to Lapu-Lapu, the historic figure associated with the Battle of Mactan, while the song’s lyrics center on taking control of one’s direction and destiny.
The collaboration brings together two Filipino artists from different generations and musical backgrounds, with Apl.de.Ap’s hip-hop experience complementing Lustre’s evolving pop and R&B sound.
From ‘Personal’ to ‘Donuts’
“Donuts” also marks a noticeable shift from Lustre’s previous single, “Personal.”
While “Personal” leaned toward a smoother pop sound, the new track uses a heavier beat and more stripped-back rhythmic elements. Lustre’s rap-sung delivery sits at the center of the production, giving the song a more direct and edgy character.
The track was written by Lustre, Andric Ivo Empreso, and Jan Roberts Baloloy, with production by Khalil Atienza, Elijiah Wudz Bitacura, and Isagani Palabyab.
The song also features a spoken narration by Francis Brew of Filipino alternative rock band The Dawn, accompanied by choir vocals before the track moves into its beat-driven arrangement.
‘Donuts’ could lead to a bigger project
“Donuts” is the second release in what appears to be a series of singles from Lustre, potentially leading toward a larger music project.
The actress, businesswoman, and recording artist previously teased her collaboration with Apl.de.Ap in an Instagram post on September 5, describing the experience of making music with the Black Eyed Peas member as surreal.
With “Personal” and now “Donuts,” Lustre is gradually revealing a broader direction for her music, moving between pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences rather than staying within a single sound.
Nadine Lustre’s “Donuts” is now available on digital music platforms worldwide via Cool Girl Records.
