Who is Hev Abi? What to know about the rapper

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 Firearms 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 “Alam Mo Ba Girl” and “Lil Kasalanan Shortie.”

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 — 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 ’di ko pa nasusubukan ’yung 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 Philippines’ Songs charts, including “Alam Mo Ba Girl” and “Babaero," the latter of which was also honored by The Official Philippines Chart in 2025 alongside "Walang Alam" and "Alam Mo Ba Girl.”

4. He's pretty prolific 

Hev Abi isn’t 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, “Kung Alam Mo Lang” which includes his now-hit singles, “Alam Mo Ba Girl,” “Sumugal,” and “Walang Alam.”

5. This is his creative process

Hev Abi’s creative process is just to do it.

“Walang masyadong creative process,” he told Esquire. “Minsan dere-derecho ‘yan kung anu-ano ang maiisip ko na melody doon ko i-vo-vocalize kaagad.”

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. — LA, GMA News