Alex Bruce (rapper)

Alex Bruce
Born
Thursten Alex De Villa Bruce

(2006-12-25) December 25, 2006 (age 19)
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. Her father was a member of a rapcore band, and her mother was a fan of R&B music. Bruce began rapping when she was four years old, and her parents introduced her to hip-hop culture. She cited Filipina-American rapper Ruby Ibarra as her main influence. Bruce stated that she writes songs based on her feelings and personal observations.

Career

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

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

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

Bruce participated in a tribute to the band Eraserheads in 2023. She covered their song "Superproxy" alongside the band Of Mercury. In December 2023, she released the song "Bling" in collaboration with Costa Cashman. This was her first collaboration where she shared equal billing with another artist. The track was produced by BRGR and featured minimalist rap styles. In the same year, Bruce became a brand ambassador for Nike. She performed at the halftime show of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Manila. She released the single "Swoosh" in March 2024, which was originally written for the Nike campaign. In June 2024, she released a reggae-influenced track titled "Sumfling". Later that year, she collaborated with rapper Zae on the song "A to Z".

Artistry

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

Discography

Extended plays

Title Details
Alex Bruce

Singles

  • "Mind as a Weapon" (2018)
  • "Pull It Off" (2019)
  • "Go Crazy" (2020)
  • "Yakap" (2020)
  • "Fake Friends" (2021)
  • "Dime Girls" (2021)
  • "Betty Bruce" (2023)
  • "Bling" (with Costa Cashman) (2023)
  • "Swoosh" (2024)
  • "Sumfling" (2024)
  • "A to Z" (with Zae) (2024)

References

  1. 1 2 Sean, D (December 13, 2022). "Alex Bruce is busy upgrading to 2.0". LiFTED Asia. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 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. 1 2 3 Aurelius, Marcus (December 8, 2021). "The future is here & her name is Alex Bruce". LiFTED Asia. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  7. 1 2 3 Lago, Amanda T. (July 26, 2019). "Meet Alex Bruce, the 12-year-old Filipina rapping about empowerment". Rappler. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  8. 1 2 3 Grefal, Liny Benzon (May 29, 2019). "Filipina Rapper Alex Bruce Drops New Single "Pull It Off"". Manila Standard. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  9. 1 2 3 "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. 1 2 "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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 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. 1 2 Soo, JX (January 4, 2023). "Hear Ace Banzuelo, Alex Bruce and more cover classic Eraserheads songs". NME. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  15. 1 2 3 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. 1 2 "Pinay rapper Alex Bruce joins Costa Cashman on minimalist bop 'Bling'". Daily Tribune. December 12, 2023. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  18. 1 2 3 4 Angan, Kara (March 8, 2024). "Alex Bruce Premieres Energy-Packed Single, "SWOOSH"". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  19. 1 2 3 "Alex Bruce bops to 'Sumfling'". Daily Tribune. June 10, 2024. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  20. 1 2 Saenz, Rome (December 3, 2024). "Zae And Alex Bruce Release Joint Single "A to Z" – Listen". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved January 7, 2026.