Ruby Ibarra Debuts on NPR ‘Tiny Desk’: ‘This Immigrant Is Here’
- Ruby Ibarra, the acclaimed Filipina-American rapper known for her compelling storytelling and unique blend of hip-hop, recently made her debut on NPR's Tiny Desk.
- Ibarra's winning entry, "Bakunawa," released last fall, anchored her performance.
- Before launching into her set, Ibarra declared, "Being human is not illegal.
Ruby Ibarra Shines on NPR’s Tiny Desk, Celebrates Filipina Heritage
Ruby Ibarra, the acclaimed Filipina-American rapper known for her compelling storytelling and unique blend of hip-hop, recently made her debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk. The Bay Area artist was selected from over 7,500 self-reliant artists nationwide for the coveted spot.
Ibarra’s winning entry, “Bakunawa,” released last fall, anchored her performance. Accompanied by her all-Filipino band, she delivered a powerful set featuring shimmering instrumentals and potent lyrics. The set list also included “Someday” and “7000 Miles.”
Before launching into her set, Ibarra declared, “Being human is not illegal. Immigrants have been here,lived here,worked here. And this immigrant is here. From Tacloban City, Philippines all the way to Washington, D.C., my name is Ruby Ibarra.”
Ibarra, born on the island of leyte, told Rolling Stone that her early years in the Philippines were filled with music. She recalled her cousins and uncles performing in bands at local festivals, fostering a deep connection to music within her family.
After relocating to San Lorenzo in the East Bay, Ibarra drew inspiration from hip-hop’s Golden Age, citing Tupac, the Fugees, and Wu-Tang Clan as influences. Her music seamlessly blends Tagalog and English, weaving intricate narratives and rhythms.
Ibarra chose “Someday” as a reminder that the best things in life happen in due time. She included “7000 Miles” to spark conversation about immigration and belonging. “There’s a lot of questions about who belongs here,” Ibarra said,emphasizing her advocacy for immigrants to feel seen and welcome.
The set also featured “7000 Miles,” from her 2017 album Circa 91,wich portrays her mother’s journey from the U.S. to the philippines and Ibarra’s evolving outlook. Her mother was present in the audience during the Tiny Desk performance.
“Where the chorus goes, ‘mama will make it in America,’ it was so special,” said Ibarra, noting the emotional reactions of her family and friends in the audience.
Ibarra emphasized the meaning of the moment for her and her band, calling it a “collective win.” The ensemble included June Millington, Ouida, Charito Soriano, Jojo Ramirez, Camille Ramirez, Angelo “Lasi” Macaraeg, and Anna Macan.
“We do hope to see more Filipino American artists on that stage, in that space, there’s so much great talent out there, and we’re hoping that we can keep that door open,” she added.
Looking ahead, Ibarra is focused on her sophomore album, to be released through her Bolo Music Group, which she founded with producer Lasi in 2023. She aims to create music with a message, carefully choosing each word. Motherhood has also influenced her songwriting, inspiring her to revisit and refine her lyrics. Ruby Ibarra hopes to pass on stories and create meaningful dialogues with her daughter through her music.
What’s next
Ibarra plans to release her second album through Bolo Music Group, continuing to evolve her sound and message while exploring themes of immigration, identity, and motherhood.