OMG! Denise Julia Just Joined Kendrick Lamar And Cardi B's Record Label

Gone are the days when Original Pilipino Music (OPM) was confined to local airwaves. Filipino talents are taking up spaces in the global stage, and this time, it's 24-year-old R&B singer-songwriter Denise Julia. ICYMI, she just officially signed to EMPIRE, the US-based music label that has Western musicians such as Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, Snoop Dogg, and Tyga in its roster!

"Coming from Tondo, Philippines, I never imagined the little girl making music out of instinct and pure love would one day find herself here. no shortcuts, no easy path... no nepotism (lol)," Denise wrote. 

While reflecting on her journey as an artist, the singer expressed gratitude for making it through here despite years of creating and producing music "through every high and low." 

"Being one of the first and few homegrown Filipina artists signed to a major US label is proof that Filipino artistry deserves space on the global stage exactly as we are," the singer shared. 

For Denise, the journey has always been rooted in hard work, self-belief, and staying true to her vision. Despite facing doubts, criticism, and moments of being misunderstood, the singer emphasized the importance of remaining confident in yourself and your craft.

"There were moments where being misunderstood could've made me less sure of myself. But when you dedicate your life to the work, eventually the music speaks louder than the noise around it," Denise expressed. 

"Thank you to everyone who believed in me before any of this looked possible. From barely full to sold-out rooms, everyone who stayed and listened carried me farther than you'll ever know," she added. 

EMPIRE couldn't help but personally welcome her in the comments section: "Welcome to the family 💜."

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) at EMPIRE Nima Etminan is also glad to have her on the lineup. "Welcome 2 the squad 🙌🙌🙌."

ICYDK, Denise is one of the Philippines' renowned R&B singer-songwriters and is best known for her tracks "NVMD," "B.A.D.," and "2GOOD4U." Her recent nine-track EP, Sweet Nothings (Chapter 2), made it into the top 3 of the Apple Music Philippines Album chart. In November 2023, she also made it to Spotify Top OPM Female Artists List.

Denise is also dubbed by her fans the "patron saint of situationships" because much of her music explores yearning, begging, and relationships that almost never make it official.

The future certainly looks brighter for Denise Julia and for Filipino music as a whole, as more local artists continue to gain recognition on the global stage. Her latest milestone proves that OPM is steadily reaching wider audiences and earning the international spotlight it deserves.