Photos from ezekielmiller/Instagram
LOS ANGELES – Filipino American rapper EZ Mil has reunited with rap superstar Eminem for his latest single, “Madara,” an anime-inspired collaboration that also features Japanese rapper Hideyoshi and veteran voice actor Neil Kaplan.
Released through Shady Records, Aftermath Records and Interscope Records, the track brings together hip-hop and Japanese anime influences, highlighting EZ Mil’s ability to blend different languages and musical styles.
The Las Vegas-based artist, born Ezekiel Miller in Olongapo City, Philippines, drew inspiration from the popular Japanese anime series “Naruto,” particularly the character Madara Uchiha, one of its most recognizable villains.
Kaplan, who voiced Madara Uchiha in the English-language version of “Naruto,” contributes a spoken performance to the song, reinforcing its dark, villain-inspired theme.
The collaboration also features Hideyoshi, whom EZ Mil has described as his favorite Japanese artist.
Throughout the track, EZ Mil delivers rapid-fire verses in English while incorporating references to anime characters and switching to Japanese during the chorus alongside Hideyoshi.
The song combines dramatic keyboard arrangements, heavy bass and fast-paced percussion with the rapper’s signature multilingual delivery.
Another collaboration with Eminem
“Madara” marks another collaboration between EZ Mil and Eminem, who helped bring the Fil-Am artist to a wider international audience.
The two first worked together on “Realest,” released in August 2023, following EZ Mil’s signing with Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records.
The song debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Rap Digital Song Sales and R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales charts.
EZ Mil later appeared on “Head Honcho,” a track from Eminem’s 2024 album “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce).”
Featuring verses in English and Tagalog, “Head Honcho” debuted at No. 72 on the Billboard Hot 100, while Eminem’s album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
The latest release continues a musical partnership that began after Eminem and producer Dr. Dre discovered EZ Mil’s work in 2023.
Celebrating Filipino roots
“Madara” follows EZ Mil’s three-track EP, “3RD WRLD VOL. 1,” released in July.
The project includes “2200,” a Dr. Dre-mixed single named after the ZIP code of EZ Mil’s hometown, Olongapo City.
The EP also features “Sindak,” which incorporates Tagalog lyrics and metalcore-influenced production, and “Lord Help Me,” a song centered on seeking strength.
The music video for “2200 (Director’s Cut)” traces the rapper’s journey across the Philippines, Japan and the United States.
Among its scenes are EZ Mil riding a customized jeepney in Olongapo, skateboarding near Mount Fuji in Japan and performing before a sold-out arena crowd in Manila.
The video also features appearances by professional skateboarder Eric Koston, Japanese rapper Awich and Filipino R&B singer Dionela.
Before the EP, EZ Mil released the Tagalog-language single “Leon (Ka),” another tribute to his Filipino heritage.
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Its music video featured Filipino personalities including actor Gerald Anderson and mixed martial artist Mark “Mugen” Striegl.
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