Josh Cullen and Al James Collaborate for the Ultimate Heartbreak Song of Summer 2024

P-pop star Josh Cullen and rapper Al James recently joined forces for an epic heartbreak song called “Yoko Na” under Sony Music Entertainment. 

On March 23, the SB19 member surprised his fans with a new music release about the pain of a relationship fallout. 

Josh Cullen x Al James

According to Josh Cullen, after working on the “Yoko Na” demo with co-producer Brian Lotho, they realized that Al James’ rapping style would perfectly fit the song. That is why he tried to reach out to the viral hitmaker to see if he was up for a collaboration. 

“Noong nilalapatan ko na yung first verse, sabi ko ‘wait, parang may gusto akong idagdag. I think Al James would be a perfect fit for the verses na naisip ko and the track itself,’” Josh said during an interview at the streaming platform, Stationhead.

Luckily, Al James said yes and came prepared with the verses he wrote during the recording. 

“Sobrang bilis lang, pagdating niya sa studio may baon na siyang sulat din, minodify na niya and all, may sulat na siya sa verse niya tapos ayun na, sobrang chill lang,” the P-pop star added. 

Despite working briefly with Al James, the SB19 member had nothing but good words for the “Ngayong Gabi” hitmaker. 

“Napaka galing talagang artist ni Al James, hindi na natin dapat tanungin ‘yon kasi alam naman natin na isa siya sa mga hitmakers ng Philippines.”

Ultimate Hugot song of 2024

Josh explained that “Yoko Na” does not only talk about love and relationships in general since it can also be expressed as a different way of giving up. 

“Yoko Na would resonate to a lot of situations. Let’s say… ayoko na sa work, ayoko na sa ginagawa ko ‘to, ayoko na sa relationship.”

When asked about his favorite line from the newly-released track, Josh said: “Katulad nung ‘wag ka ng umasang babalik, baka matuluyang masiraan ng bait.’”

“Kasi sometimes, kahit gaano mo kamahal yung tao, pero kapag hindi na siya healthy for your system or nakaka-affect na siya with your dreams, your goals and other stuff, siguro it would be better for the both of you na maghiwalay na for the better.”

Meanwhile, fans quickly expressed their first impression of the Josh Cullen x Al James collaboration. Many commended the catchy beat and melody, while others applauded the relatable lyrics. 

@marisseC_S: “Yung brokerhearted ka pero walang time maging malungkot kasi mapapaindak ka sa sobrang swabe ng pasok kahit malungkot ang wordings hak3 Congrats #SB19_JOSH and #ALJAMES.” 

@TineJade: “The vocals, contrasts in the colors of their voices, lyrics, beat..Love them all. Congrats to you both, Josh and Al James.”

@christinecantiveros2312: “perfect collaboration with AlJames. And the beats/ lyrics are to die for. huhuhu. shakit shakit.”

Watch the lyric video below: