Jay R records Taglish version of hit ‘Bakit Pa Ba’ with Fil-Puerto Rican Lil’ Eddie

MANILA — R&B singer Jay R released a Taglog-English version of his hit “Bakit Pa Ba” (Empty) featuring multi-awarded Filipino-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and producer Lil’ Eddie.

The new version of “Bakit Pa Ba,” which is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide, keeps the song’s original emotional soul, while adding English lyrics.  

“We actually worked with three different producers before finding the sound we loved. Rather than overproducing the track, we kept the background vocals minimal and let our raw voices, emotions, and signature vocal runs do the heavy lifting. Lil’ Eddie also suggested keeping the opening acoustic and drum-free to preserve the soul of the original,” Jay R said in a press release.

Jay R with Lil’ Eddie. Handout

The collaboration happened while Jay R and Lil’ Eddie were touring the Philippines to promote their duet single “Statue (Taglish Version).”

“I’ve wanted to create a Taglish version of ‘Bakit Pa Ba’ for years, and fans have been asking for it too,” said Jay R. “Lil’ Eddie’s talent and musicality made him the perfect collaborator to bring this vision to life.”

The new version retains the emotional, suave feel that made “Bakit Pa Ba” a defining entry in Jay R’s repertoire while adding English lyrics that complement its Tagalog passages. Rather than leaning on elaborate production, the track stays intimate and less ornate, letting the fragility and nuanced delivery take center stage.