Nadine Lustre and Apl.de.ap Drop “Donuts,” a Taglish Collab Built on Confidence
Nadine Lustre dropped her second single of the year on September 5. It features Apl.de.ap. It is called “Donuts.” And it sounds nothing like something you ease into.
Lustre announced the release on Instagram the same day, posting photos of herself and the Black Eyed Peas rapper against a red sky background. “A little surreal making music with a legend, @apldeap,” she wrote. The single is now out on all streaming platforms.
What the Track Sounds Like
“Donuts” is upbeat and daring. Lustre takes on both melodic lines and rap passages. The lyrics are about owning your narrative and staying confident. Both Lustre and Apl.de.ap deliver Taglish verses. Mega Asia described it as fast-paced, with Lustre weaving her vocals and bars while Apl.de.ap adds his own verse.
Who Is Apl.de.ap
Born Allan Pineda Lindo in Angeles City, Pampanga, Apl.de.ap co-founded the Grammy Award-winning Black Eyed Peas. The group’s hits include “I Gotta Feeling,” “Boom Boom Pow,” and “Where Is the Love?” He is also known for Tagalog-language tracks tied to his Filipino roots. “Bebot,” from the 2005 album Monkey Business, is all Tagalog. “The APL Song,” from 2003’s Elephunk, features a Tagalog chorus about growing up Filipino American. Apl.de.ap is also set to headline the 9RACE music festival at the Araneta Coliseum on October 4.
Nadine’s Return to Music
“Donuts” follows “Personal,” released July 31 via Cool Girl Records. That single ended a three-year gap since “Overgrown” in June 2023. “Personal” was co-written with OPM R&B artist Jason Dhakal and Ivo Impreso, and produced by Daniel Davidsen and Peter Wallevik. Two singles out in six weeks. The second one with a Black Eyed Peas co-founder.
