In the evolving landscape of Filipino hip-hop—both in the Philippines and abroad—few creatives embody versatility quite like Kiko, whose real name is Junior Francisco. A songwriter, beatmaker, DJ, filmmaker, and front-end developer, Kiko represents a new generation of artists who refuse to be confined to a single lane. His journey is one of passion, reinvention, and quiet dedication that is only now beginning to receive the recognition it deserves.
Kiko’s roots in music trace back to the Philippines, where he first made a name for himself in the remix scene through a platform known as M-Planet. During this early stage, he developed a reputation for his ear in blending sounds and reimagining tracks. He was also affiliated with respected music circles such as United DJs of the Philippines, Traxx Records, DCM Records, and Mixxshop—communities that helped sharpen his craft and expand his musical network.
As his experience grew, so did his versatility. Kiko became a DJ for both small and large-scale events, performing under groups like Audio Extreme Mobile and HotTracks Mobile. Although he didn’t initially adopt a formal DJ name, he became widely recognized in M-Planet and Traxx Records circles as DJ Krush Groove—a name that carried weight among those familiar with the scene.
But Kiko wasn’t content with just DJing. His exposure to a wide range of music pushed him to dive deeper into production. He taught himself how to create beats, compose instrumentals, master tracks, and write songs. Alongside music, he explored filmmaking—another medium through which he could express his artistic vision. This combination of audio and visual storytelling would later become a defining feature of his creative identity.
Expanding his influence beyond personal projects, Kiko founded RedCircle Productions, a creative collective managed in the Philippines by Lil Colli. The group includes members such as Kritiko, Lil Colli, and Still One, all contributing to a shared mission of producing and promoting original content rooted in hip-hop culture.
Kiko’s journey also spans across borders. In 2006, he began DJing inside the Aramco compound in Saudi Arabia, particularly in an area near Alkhobar often referred to as Doha by locals. Within the compound, he built a reputation not only as a DJ but also as a rapper, performing under the name Master K. His run in this environment lasted until 2008, marking an important chapter in his development as a performer and entertainer.
After relocating to Riyadh, Kiko remained relatively low-key for several years. However, the global pandemic unexpectedly opened new doors. Through TikTok, he connected with AxelJhay—an encounter that would later shape his involvement in a growing music movement. With a mindset rooted in unity, Kiko told AxelJhay that any group Axel was part of would also be his. This simple but powerful statement led to Kiko becoming a member of RiyadhPlayaz, a collective that continues to push Filipino hip-hop forward in Saudi Arabia.
Beyond music, Kiko’s technical skills set him apart. As a front-end developer, he was instrumental in building the digital presence of RiyadhPlayaz. He created both the website and mobile application, branding it as RP22 (RiyadhPlayaz Drops)—a platform designed to showcase music, content, and culture from the group.
Despite his long history in music and media, Kiko chose to remain behind the scenes for much of his time in Saudi Arabia. It wasn’t until 2024 that he began stepping into the spotlight, gradually gaining recognition within the Filipino hip-hop community in Riyadh. His re-emergence is not just a comeback—it’s the continuation of a journey shaped by years of experience, resilience, and creativity.
Today, Kiko stands as a symbol of what it means to evolve. From remixing tracks in the Philippines to building platforms and movements in Saudi Arabia, his story is one of dedication to craft and culture. Whether behind the decks, in the studio, on set, or coding a new platform, Kiko continues to prove that true artistry knows no boundaries.
