Poster for 'Fliptop LIVE' in Manila. Handout photo
Get ready, FlipTop fans!
FlipTop, the country's largest, longest-running, and most-viewed battle rap league will return with genre luminaries for back-to-back events in Cebu and Manila.
On Friday, November 7, hip-hop titan Gloc-9, king of rhymes Loonie, and Filipino American music activist Bambu De Pistola will perform at IC3 Convention Center in Cebu City for FlipTop LIVE. Joining the three in Cebu are rapper KJah from Caloocan, Visayan group No Pets Allowed, and Cebuano emcee Mistah Lefty, as well as DJs (also known as turntablism artists) Phatrick, Short, and Supreme Fist.
On Saturday, November 8, Gloc-9, Loonie, Bambu De Pistola, KJah, DJs Phatrick, and Supreme Fist will take over the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig. Undefeated battle emcee and 2017 Isabuhay Champion Mhot, Filipino HipHop icons Kemikal Ali and DJ Arbie Won, and Muntinlupa's finest DJ Nicko round out the lineup for FlipTop LIVE's Manila leg.
In a post on Instagram, De Pistola said, "I’m extremely honored to be able to come back and rock with two of my favorite emcees from back home: Gloc-9 and Loonie… For the first time ever, I’m bringing DJ Phatrick along for the party, so I’m excited to be able to bring our set to my folks. Looking forward to getting on the ground and building!"
Gloc-9, meanwhile, said he feels nostalgic about these concerts. "I always love coming back to Cebu dahil isa ito sa mga lugar na lagi kong binibisita noong ako'y nagsisimula pa lang. At may Manila leg pa (ang FlipTop LIVE)! To perform in an event that I've always respected and been a fan of ever since is really special."
This first FlipTop LIVE concert will include shorter lineups but lengthier and heavier performances, as well as a focus on the art of DJing, one of HipHop culture's four core pillars.
Poster for 'Fliptop LIVE' in Cebu
Despite being a completely musical performance rather than their usual battle rap events, promoter Anygma stated that FlipTop LIVE in Cebu and Manila would still have something for every type of fan.
He said, "Mayroon para sa Battle Rap fans. Mayroon para sa HipHop Music fans!"
Assuring the shows will be top-notch, Gloc-9 added, "I know all the hard work and passion that Anygma and his team put into the concerts, that is why I am all the more excited."
Tickets can now be reserved online through the FlipTop Battle League Facebook page, as well as in-store at Apollo Sports Bar in Mandaue City, Cebu, and Baraks in Mandaluyong City.
Fans may also take advantage of the Barkada Promo Bundles, which offer "Buy 6, Get 1 Free" for General Admission and "Buy 7, Get 1 Free" for VIP. All ticket categories include one free FlipTop Beer, and SVIP tickets include a toot bag giveaway with a variety of event merchandise.