MANILA — For Gloc-9, the stories of ordinary Filipinos have always been worth telling.
His father’s life as an overseas Filipino worker, his admiration for fellow rapper Francis Magalona and his own experiences while studying nursing opened his eyes to the struggles of Filipinos and shaped the socially conscious, poetic songs that have become his trademark.
The veteran rapper has built a career on stepping into the shoes of others, turning their struggles, hopes and realities into songs that speak directly to his listeners.
YouTube/Unshaken with Gary V
In Gary Valenciano's podcast Unshaken, Gloc-9 recalled seeing the pain and struggles of his father beneath the letters and voice recorders that his father sent to his mother and to their family.
"Yung how you put yourself into somebody else's shoes isa ding gift 'yon, isang regalo na naibigay sa akin. ... Kung mayroon man akong maa-associate kung paano ako maghimay ng mga nararamdaman ng tao siguro ay 'yung, kasi ang tatay ko ay OFW 'yung mga sulat niya nakikita ko. How I look at the paper kung paano niya sinulat at kung paano ang sinasabi niya. Noong panahon na 'yon nagpapadala ng cassette tape, nagre-record ang tatay ko ko ng boses niya. ... Kung paano ko na experience 'yon noong bata ako, alam ko din 'yung lungkot sa likod noon, parang ganoon," he said.
As a young boy, Gloc-9 sang as part of his school choir and joined amateur contest because he really loves singing.
It was while joining such contests that he realized his gift for rhymes. He was then introduced to Andrew E, followed by the late Francis "Kiko" Magalona, one of his major influences when it comes to writing songs.
"Yung pag-mature ng writing ko, malaking bagay na ako'y nasa Pilipinas, 'yung nakikita mo kung ano ang buhay natin at richness ng culture natin. .... Marami akong realizations una pa lang, so I think 'yung identity ng music ko maaga palang na-organize ko na kung paano susulatin," said Gloc-9.
When asked to describe his craft, Gloc-9 told Valenciano: "Commitment." He believes that people might forget the song he performed but will remember the effort and the attention that he gave to his work -- something that Magalona also taught him.
YouTube/Unshaken with Gary V
In 2009, Gloc-9 released his iconic song "Upuan," which he wrote based from his observations as a nursing student in a hospital.
The rapper recalled that he was in college when he was contacted by Sony to record an album for them as referred by his idol Francis M.
"So nagsusulat ako ng kanta noon. Pero I think noong time na nag-aaral ako ng nursing doon din nagkaroon ng sakit si Sir Kiks. So sabay lahat. Doon ko rin nagawa 'yung 'Upuan' kasi naramdaman mo kung ano 'yung sasabihin mo. Kung ano 'yung sasabihin ng mga nahihirapan, inilipat mo lang sa papel mo. Wala ng kasong authentic, wala na," Gloc-9.
Beyond his music, Gloc-9 also talked about the experiences that shaped him, where his career is headed and what comes next.
Just last month, he released an acoustic live version of his "Upuan" featuring Lirah Bermude, which has been uploaded on his official YouTube page.
Released in 2009, "Upuan" continue to resurface as it's being used as soundtrack for reels uploaded on social media from people expressing frustration because of the flooding.
The Filipino rap song is known for its line: "Kayo po na nakaupo, subukan n'yo namang tumayo at baka matanaw at baka matanaw ninyo ang tunay na kalagayan ko."
'Iwan ko lang 'to dito': Gloc-9 drops acoustic live version of 'Upuan'