(Part 1)
Photo from Official Gloc-9 page
Gloc-9, in my estimation, has already passed the halfway mark from reaching the iconic status of the late Francis Magalona! I know some people may disagree with my statement. Nevertheless, I say this based on three factors: Gloc-9’s extraordinary lyrical skills; the innate talent he possesses as a rapper; and the impressive list of artists he has worked with that represent various genres and who come from a strata of generations.
Gloc-9’s excellent choice of artists he collaborates with is again proven in his latest studio-release entitled: ‘Liham at Lihim’ which will have its album launch on October 26 at 7 p.m. at Eastwood City Central Plaza. Based alone on the confirmed line-up of guest artists to be featured in this album is another “Who’s Who” in OPM ranging from Rico Blanco, Kamikazee, Manuel Legarda of Wolfgang, Marc Abaya, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Sly Kane, Quest, Zia Quizon, Denise Barbacena, etc.
Among the artists in the star-studded lineup on Gloc-9’s ‘Liham at Lihim’ album, it is the guest spot of Barbacena’s which I am most looking forward to hear. This is because we are already quite familiar with what the other guest artists have to offer; we have only seen “previews” of what Barbacena can really do.
Barbacena is a young and charismatic artist loaded with potential and she happens to be the protégé of Gloc-9 himself. Indeed, only a genuine talent like Gloc-9 can spot another talent!
On an added note, I do view Barbacena as a glimpse of what the future of OPM might hold, and could be, years from now. There is a high probability that Barbacena may just be one of the next “faces” to help spearhead OPM into the next decade! This really goes back to the development of new talent and I can’t help but reiterate this–it is so important that new artists get their much needed breaks and not be deprived of them. Gloc-9, in his unselfish gesture, provides that platform for more major exposure for his protégé Barbacena in his upcoming studio-release.
‘Liham at Lihim’ isn’t only going to be an album from Gloc-9 with a lot of “star power” in it. It will rightfully–and more importantly–be the showcase to remind us why Gloc-9 is one of the best artists the Philippines has to offer. He will be the highlight in ‘Liham at Lihim’ even as he generously shares the “stage” with his fellow artists.
Speaking of highlight and Gloc-9, it has become apparent that it is Gloc-9’s time now. He has successfully taken his professional career to new heights. Solid proof of this is that there is practically no one in the country who doesn’t know or who does not have an idea of who Gloc-9 is. He can perform anywhere in the country, in any province, and more often than not, the venue would either be jam-packed or sold-out. I know this because I have been following the career of Gloc-9 since the early 2000’s.
Gloc-9’s brand of music just speaks to all social classes. It has no target demographic but rather it is addressed to all ages. It seemed to me that Gloc-9 has recognized his calling and he has heeded it.
(Part 2 will be posted on Oct. 19, 2013.)