Gloc-9, a ‘simple, passionate fan,’ works with his idols

GLOC-9 poses for photos with audience members during “Ang Kwento ng Makata,” held at Music Museum. Photos by Eloisa Lopez

“I’m a son of an overseas Filipino worker; my father used to work in Saudi Arabia. And when I was six, I remember seeing him lugging a big bag while I was playing in front of our house. ‘Anak, aalis na ako,’ (son, I’m leaving) he told me. He then gave me a kiss before setting off on a bus.”

The rapper Gloc-9, in a video displayed before a packed crowd at the Music Museum, was recalling a moment in his life that inspired him to compose “Walang Natira,” his hit song about Filipinos forced to take a gamble and leave their families behind to seek greener pastures in other countries.

“I didn’t understand what was happening then… I only knew that he wouldn’t be returning home anytime soon,” he continued, as a soft instrumental played in the background. “It’s only now that I have my own kids that I realize just how big a sacrifice my father made.”

Machine gun

When he wasn’t spitting bars like a machine gun, Gloc-9, or Aristotle Pollisco in real life, spent the night—the third of four in his recently concluded concert series, “Ang Kwento ng Makata”—reminiscing, sharing with fans the concept behind his songs, as well as life experiences that molded him into the musician that he is now.

Gloc-9 recalled working in Ortigas and spending his breaks listening to the American rap artist Eminem’s albums at a record bar in a nearby mall. “When I get asked for tips on how to be a good rapper, my answer was always the same: listen. I did that and learned a lot,” he said. “It motivated me.”

He likewise looked back with fondness on the fateful day he met the man he calls “king,” the late Francis “Kiko” Magalona, and how he insisted on bringing Gloc-9 to one of his shows abroad several years ago.

“Sir Kiks told the producer that he wouldn’t go if I weren’t going. That was how generous he was,” he said of the local music icon, whom he collaborated with on the hit song “Lando,” which he played in this concert with new pop-rock singer Migz Haleco.

He also did “Alalay ng Hari,” a song he wrote for Francis M, while photos of them together flashed onscreen.

If there was one thing that could be gleaned from his stories, it’s that Gloc-9 has always been a genuine and passionate fan, who lives and breathes his craft. Which is why, perhaps, despite all his achievements and being hailed by many as the current torchbearer of rap, Gloc-9 refuses to entertain the notion of being someone of influence.

WITH dancer Rochelle Pangilinan

He’s just a simple fan, Gloc-9 insisted, who happens to write music.

Guest artists

True enough, he introduced his guest artists as his idols, as people he admires: Gloc-9 paired with Ogie Alcasid in the rock-tinged, old-school vibed “Hindi Mo Nadinig”; with Yeng Constantino in “Upuan,” a song that implores people in power to walk in the shoes of the people they rule; and with Regine Velasquez-Alcasid in an emphatic and show-stopping rendition of “Takipsilim.”

In his solo numbers, which included songs like “Apatnapungbara,” “Martilyo,” “Businessman” and “Payag,” Gloc-9 performed with a quiet intensity. He stood at the center, his mic almost pressed against his lips, as he dished out searing lines that tackled our society’s ills. And as the words-per-minute increased, so did the volume and grit.

The 38-year-old rapper likewise performed the gay anthem “Sirena” with Ebe Dancel, “See You Again” with Maya and “Hari ng Tondo” with Jolina Magdangal. In Gloc-9’s performance of “Magda,” on the other hand, dancer Rochelle Pangilinan played the tragic heroine in a sultry number.

“I get nervous when people spend their hard-earned money just to see me,” he said. But if he was nervous, it didn’t show. And judging by the fans’ resounding cheers and applause after every performance, perhaps it’s safe to say that they got more than their money’s worth.

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