Why does Gloc-9 stand out from the rest of his hip-hop peers? Because his lyrics are heartfelt — moving with images that grab our attention. He may not be a flashy performer onstage, but once he opens his mouth, everybody listens.
And why does Kitchie Nadal remain relevant, despite the fact that her biggest hit, “Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin,” is almost 8 years old and she left the country in 2006, returning only last year? Because she’s an uncompromising singer-songwriter, not the type who will follow trends just to stay in the loop.
These two artists have something in common—a spirituality which, they both claim, enables them to infuse their creativity with power and passion.
Gloc-9 regards his talent and the songs he writes as a blessing and a miracle. “When I write my songs, it’s as if words are given to me and there is hardly a time when I experience what they call writer’s block. I don’t even know how to play any instrument,” he said.
Having finished a nursing course, Gloc-9— born Aristotle Pollisco—says some of the ideas that ended up in his songs actually came from his education. In fact, he has written songs while on tour of duty in hospitals. In a previous interview with the Inquirer, he shared a sentiment: “It’s hard to be poor in the country.”
Most of the songs tackle glaring social conditions. In his award-winning “Upuan” (winner of four trophies including song of the year at the 2010 Awit Awards), he challenges the country’s leaders: “Kayo po na nakaupo/Subukan niyo namang tumayo/ Baka matanaw, at baka matanaw ninyo/Ang tunay na kalagayan ko …”
Another song, “Walang Natira,” deals with the phenomenon called Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
“I think I’ve written songs that are not the usual type of rap music in our country. While almost everyone raps about partying, blings, cars and girls, I just feel that it’s more interesting to talk about what is happening with our kababayan,” he said.
His socially conscious bent earned him the admiration and respect of the late Francis M—who referred to him as “a blacksmith of words and letters, and a true Filipino poet.”
Asked to define counterculture—“Kontrakultura” being the name of a concert tomorrow that features him, Nadal and other Pinoy artists—Gloc-9 said, “It’s about not doing what is expected of me, and trying to do things different from what others have been doing for a long time.”
Freedom
For Kitchie Nadal, counterculture is the freedom to do what one loves most. In her case, she flew to Canada in 2006 to perform and help various Christian churches.
“‘Kontrakultura’ means a different kind of behavior from the societal norm, but not as an end in itself,” said Nadal. “Being different is a manifestation of a belief.”
She explained: “I write songs from a biblical perspective. I don’t define words like ‘love’ as if they were lines from a movie.”
Nadal, in a previous interview, said, “More than anything else, I’m aware of what’s in my heart. I guess my songs revolve around truth or reality. So, I’d rather fix myself than just be focused on what other people say about me or my work.”
As songwriters, Gloc-9 and Nadal mean what they say and live what they write about—though it may run counter to popular belief. As artists who entertain with a deeper purpose, they are bold agents of counterculture.
(Catch Gloc-9 and Kitchie Nadal, along with Gary, Gab and Paolo Valenciano, Yeng Constantino, Duncan Ramos, Paraluman, Sandwich, Imago, Barbie Almabis, Spongecola, Upeepz, UP Streetdance and UP Indayog in “Kontrakultura: A Date with Destiny” at the University of the Philippines Diliman Fair tomorrow. Call 0915-7884679.)