Shanti Dope
At just 18 and barely three years into his professional career as a rapper, Shanti Dope has already had his share of controversies.
Last May, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency called for the ban of the hip-hop artist’s song “Amatz,” claiming that it promotes the use of marijuana, therefore opposing government’s hard-line stance on drugs. The organization even went as far as saying that artists of Shanti Dope’s kind shouldn’t be supported.
However, a closer look at the words reveals that the single is, in fact, a cautionary tale against drug use, and delves on how music induces a natural high.
While he was surprised about the ruckus the song created, Shanti Dope insisted that it was never his intention to start one.
“It’s OK. I just look at it as a part of my journey,” he told reporters at his recent contract renewal with his label, Universal Records, where he personally addressed the issue for the first time. “When I grow old, I can tell my future children that I was controversial once!”
If there was anything the incident made him realize, it’s that the fact that having followers also comes with a measure of responsibility.
“I have noticed that how I speak and what I say can be taken a certain way. So, I’m more conscious now, especially with my songs, because music can be influential,” said the rapper, who rose to popularity last year after his song, “Nadarang.”
While Shanti Dope—whose real name is Sean Patrick Ramos—sees himself being more mindful of his material, it shouldn’t come at the expense of stifling his creativity. “I want to stay true to my feelings or what I think. I just want to continue doing what I love,” he related.
And despite all the criticisms he received at the height of the issue, never once did Shanti Dope think of quitting. If anything, all the negativity only fueled him to soldier on as a hip-hop artist.
“I don’t pay much attention to the [bashing]. But positive or negative—I just take them. I want to focus on the constructive, because people will always find something to say, anyway,” pointed out.
“You can’t let yourself get affected. Or else, you lose. So just focus on what you want to do,” he added. “Or eat good food to relieve the stress!”
Work is Shanti Dope’s top priority at the moment. But that doesn’t mean his life revolves around it. “I don’t force myself to try this or do that. I still go to school (Grade 11 at Meridian International College). I go out skating with my friends,” he related.
Shanti Dope couldn’t be more excited about the material he has planned for 2020. But he’s keeping things under wraps for now.
“I have new songs, but I want them to be a surprise. I want to explore new concepts, do music videos,” he said. “I have a lot of new experiences and observations. And those inspire me.” INQ