Gloc-9 then (left) and now (Image: Facebook/glocdashnine, Instagram/@glocdashnine)
Gloc-9, Aristotle Pollisco in real life, is celebrating his 23rd anniversary in the music industry by looking back at the struggles he had before becoming the Filipino hip-hop legend he is today.
The rapper took to social media earlier today, Sept. 1, to share how a “kid from Binangonan” more than two decades ago did not stop pursuing his dreams while taking on several jobs.
“23 years ago may batang taga Binangonan, walang pera, mahiyain, manipis ang boses, hiphop head pero walang pang porma, masikip ang sapatos, walang pang gimik, nakikisabay lang sa mga kakilalang may oto, madalas nakajeep, bus o pag alat naglalakad,” he posted on Facebook.
(Twenty-three years ago, there was a kid from Binangonan who had no money, was shy, had a high-pitched voice, a hip-hop head but had no swag, whose shoes were too tight, had no money, just hitched rides with friends with cars, took the jeep and the bus often, and even walked at times.)
“Nag service crew sa Bun on the [Run], [Little Ceasars], [Tokyo Tokyo] at [French Baker] para may perang pang tulong kay Nanay at pang punta sa mga auditions pero lagi namang olat,” he added.
(He was a service crew for Bun on the Run, Little Ceasars, Tokyo Tokyo and French Baker just so he would have money to help his mother and when going to auditions, where he always lost.)
The rapper’s post fittingly came with a throwback photo of himself, the “kid from Binangonan,” as he donned a red shirt and a jacket.
“Nasabihan na ng ‘hanggang dyan ka lang’ at ‘rapper ka lang.’ Pero kahit isang libong beses kong tinanong ang sarili ko kung kaya ko ba? Isang libo at isang beses kong sinagot na “Oo kaya ko’to,” Gloc-9 went on.
(I was told that I was ‘just a rapper’ and ‘couldn’t be more.’ But even if I asked myself a thousand times if I could do it, I answered it a thousand and one times, ‘Yes, I can,'” he added.
Despite the hardships and doubts, the rapper persevered and went on to write and perform several hits such as “Simpleng Tao,” “Upuan,” “Sumayaw ka” and “Lando,” among many others. He has since been regarded as one of the most successful rappers in the country.
“23 years ago may isang batang taga binangonan na nangarap. 23 years after gusto ko pong mag pasalamat. MARAMING SALAMAT SA INYONG LAHAT MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT!!!” he stressed.
(Twenty-three years ago, there was a kid from Binangonan who dared to dream. Twenty-three years after, I just want to say thank you. Thank you very much to all of you, thank you so much!)
Other than being a rapper and a singer-songwriter, Gloc-9 has also become a businessman and practiced medicine as a nurse as well.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Gloc-9 is still putting out new music and holding virtual gigs while also selling goods online, such as his “Makata” jerseys and food such as fried chicken and dinuguan.
When he was told that online selling did not suit him, Gloc-9 in July answered by stressing that there is nothing to be ashamed of on his new venture. He also pointed out then that he used to clean toilets, canals and trash cans before.
Gloc-9 and Mayonnaise frontman Monty Macalino last month released their new song collaboration “Iba’t Ibang Bangka,” which the rapper also composed. /ra
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