GLOC-9
Pinoy rap artist Gloc-9 sees his songs as his children. His sixth and latest studio album, the 15-track “MKNM: Mga Kwento Ng Makata” (Universal Records) is the spoiled youngest, his favorite—for the moment.
“The songs tell stories of people from all walks,” Gloc-9 said at a recent media gathering. “Each one was a joy to write. I almost always knew the next line even as I wrote.”
The track he’s proudest of is the chart-topping carrier single, “Sirena.” Featuring Ebe Dancel as guest vocalist, the song is about a gay man.
What inspired you to write “Sirena”?
I wanted to do something I hadn’t tried before. Raimund Marasigan suggested that I write about a gay person, from a first-person perspective. It was a challenge. But if your intentions are sincere, everything falls into place. Also, I wanted to write a song that promotes respect. Regardless of beliefs, if we have respect and compassion for one another, everything will be okay.
You picked it as carrier single.
Of all 15 songs, it has the strongest message. I still get goose bumps listening to it. Sometimes I wonder how I wrote it.
Do you make a conscious effort to infuse social commentary into your songs?
Not really. My priority is to make sure that I really like what I’m writing.
How do you choose artists to collaborate with?
First, I should be a fan of their music. Then it’s a matter of them wanting to do the song with me or not.
How tough can it get for a rapper?
It’s tough being a solo artist, so I’m grateful [that I can] feed my family doing what I love. At the same time, I’m sad that still not many people trust or give rappers a chance.