Arkin Magalona. Image: Instagram/@barqboy
Arkin Magalona stressed that the title “King of Pinoy Rap” is not earned through “requirements” – as what Andrew E’s Dongalo Wreckords label says – noting that artists will only be considered a “king” if the public hail them as such.
Arkin, the son of the late Master Rapper Francis Magalona, said this in reaction to the label’s Facebook post on Wednesday, Sept. 25, which enumerates the supposed “[three] requirements to be certified and called King of Pinoy Rap,” such as rapping and publicly performing since 1986; had a retail rap album in 1990; and has released an album that earned a platinum record.
Along each of the said requirements were the milestones achieved by Andrew E and Francis, who were among the most influential local rappers in the 1990s.
“If you do not have those [three] requirements, you are just a simple, ordinary Pinoy rapper in the Philippines,” the label added.
Arkin reposted this on his Facebook page and wrote, “Wala sa metrics ang pagiging ‘king.’ Kung buhay pa tatay ko siya pa mismo magsasabi niyan.”
“Kusa [kang] magiging ‘king’ ‘pag tinuring ka na ng mga tao bilang hari,” the musician underscored.
Arkin also addressed his fellow artists, both “old heads and new wave,” and said, “Ilabas niyo lang ang mga gusto niyo ipakita sa mundo. Maraming mga nag-aabang at mag-aabang pa sa mga bago niyong gawa, trust me.”
Dongalo Wreckords did not immediately comment on Arkin’s statement.