The Gloc-9 and Francis M connection!

Francis Magalona

His lyrical flow, precision and enunciation as a rapper are impeccable. These qualities  have made Gloc-9 the most recognized and popular rapper currently in the country tracing back from his beginnings as an underground rapper to becoming a celebrated member of pioneering gangsta rap group “Death Threat”. Gloc-9 started out in the mid 90’s, at a time when the talent pool of local rappers in the country was packed with favorite rappers and rap groups with the likes of Masta Plann, Denmark, BB Clan and others. During those years, Gloc-9’s name wasn’t that “heavy” and respected like his other contemporaries because he was still establishing himself and he was yet to fully discover the range of his talent. Eventually he was able to branch off on his own and build a strong and lasting relationship with none other than the “Master Rapper”, “The Man from Manila” –the legendary FRANCIS M.

We have heard stories, accounts from people who knew Francis M on a personal basis and interviews of how generous of a man he was in giving valuable advice, mentoring young talent and sharing his own seeds of wisdom. That was the kind of person Francis M was–selfless in nurturing young talents who had potential. Gloc-9 was but one of the many Francis M has guided throughout his professional life.

Gloc-9’s long journey to becoming the artist he is now is truly admirable and inspiring in its own right. His rewards came because of his patience. It was more than the proverbial “pot of gold at the end of rainbow”. It is something I sensed he was working hard to achieve and that is–building his own legacy.

I can still recall purchasing his major label debut from Star Records sometime in 2004, if my memory serves me correct. Let’s be frank here. There weren’t a lot of new rappers during those years because many felt that the rap genre/movement had come and gone already. However his album proved to me that he was a true survivor of that decade in the 90’s wherein a good number of his contemporaries were either dropped from their record label contracts or had opted to return to becoming independent artists. Gloc-9’s major label debut proved rap can become a force again in local music and that there was still “life left” in the genre. By the time the album was released, he was already developing a loyal following, turning heads of naysayers and getting the attention of some of the “top brass” of the record industry. People started asking:  “Who’s Gloc-9?”not knowing he has worked so hard to be where he is now.  If you think of all the qualities which make a rapper proficient, marketable and stand out Gloc-9 already has those qualities.

Gloc 9

If I recall correctly, Gloc-9 is only one of a handful of rappers who are still around today. There aren’t a lot left in the mainstream and if you go check record stores you wouldn’t see any aside from a few re-issues from different rappers like Andrew E and Francis M. But that is okay. At least the rap genre is still represented. But hopefully others are given the chance also to make a name for themselves because while a few have managed to establish themselves and taste a bit of success, many are still under the proverbial “glass ceiling” that has blocked, halted and cut short their chances to shine because of reasons of politicking and seniority. But Gloc-9 has managed to hurdle these career threatening situations, also because of the help of Francis M.

Gloc-9 is someone who I consider to be the next rapper to take us where we need to go, and that is for local rap–the hip-hop culture itself and the movement– to be taken more seriously and to become international. History has taught us to never to underestimate and undermine our local talents.

Francis M exemplified that and in his final years he was instrumental in giving young talent a shot at fame–remember the “Rap-public of the Phil’s cd. That featured un-signed talent in a compilation cd. Francis M. had collaborations and worked behind the scenes for numerous rappers, singers and other local artists ranging genres.

Francis M and Gloc-9 will always have a connection. Their fates have been intertwined. They brought the best out of each other. In my opinion, when Francis M was still alive, he and Gloc-9 were both at the top of their game. They were almost at the same level playing field. But it was the mentor and the apprentice. And I am sure Francis M is thrilled and happy for Gloc-9 now, because he has become a rapper who isn’t afraid to talk about social issues and daily realities that Filipinos face. It is in his songs that Gloc-9 tells us stories from which I am sure anyone can learn a thing or two. He is probably one of the greatest story tellers we have now. His music has a “conscience” and relevance to what is going on today in society and just like Francis Magalona, Gloc-9 is becoming a person the youth can look up to!

Mabuhay ka Gloc-9!