Rapper Gloc-9 defends himself from critics who question his career path: ‘Ito ay challenge sa akin’

As one of the country’s most talented artists, Gloc-9 (real name Aristotle Pollisco) has become an icon after becoming known for his unique vocal style which features poetic storytelling and signature rapid-fire delivery. The veteran rapper recently launched his music video for the song “Tara G!” which also introduced him as a new celebrity ambassador for an online gaming company. During the event held last November 13, Gloc-9 shared some insight to his decision despite the possibility of receiving criticism for it. 

“I’ve been in the industry, next year, for 30 years. Nung nahulog sa harapan ko ang project na ito, siyempre may time din na kino-contemplate ko siya. Pero may nakita akong isang magandang reel sa Instagram na dapat matuto tayong tumanggap ng mga bagay na out of our comfort zone. Ito ay challenge sa akin. May mga haharapin din ako na ibang bagay dahil dito. Pero 50 years old na ako next year so I think with almost three decades na binigay ko sa industry, I think puwede ko naman sigurong piliin kung ano yung trabaho na puwede ko gawin,” he said. 

In the same event, he also showed his initiative to influence responsible gaming habits.

“Siguro bukod sa me promoting GameZone ano, I think pareho nun, nag-po-promote din kami ng responsible gaming. Medyo kakapalan ko na yung mukha ko, baka siguro kaya pinili nila ako dahil baka mas makumbinsi sila sa akin kapag sinabi ko, ‘Be responsible sa paglalaro.’ Isa din yang task para sa amin. Hindi lang kami hikayat ng hikayat. Kami rin ang nagsasabi na dapat alam mo ang boundaries mo, alam mo kung kailan tama na di ba? I think isa din yun sa task namin,” he explained. 

The performer also shared why he considers his latest composition’s relevance to society and what the main message of the song is.

“Siyempre with everything that is happening, ang kantang ito ay nagsasabi ng kasiyahan, ng pag-asa, ng pagsasama sama. At saka yung paghabol mo sa iyong mga pangarap. I think ito yung pinaka essence ng song na ito na napaka-relevant ngayon. It’s about togetherness, ang ugali ng mga Pilpino na parang yayain. ‘Uy tsong may ginagawa ka? Wala. Tara, sama ka. Okay, magkita tayo ng ganitong oras.’ Ganun. Yung parang yung magkakasama palagi tapos masaya lang palagi. I think yun talaga yung message nung song,” he shared. 

During his GameZone event interview, Gloc-9 also revealed how easy the writing process was for him with his latest composition. 

“Siyempre meron kaming inputs from the team. Tapos may katulong din ako in writing the song. Siyempre shoutout sa team. Ang task ko lang ay tahiin lahat nung components na binigay sa akin at siyempre magawa ang mga rap parts na mag-de-describe ng gustong ma-achieve ng project. Yun talaga ang challenge for me. Pero sobrang gaan katrabaho ng mga kasama namin. Hindi siya naging mahirap. Marami man back and forth sa approval ng mga lyrics, pero sobrang smooth lang,” he added.