Keeping the rap alive

I like the way Young JV describes his music. “My songs of peace and love are also inspired by stories of people who work hard and succeed even if they have nothing to start with. Really, nothing is impossible if you put your heart into it. So I say, don’t lose hope, just keep on going.” Those words also describe Young JV’s attitude towards his work. He just keeps going. Just think. 

Although it is common knowledge Pinoy pop music tastes are more often than not heavily influenced by trends in the U.S. of A., hip-hop is one genre that still has to be widely accepted. A lot of rappers came in the wake of the success of Francis M and Andrew E but nobody or no group has been able to surpass, let alone equal their popularity. 

This seems strange because this is a time when hip-hop is at its peak in the US. In fact, rap acts now sell more than the rockers and most pop stars now do hip-hop or collaborate with the hip-hoppers. Hereabouts, Gloc-9 is the only big name I can think of upholding the genre. Then, there is Young JV, who I think can easily make the grade as a pop balladeer. But he likes to rap and he just keeps on going because this music is something he truly believes in.

The son of EDSA hero Red Kapunan, Young JV released his first album two years ago. Titled Ready Or Not, it was produced by Doing It Big Productions and made up of his original works. The first single release, That Girl with Billy Crawford was a hit. Also included were I Bet They Can’t Do It Like That with Kris Lawrence, Don’t Know You with Heidi Riego and Kapayapaan featuring Marcus Davis. The CD made for a great introduction for Young JV. More so when it was found out that the socially aware and concerned young man donated the proceeds from the sales of his album to the orphaned children of soldiers in Mindanao.

Young JV is now at work on his second CD with February 2012 as his target release date. There will be lots more of his originals and star-powered collaborations in the new album. Among these are tracks with Yeng Constantino, Karylle and Akiko Solon. The latter is Alay, or offering, a song about unconditional love that is ideal for this Christmas Season. So do not be surprised if you see Young JV and Akiko in the Alay music video that began airing late last month.

Do not be surprised too if you see Young JV in the TV soap series Budoy where he has a recurring role or even in the movies. He has taken up acting and is in the cast of I Won’t Last A Day Without You with Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson. Like rapping, he is taking acting very seriously and he hopes to become a competent actor one day. 

More on OPM

I just came across three compilation albums of local recordings that would make very good Christmas gifts. These are Pinoy Alternatib Hits, Pinoy Akustik Hits and Pinoy Jukebox & Nobelti Hits. The contents are mostly hit singles from albums that are now no longer available. 

The good thing about these CDs is that while you might not be interested in having copies of the albums these came from, you will surely want to keep copies of these songs.

I see most of these as cultural artifacts of music trends of these past years. Remember when acoustic sounds were big and the hot pop idol was Paolo Santos singing Moonlight Over Paris or when every beer house resonated with April Boy Regino’s Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin. There are songs in these collections to jog lots of memories. But if you are not keen on doing that, I am sure you can still find a kid or two out there who will enjoy dancing to Sexbomb’s Ispageti Song.

 Pinoy Alternatib Hits has Stay by Cueshé; Sandalan by 6Cyclemind; Magbalik by Callalily; Maling Akala by Brownman Revival; Penge Naman Ako Niyan by Itchyworms; Gemini by Sandwich; and Migraine by MoonStar 88 and others. 

Pinoy Akustik Hits includes A Little Bit by MYMP; Kanlungan by Paolo Santos; Paglisan by Color It Red; Simple Lang by Suy; Fill Her by Eraserheads; Sige by 6Cyclemind; Kaleidoscope World by DJ Myke; and others. 

Pinoy Jukebox & Nobelti Hits has Itaktak Mo by Joey de Leon; Mahal Kita Kasi by Nicole Hyala; Pasaway by J Brothers; Banyo Queen by Andrew E; Kalabit Penge by Jose and Wally; Hindi Ako Si Darna by Jenine Desiderio; Wow! Me Ganun by Mr. Fu; and others.