Gloc-9, Shanti Dope to perform at Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s Manila concert

MANILA, Philippines — Rapper Gloc-9 will be featured alongside fellow Filipino rising rap star Shanti Dope in American hip hop group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s upcoming concert on September 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In an interview with Philstar.com after his mini concert on Independence Day brought by New Era that also launched a Pinoy-themed collection, Gloc-9 said that he believes that the true meaning of independence is being free to pursue your dreams in life no matter how many obstacles are in the way.

“Para sa lahat ng kababayan natin na nahihirapan, naghihikahos sa buhay, I think ayan ang pinakamagandang message na ipadala sa kanila ngayong Independence Day,” Gloc-9, whose real name is Aristotle Pollisco, told Philstar.com.

When asked what legacy he wants to give the youth, the rapper behind hit songs “Sirena” and “Alalay ng Hari” said that besides patriotism, he wants the youth to pursue their dreams without letting others to mock them.

“Para sa mga bata, I think more than anything, isa ‘yung patriotism pero I think yung pinakaimportante walang pwedeng magsabi sa’yo na hindi mo pwedeng tuparin ang pangarap mo dahil ikaw lang ang pwedeng makapagpatupad sa pangarap mo. Ayan ang gusto kong iwanan sa kanila,” he said.

Known as the “guardian” of new rap sensation Shanti Dope, who is just 16 years old but is delivering great hits for Filipino rap fans, Gloc-9 wants Shanti to explore his creativity and enjoy his stay in the limelight.

“Hinahayaan ko lang muna ‘yung bata na iexplore ‘yung bago niyang nakuhang freedom pagdating sa creativity dahil ngayon mayroon nang paglalaanan ang trabaho niya, so hinahayaan namin na ma-enjoy n’ya ‘yung process na ‘yon. Kasi for me ayan ang pinakamasarap, pinakamasayang parte ng pagiging recording artist ay ang paggawa ng kanta.”

New Era and Gloc-9 collaborated on the design of the new caps collection. Together, the brand and the rapper took inspiration from the artist’s simplicity and style. The collection also banners the highlights of the rapper’s career and his invaluable contributions to the local music scene.

Known for his powerful, influential, and socially relevant music, Gloc-9's reputation as a profound lyricist is featured in this collection, which includes a snapback 9FIFTY silhouette cap that has an embroidered “Makata sa Pinas” gold text on the front of the crown. The design includes a stanza that says "Kaya sa gabi ako’y palaging nakatingala, kasi pwede palang maging sigurado ang baka,” stitched on the right side of the crown.