Gloc-9 on writing truthful songs and staying hopeful for the country

Gloc-9 plans to release more socially relevant songs in the future, like that of Upuan, which recently resurfaced online amid public outrage over the controversy surrounding flood control projects.

- By CHARMIE JOY PAGULONG

Gloc-9 (left) has just dropped his collaboration project with Abaddon.

The hard-hitting lyrics of his 16-year-old track criticize the indifference of those in power toward the suffering faced by ordinary Filipinos.

"The last song I did (which also tackles social issues) was Paliwanag, but if you've noticed yung pagiging hopeful ng boses ko sa kanta ay nagbabago, from Upuan to Paliwanag," the Filipino hip-hop icon, whose real name is Aristotle Pollisco, told The STAR during the launch of his collaboration album "Project A" with fellow rapper Abaddon.

Upuan was the track he penned while he was a nursing student on duty at a public hospital, where he witnessed firsthand the dire conditions. "I saw a mother na namatayan ng anak because she didn't have money to buy medicines. Wala ka ng ibang hahanapin na sincerity and inspiration to write a song about sa mga nakikita mo."