From The South Bronx to the streets of Metro Manila
The Philippine hip-hop scene is one of the oldest in Asia. It is hard to tell when hip-hop started here and how did it start, but I would like to make several points on how the culture was brought to this country.
- The Philippines was a US territory until the country gained independence in 1946. American culture left a strong influence in The Philippines. Filipinos listened to American music, watched American movies or ate American fastfood like MC Donalds or Pizza Hut. In the 1980s, movies like, Breakin and Flashdance were shown in cinemas around Metro Manila and got many youths to breakdancing. Filipinos were also updated when it comes to popular music and early Filipino DJs can get in hold of the latest hits. In the late 70s / early 80s, popular hits from Sugarhill Gang, Kurtis Blow, Joe Bataan, Vaughan Mason and Blondie were getting played at Manila's radios and discos. Even hit songs like Chic's "Good Times" (which was a major influence in the creation of rap music) were played. Disco, funk, Motown and soul groove were also very popular throughout Metro Manila.
- Filipinos living in the United States (or any country) send money and/or presents to their families or relatives back home. Rap music on records or cassettes may be one of those items. Also, Filipinos living abroad especially those living in developed western countries return to the Philippines as balikbayans with presents. Rap records/cassettes or reading materials with hip-hop issues can be one of those presents.
- Filipinos who take a trip to other countries go shopping and buy presents. Again, rap music may be one of the presents bought.
- The United States had several bases here in The Philippines before they pulled out during the early 90s. African-American or Hispanic servicemen stationed in the Philippines may have influenced the locals into the hip-hop culture.
Influence
New York was still the main influence for most of the early Filipino rap artists when it comes to beats, flow and style; though California was also important. Some of the early influence were from Sugarhill Gang, Kurtis Blow, Boogie Down Productions, RUN-DMC, Public Enemy, Ice-T, Salt-N-Pepa, A Tribe Called Quest and Rakim. The earliest Pinoy Rap tracks contains samples or styles influenced by these artists. An example is Rapasia's track "That's The Way Love Is" which was influeced by A Tribe Called Quest's track "Bonita Applebum". Another example is Andrew E.'s early style. His style in the track "Ize Batayojan" is influenced by Rakim. The fashion style of Bass Rhyme Posse is similar to RUN-DMC and so on.
Pinoy rap is influenced by two main categories whether it may be East Coast (Madd Poets, Pamilya Dimagiba, Ghetto Doggs, etc) or West Coast (Death Threat, Sun Valley Crew, etc.). But despite these influences, local styles are fused such as the use of the Filipino language and rapping about local subjects and culture. Traditional Filipino music and culture are also fused to the music especially the beats and instrumentals.
| II - Some Important Events in Pinoy Rap |
Beginnings (Late 1970s - 1980s)
The first rap recordings in the Philippines were by Dyords Javier and Vincent Dafalong. Dyords Javier recorded "Na Onseng Delight" (which copied the style of Sugarhill Gang's "Rappers Delight") while Vincent Dafalong recorded "Nunal".
The Golden Age of Pinoy Rap (1990-1993)
1990
A former breakdancer with name of Francis Magalona released an album called Yo! which became the first rap album in The Philippines. "Mga Kababayan" (My Countrymen) became the first rap track recognized by many Filipinos.
Months later, Andrew E. who was a DJ in a popular disco in Makati released an album called Humanap Ka Ng Panget challenging Francis M.'s dominance in Pinoy Rap. A movie with the same title was also released and it was one of the first movies in The Philippines that featured Pinoy Rap.
"Makati Girl" by Andrew E. was the first pinoy rap track to display beatboxing. Cool MC. Norman B. of Bass Rhyme Posse beatboxed for the track and became the first known beatboxer in The Philippines.
Pia Arroyo, who would be later become Francis M.'s wife was the first woman in The Philippines to record a rap track (with Francis M.). The song was "Loving You" and was released as part of the Yo! album.
Gelli De Belen, a popular actress was the first woman in The Philippines to record a rap track in tagalog. The track was "Mr. DJ" which featured Andrew E. The song was released as part of the Humanap Ka Ng Panget soundtrack.
Bass Rhyme Posse became the first rap group in The Philippines. Their debut album was released a year later and were the Philippine counterpart of RUN-DMC.
1991
Rap Asia was the next group to release an album. Their track "Hoy! Tsismosa" became an instant hit.
Michael V. released his first album with the track, "Maganda Ang Piliin" as an instant hit. The song also countered Andrew E's song, "Humanap Ka Ng Panget" and caused rivalry between the two rappers.
Denmark released I'm Markie D.! and the song "Louningning" became a hit.
Lady Diane and M.C. Lara were the first female rap artists in the Philippines to release an album. Lady Diane released The First Lady Of Rap while M.C. Lara released a self titled album. Lady Diane's song "SA-SA-Saddam" became an instant hit.
Jaime Baby was the first child to record a rap track in the Philippines. The track was "Eh Kasi Bata" which later became a motion picture.
Andrew E. starred in the movie, Andrew Ford Medina which became one the first movie in the Philippines to show a rap battle.
A Cultural Revolution (1993-1995)
1993
Mastaplann released their self titled album. Though in English, the album changed the way Filipinos look at Pinoy Rap. It was one of first Pinoy Rap albums that recognized the DJ as an important member and recognized their turntable skills. It also recognized the other elements of hip-hop such as breakdancing and graffiti and also made DMC Philippines an important organization in the evolution of Pinoy hip-hop.
Boom who would later become a member of Kulay released an all rap album. The album featured singers Jeannie Oakman (R.I.P), Radha and Jhego who would later team up with Dash and form the group, Legit Misfitz.
1994
Death Threat released the first gangsta rap album in the Philippines with the track "Gusto Kong Bumaet" becoming an instant hit.
1995
Andrew E. forms Dongalo Wreckords which became the first independent rap label in The Philippines. The label's first roster of artists were Itim Pero Kayumangi, Syke, Chinese Mafia, Richie Rich (Anak ni Bakuko), Madd Poets, B.B. Clan, D.F.T, and Oblaxz.
Today's Generation (1996-present)
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Credits: http://pinoyrbhiphop.multiply.com/
