On October 21, at the Filipino Music Awards in SM Mall of Asia Arena, Gloc-9 had just stepped offstage after performing “Upuan,” the 2009 track that found new life online in the wake of recent protests against corruption across the Philippines. For the rapper, his performance was a full-circle moment; as the crowd of artists, industry leaders, and fans chanted every line, Gloc-9 stood before a generation raised on the song’s truth. 17 years later, “Upuan” felt as socially relevant as ever.
Gloc-9 caught his breath backstage. “Nerve-wracking,” he admitted, the weight of the night still sinking in. The country’s political climate gave his lyrics a sharper edge than ever before. Across the room sat Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.ap, lacing up a new pair of sneakers. Meanwhile, Gloc-9 reflected on what it means to still have something to say after decades in the game. Speaking with Rolling Stone Philippines, Gloc-9 was clear-eyed about how far local hip-hop had come.
“Before talaga, kailangan mo bunuin,” Gloc-9 tells Rolling Stone Philippines. “Pero ngayon, yung acceptance ng hip-hop, ng rap, sobrang widespread na. Natutuwa ako na makita ang mga bagong artists na nag-e-explore ng music nila. Hindi lang sa rap. Pansinin mo, iba-ibang klase ng artists at sound ngayon.”
For Gloc-9, performing “Upuan” at an event as prominent as the Filipino Music Awards carried a sense of responsibility. The stage was shared by legends and newcomers, an overwhelming mix of gold lights, fresh faces, and familiar names. When the chorus hit and he emerged from the seats to take the mic, Gloc-9 realized the performance was a bridge between different music eras.
“Normally, baka mag-pass ako,” he says about the opportunity. “Pero kasi, hindi siya gig lang. You’re performing in front of artists na sobrang galing. For me, achievement siya to perform well in front of them. Statement din sa sarili ko na meron pa akong konting sipa. Pansin mo, noong kumakanta ako, nakatingala lang ako kasi ayokong tumingin sa mata ng mga nasa harapan ko.”
The Future is in good hands
Gloc-9’s set was proof that the foundation he helped lay continues to hold not just in Filipino hip-hop, but in the entire Filipino music scene at-large. He’s seen waves of rappers come and go, and he’s now working alongside younger artists like Abaddon and the rest of the 8-piece hip-hop crew Shockra — longtime collaborators who are finding new energy in today’s scene. Gloc-9’s performance served as a reminder that while trends shift and new stars emerge, the roots of Filipino hip-hop run deep. And as long as there are artists still writing their truth, the future remains in capable hands.
“Sobrang bright ang future ng hip-hop sa Philippines,” he said. “‘Yong mga bagong artists ngayon, kanya-kanyang style. Pero pati ‘yong listeners, may kanya-kanyang groups na rin. Ito yung trip nila, ito ‘yong eksena nila. Before, isa lang ‘yong eksena. Ngayon, nakakatuwa kasi kung ayaw nyo kami isali sa eksena niyo, gagawa kami ng sarili naming eksena at mas payayabungin pa namin.”
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Filipino Music Awards 2025 is presented by Modern Media Group Inc.
Produced by AGC Power Holdings Corp.
Catch the official telecast on TV5 on the following dates:
Part 1: October 25, 2025 | 9:45 PM
Part 2: October 26, 2025 | 9:30 PM
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