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| Gloc-9 (Image Source: Starmometer/Universal Records Philippines) |
Known for his unmatched storytelling and lyrical depth, Filipino rap icon Gloc-9 continues to demonstrate his consistency and dedication to the craft with an ambitious rollout under Universal Records — releasing one song every month starting January 2026. Opening the year last January 9, Gloc-9 released “Tagay” featuring A$tro, a nostalgic and emotionally grounded track that reflects on friendship, shared memories, and unspoken struggles. Last February 6, he followed it with “Dalaw” featuring Bishnu Paneru, a haunting and introspective piece that explores themes of guilt, distance, and unresolved emotions.
Last March 6, Gloc-9 delivered “Lupit,” once again with Bishnu Paneru, offering a high-energy showcase of lyrical sharpness and artistic hunger. Most recently, last April 10, he released “Ako Naman” featuring Oxsmugg — an introspective anthem centered on patience, growth, and recognizing one’s moment. The track reflects a grounded perspective on ambition, reinforcing values of perseverance and self-awareness. Continuing the streak, Gloc-9 is set to release “Lunod” on May 15, featuring EC Orduna. The upcoming single explores themes of love and emotional vulnerability through vivid ocean imagery, with lines like “Hindi makahinga… dahil sa dagat mo ako’y hindi marunong lumangoy”, offering another deeply felt narrative that listeners can connect with.
Beyond Music: A Poet In Print
Expanding his artistry beyond music, Gloc-9 — born Aristotle Pollisco — recently released a series of poetry chapbooks titled “Makata Sa Pinas: Mga Tula Ni Aristotle Pollisco”. The collection was launched at the Philippine Book Festival 2026 held at SM Megamall where readers and supporters gathered to experience his writing in a different format. Offering a different approach to presenting his work as poetry after working with ABS-CBN Publishing in 2017 for his previously released poetry boom Akin Lang Naman, Gloc-9 envisioned a series of slimmer volumes — a concept that became the starting point of the project. In collaboration with the small press Everything’s Fine, the idea grew into a deeper reexamination of his entire discography. By revisiting the recurring themes and subject matter that consistently surface throughout his music, seven chapbooks were developed, each shaped around these enduring ideas and reflections. The first three chapbooks are personal. “Pagkatao” tracks his development as a poet, talking about his roots in Binangonan, Rizal, and how this formed him into the rapper that we now know as Gloc-9. “Pangarap” includes all the poems about his dreams of becoming a songwriter and a rapper, reaching those aspirations, and reassessing what that means to him. “Pursigi” talks about the kind of hard work and persistence that reaching one’s ambitions demands, the clarity of one’s goals, and the importance of holding on to one’s values. From the personal, the next two chapbooks slowly shift to Gloc-9’s storytelling through poetry. “Pagibig” speaks of love — from the familial to the romantic, and to the ones that unravel and end painfully. “Komunidad” tells the stories of the people that exist in our local neighborhoods — the people we talk to, the ones we care for, the ones we rarely see. The final two chapbooks turn to the more political dimensions of Gloc-9’s poetry. “Lipunan” reflects on the kind of society we have collectively — and often unconsciously — built, shaped by who we have become as people and by the hate and compassion we choose to nurture within it. “Bayan” is composed of the stories of our nation that few popular songwriters speak of, from the perspective of the struggling majority who suffer in the hands of the wealthy and powerful few. In totality, the seven chapbooks of Makata Sa Pinas capture the 28 years of Aristotle Pollisco as the poet of the nation. It also reminds us of how much more he can continue to do, given where he comes from, who he has become, and the legacy he has continued to build.
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Everything's Fine) |
A Steady Output, A Lasting Voice
Releasing music on a monthly basis reflects Gloc-9’s discipline and enduring passion for storytelling. Each track contributes to a growing body of work that mirrors everyday realities — friendship, struggle, ambition, and love — told through his distinct voice. With each release, Gloc-9 continues to reinforce his place as one of the Philippines’ most respected and consistent lyricists, delivering music that resonates across generations.
