Demystifying Gloc 9

For those of you wondering how come Gloc 9 is so popular; well, in my opinion, what endears him to a lot of people is that he doesn't take his success too seriously. For him, he is just like any one of us---a person with a dream.

When I first met him a couple of years ago, I had no idea who he was.  His wife is a personal friend and my son's godmother.  Pleasantries were exchanged and introductions were made.  What I saw was an ordinary guy taking his family to Sunday mass.  No air of haughtiness whatsoever.  No flashy clothes (I did not even know what an FMCC shirt was!  Apologies to ya'll FMCC crew---I seemed to have been out of touch that time ).  No bling.  A simply, likeable fellow and a dotting father to his twins.  It was only after we've parted ways that my son told me that I was talking to a famous rapper.  His demeanor earned my respect and I became an instant fan. 

Gloc 9 has gone on to make two more albums after our first meeting and yet he is still that same guy that I have been introduced to.  I tell you, the guy is so down to earth that anyone can relate to him.  During the launching of his latest album "Talumpati" at Eastwood City, Libis, last February 24 was a testament as to how much following he has and yet here's what he has to say about himself on his Facebook wall:

"Siguro ang masasabi ko sa sarili ko as a

Rapper at ang kaibahan ko sa iba ay Wala...

 Wala akong kaibahan sa ibang tao nagkataon

lang na nagka albums ako nakakatugtog sa mga

sobrang cool na events at mga tao, pero

katulad ng lahat sumasablay din ako,

 kinakabahan na parang naiihe at dinadaan

sa dasal lahat...Kaya kung titingnan nyo

ako isipin nyo na parang kayo lang ako..."

Other than his grounded disposition, Gloc 9's music transcends age and social status. The rhythm of his songs carries the danceable beat of the young and his lyrics rouses the sensibilities of the nation. The presence of National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera and his lining up for an autograph during the album launch is proof of Gloc 9's literary artistry.  For me to have witnessed it was like seeing Plato putting the graduation cap on his student Aristotle---a hair raising moment it was!  And to think that Gloc 9's real name is ARISTOTLE POLLISCO is quite eerie!

Artwork by John Paul George Macarayan