Omar Baliw interview po!!

 

 

 May mga rapper paren ngayon na pwede mo kuhaan ng inspirasyon sa buhay. Mga rapper na ma inspire ka mag sipag both base sa kanta nila at sa diskarte nila sa buhay, mapapa kayod ka din sa pag hustle.

 The guy behind High Minds Clothing,Mr. Kalmado himself..

Omar Baliw po!!

 

CHUCKY:

 Salamat sa pagkakataon Omar salamat sa oras alam ko naman na busy kang tao. Unang tanong ay kelan ka unang na hilig sa pagra rap at pano nabuo si Omar Baliw from Omar Manzano.

OMAR BALIW:

 2008 ako unang nag rap, panahon ng mga rap contest sa mga barangay. Yung Omar Baliw na pangalan sinabi lang din ng tao yan kase parang baliw talaga ko mag perform dati.

CHUCKY:

 Pano ka na pasok noon sa Tugmaan Records at gaano kahirap at that time para mapansin sa rap scene.

OMAR BALIW:

 Naghanap dati si Macwun ng miyembro tapos nagpasa ako. Kinuha nila ako. Sa totoo lang rap lang talaga ko that time kaya di ko rin napansin kung gano kahirap mapansin. Hahaha.

 

CHUCKY:

 Tapos nakasama mo sila Koy at Ives na at that time may mga pangalan na, eto yung bago pa magka 2 Joints. Pano yung buong experience nyo noon na ginagawa nyo yung Mixtape na Walang Patakaran? 

OMAR BALIW:

 Yeah. Sobrang solid nun. Nag trip lang din talaga kame nun. Nag rerecord kame kina Koy nun gamit namin malaking TV. On the spot na hanap ng beat, on the spot na sulat, ganun lang. Para kameng naglalaro lang

CHUCKY:

 Tama yan yung time na sa  BGC pa based si Koy. After nyan nag focus ka na sa negosyo which is HIGH MINDS CLOTHING na patok na patok at sinabay mo sya halos nung pumasok ka din sa FlipTop. Pano mo na balance ang time at focus mo between sa dalawang yun na pareho ka din naging successful.

OMAR BALIW:

 Sa una hirap ako kase day job, HGHMNDS at battle. Kung saan ang mas kailangan andun ako. Sagadan lang din talaga ng oras hanggang sa bitawan ko lahat tapos nag focus ako sa HGHMNDS. Sabi ko isa isa lang muna. Then ayun okay naman na sa ngayon.

CHUCKY:
 From online shop sa facebook nagkaron ka ng store sa may tapat ng Makati Park tapos sunod dun naman sa dulo ng BLISS nag bukas ka ren tapos sa Manila at nagkaron ka naren patahian. May panahon ba noon na parang pinang hinaan ka ng loob dahil bukod sa mga hustle mo is pamilyado ka din , ano yung state of mind mo noon looking back ngayon masasabi mo na yun naging motivation mo para di huminto at lalo magsipag.

OMAR BALIW:

 Nung nagkapamilya talaga yung turning point eh. Kumbaga yun yung gumising saken na hindi na pwede yung paulit ulit lang na lumilipas ang araw. Kelangan may resulta na talaga. Ayun lahat inaral ko sa business side awa ng Diyos okay naman ngayon.

CHUCKY:

 About sa music mo naman, recently nagiging active ka ulit sa pag labas ng mga kanta at yun nga may bago kang album "Omar Baliw Po". From "Tangina Song" to "Natuto Lang" and yung mga song ng banda mo na Reggae  andun yung growth mo as a musician. Pano mo ma describe yung metamorphosis mo music wise .

OMAR BALIW:

 Wala rin talaga nagbago para saken. Laging babalik tayo sa ginagawa natin. Laging babalik ako sa music. Sobrang daming bakanteng oras lang talaga dahil sa pandemic. So ayun mas madaming music.

 

CHUCKY:

 Still about music.. Noong bago ka palang marami kang gusto maka collab, sino dun ang mga naka collab mo na sa kanta at sino pa gusto mo makasama sa isang project? 

OMAR BALIW:

 Di ko pa naka collab pero Loonie at Ron Henley para saken kahit dati pa.

CHUCKY:

 Maraming salamat sa oras Omar...Last question at alam ko lagi mo sinasagot sa mga nagtatanong sayo neto is makinig sa songs mo pero.. Ano ang ma advice mo sa mga taong gusto maging successful na tulad mo, music, business and/or family.

OMAR BALIW:

 Walang titigil.....

HIGH MINDS CLOTHING

https://www.facebook.com/HGHMNDS/

OMAR B. MANZANO

https://www.facebook.com/omar.baliw

OMAR BALIW FAN PAGE 

https://www.facebook.com/OMARBALIWPO/ 

THE TANG INA SONG

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn5_hJ4jmfg

NATUTO LANG

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjppw7ZrMZ4

OMAR BALIW YOUTUBE CHANNEL

https://www.youtube.com/user/channelomarbaliw

HBOM 40FIED...an explosive comeback of a legend

     Its time again for another legend from the 90s to share his stories during the days when youtube and spotify are not even a word yet. Here is someone that is a legend not only on the underground but also made a swift transition to mainstream and with 4 albums under his belt, there is no denying that he is a true legend in his own right sa Pinoy Hip Hop. With his comeback album entitled HBOM 40FIED already release lets hear from Mr. PJ “Hbom/Sketch” Segovia himself.

CHUCK:

  Hi, thank you and it's an honor and privilege to have you here with us. Magpapaka fanboy muna ako. High School days, Ms. Tindera and Misteryosa and Mahal Kita featuring none other than Ogie Alcasid ang maingay sa radyo noon and as a fan inaabangan namin palage yun. First question, who is HBOM how it started as a group then morphed as a single artist.

HBOM:

   Nagumpisa ang HBOM as Ghetto Boyz tawag samin, tapos pinakilala ako ni Von (4 East Flava) kay Mastershock. Dun na namin binuo yung Misteryoza sa bahay ni Mastershock. Pinasa namin sa Neo Records, sa awa ng Diyos nagustuhan nila. Tapos nun nag solo si Mastershock dun na ko nag solo at linabas yung Miss Tindera sa 

OCTO ARTS EMI.

CHUCK:

  This was the 90s. The internet was non existent, tapos ang alam ng mga tao back then kapag sinabing Rap was the late great Francis M. and his makabayan type of rap and Andrew E's funny and witty rap songs. Mismong pag gawa ng beats and recording at that time is medyo mahal di tulad ngayon na may free beats ka na at for a couple of hundred pesos may Microphone ka na. How hard was it to break through?

HBOM:

  Sobrang hirap talaga nung 90s, kasi nga walang social media. Pag di nagustuhan ng recording company at radio stations mga kanta mo wala ka na agad. Buti na lang nagustuhan ni Jett Pangan yung Misteryoza at linakad nya kami sa viva records. Iba talaga mga panahon namin nung 90s pahirapan talaga at kailangan solid mga kanta mo otherwise di ka mapapansin

CHUCK:

   Lets take a step back, what made you fall inlove with Hip Hop? Sino yung mga early influences mo sa loob at sa labas ng Hip Hop.

HBOM:

  Bata pa lang ako nag break dance na ko, dyan talaga ko nagumpisa sa pagsasayaw 1980s pa yun. Then in 1984 lumabas si LL COOL J nagustuhan ko mga kanta nya, RUN DMC, NWA,  BEASTIE BOYS,  PUBLIC ENEMY, BIG DADDY KANE,  TOO SHORT, yan ang mga influences ko, pinapakinggan ko nung highschool ako.

  Tapos nung dumating ako sa pilipinas in 1991, syempre Francis M.

CHUCK:

 Looking back, sino yung mga artists noon na gusto mo sanang maka collab sa isang kanta at sino sa mga current roster ng mga rapper sa bansa ang gusto mong maka collaboration sa kanta?

HBOM:

  Noon plano na sana maka colab si Francis M kaso bumalik na ko ng states so di na natuloy, 4 East Flava wouldve been fun, Apokalipsis, sa ngayon masarap maka colab si Smugglaz, Estranghero pero natupad na yun dahil may colab na kami, Zargon, Gloc 9.

CHUCK:

  About your new album HBOM 40FIED na lumabas nung October 1 lang, how would you describe tha album at ano yung nag inspired sayo to release a comeback album?

HBOM:

  The album talks about real life, tulad ng song called MOM, sinulat ko yun dahil this year nung march nawala na sya, at yung song na EYO talks about reapecting other people and other peoples relationship. Na inspire lang ako dahil dami nagsasabi na maglabas daw ulit ako ng album kasi last time was 1999. Eh syempre hanggat may nakikinig at tumatangkilik kailangan pagbigyan hanggat may napapasayang tao. May colab din kami ni Dash Calzado ng Legit Misfitz dito title BENT, at  yung colab namin ni Estranghero title Abante.

CHUCK:

  One last thing, ano masasabi mo about the state of Hip hop today?

Both as an artist and as a fan.

HBOM:

  As an artist masaya ko dahil napaka lakas ng hiphop ngayon, napaka hirap ng pinagdaanan namin nung 90s para maging mainstream ang hiphop. So ngayon na malakas sa Pinas, napaka saya ko. As a fan, sana magkaisa ang hiphop kasi puro bashing ang nagyayari at nangingibabaw sa lahat. Mas magiging malakas siguro kung magkaisa mga artists

CHUCK:

  Thank you very much for the time, again napaka laking karangalan para sa akin ito bilang isang tagapakinig at tagahanga. Your message to everyone reading this both new school, old school or as we call ourselves..true school.

HBOM:

  Message ko simple lang. kung wala kayo ay wala kami, and coz of that maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat 🙏

.

Miss Tindera
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFRdIU1JBYI

Misteryoza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y2-g5bpw_M

Mahal Kita
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFvJ-ynTDEQ

JABONGGA - The Legit Misfitz story

  

  With iconic hits like JABONGGA, AIR TSINELAS and LOTTO, Legit Misfitz is one of the most recognizable rap group in the Philippines during the so called Golden Era of Rap. Got a chance to have a quick chat with Dash Calzado of Legit  Misfitz and talked about the genesis of the group and how was the industry back then compared to now and what to look forward for the sons of Flip Hop. Now sit back, relax and let me take you to a trip down memory lane.

CHUCKY:

Good morning Dash, first of all thank you for the opportunity and its an honor po. First question is how did Legit Misfitz started ..a little bit of history of your friendship with Jhego that became one of the most recognizable name in Filipino Hip Hop or as you would like to call.. "Flip Hop" 

DASH:  

   I met Jhego through Boom Dayupay who at that was Boom! before Kulay. They were guests during Francis M's radio show "Word Up!" On 89 DMZ I used hang out kasi dun sa station. It just so happened that Boom is from Canada and so was I, Jhego at that time was their dancer (he had the Kid n Play Hi top fade vibe back then) so from then I became cool with the guys then at that time I helped out Boom make some design for some shirts then Jhego in his spare time would listen to a lot of Hiphop and write rhymes. I was already writing as well I guess from that moment on Boom figured out why not form a group. So that's when me and Jhego became close, hanging out at my place he'd sleep over then we got a few of his boys to be our dancers and became part of the crew and then how we all got closer and started practicing rhymes and stuff I thought him a couple of stuff as well. We'd go to clubs like Heartbeat, Jaloux, Ozone (that club that got burned down and left people dead cuz they were trapped inside) (90s clubs in QC) even areas in Recto like Campus Bubbles afternoon disco stuff. So yeah we'd roll as a unit and always hung out at crib which actually was my dad's Office cuz it was bungalo type house and had rooms and Dance Studio so that's our crew would practice as well.

  So fast forward after a year of being focused with our songs our mentor Boom got us signed with Octo Arts then we recorded our album at the now defunct Greenhills Sounds Studios for a week and here's a little trivia to share some Pinoy Hiphop history while we were recording Sons Of Flip Hop, Francis M was recording his album Freeman as well. We had a small studio he had the main ones with the band set up so it was big. We'd visit each other and take a peak of what we were all doing. It was fun hanging out with the master rapper. But yeah I guess my friendship with Jhego is a bit different cuz we're like the Odd Couple like that old movie but when it comes to the artistry we compliment each other well vocally and were hype on stage haha. Flip Hop is just Filipino Hip Hop basically as we fused in the pinoy culture with the Hip Hop culture just the vibe the lyrics the style the concept and all we had to make sure it really had a touch of pinoy because I rap in english and tagalog but Jhego mostly raps in tagalog along with that boom bap style and all that Boom made. The name Legit Misfitz came from one Boom's floppy disk labels and it read

 "Legitimate Misfit" so we just "mate" part and added a Z on the misfit and low and behold ...

LEGIT MISFITZ!

CHUCK:

  Back in 1994 after the release of “Sons of Fliphop" , songs Trapik, Air Tsinelas

and my all time favorite Jabongga became instant classics and Legit Misfitz became a household name. How did it feel that you guys got a breakthrough that fast and that big.

DASH:

  Well we all felt like "Yo this is it!". It was whole different ballgame na cuz before the album came out all we did was like test the waters get used to doing shows like our first ever performance was at a small school to our biggest was Boom na Boom with the rest of the other groups like Mastaplann, Death threat, 4 East Flava, Denmark, Boom, Jeannie, and Radha would come out first and perform this was the birth of Kulay na after BOOM! Then Boom would introduce us after thier performance cuz we were the unit at that time and that Boom being our producer and the one behind all this being the "Originator" and us the "Sons" of Flip Hop...

  So now forward to around 94 to 95 yeah things were going great at that time signed to a major label started doing TV and radio apperances mall tours out of town shows i can remember one time inside a jeepney on my way somewhere the driver was tuned in to 89DMZ and there was like a segment called OPMs in a row and after 2 songs came ours and i was like "oh snap that's our song" intro pa lang it had that swing already and then I heard the driver say okay to ah and the passengers inside were kinda either bobbing thier head or tapping thier feet and hearing our voices on the radio was mind boggling as in "is this really us man???!!" . But yeah we ended up doing a movie with Ogie Alcasid, Michael V ,Rannie Raymundo called Beachboys "pwera biro mahal kita". That was quite an experience and it only took us 3 weeks to finish the shoot hehe i even did an episode on Tito Joe DeMango's Love Notes my leading lady was Lailani Navarro with Michael Locsin and Ara Mina I was the lead role and the episode was entitled "TABA" (cuz i was big back then) we even did show for the candidates nun elections in 1995 kasabayan namin Eraserheads nun that was dope all of this I mentioned was something that me and Jheg's will cherish in our hearts and minds milestone na sya we have accomplished such dreams of being there and actually doing it humbles the heart. But we wont stop we wont quit we still keep it Legit to this day even if we do separate projects were still reppin it and when we get together whether shows or just kick were the same old Gs from the Golden Era. Everday is Golden to us no matter what we just keep on shining God has blessed us with the Gift. Its right that we keep on doing it. Thank you to our mentor Boom and the rest cuz life is a learning experience. with Succsess there's it's share of Ups and Downs but we get back up and face the music

CHUCK:

  Such humility, so refreshing to hear that after all the success you guys have achieved , you both managed to remain humble and thankful for everything. You mentioned “the Golden era”,it was a fun time to be a fan and probably much more as an artist. After Sons of Fliphop you guys released more albums “Ekis Pinoy (Bahala Na Generation), “Balik sa Lumang Eskwela” and “100 Porsyento” and you were able to collaborate with different artists, sino yung pinaka paborito mong artist sa lahat na naka collaborate mo noon at artist back then that you would love to work with?

DASH:

  Ive been working on music and beatmaking lately with my beats of the Northstar production working with artists like Lunch money project my boy Deelet MKnocks (doing a remix of Bolos) and will continue to do so, working with Baker Boys too.This has been my calling and just share my gift. I look up to my influences producers like DJ Premier Pete Rock, The late JDilla Jake One Alchemist etc. Locally DJ Arbie Won, Lowkey ,Caliph8, Rye, Johnny Krush, Artstrong that's the foundation but there are a lot awesome producers and beat makers today. And since day one Chrizo, BRoc, Pino G ,Klumcee, Konfused and more sprining up like Solomon Stark, Cursebox ,Markbeats, Alas ng Beats which is great because we need more producers. We gotta get our stuff heard worldwide. Im working with such greats like Snowgoons who I think is one of favorite Prod crew Shout outs to DJ Illegal, Sicknature, Dat Gunner and to Andre for making it possible. We international haha from collabs with Thaitanium Beatmathics track to doing a track with one of my idols Donald D a legendary Emcee from the Bronx and part of Ice T's Rhyme $yndicate Posse back in the late 80s early 90s we did a track called PI to BX which came out on my Return Of the Phunky Juan project album. (Oh the album is still on OPM2GO)

CHUCK:

  With the renewed interest to mainstream and underground hip hop today..mainly because of the internet.. How do you compare hip hop acts then to now and fans as well?

DASH:

  Well social media has made a lot of difference in regards of reaching out vice versa artist and fans. Unlike before through word of mouth TV or radio or mall tours before. That's why we were more visible that way before cuz there wasnt social media avenues like instagram twitter or FB. So if kung makita ka noon, sabik silang makita ka. But with youtube and all the other stuff it just makes it easier and accessable for everyone to interact na lang. But yeah its mind racking what this modern day technology world is thats why id rather just stay home work on my music and not think about a lot of things.

  Its a numbers game nowadays the more likes the more you gain whatever cuz we can actually post anything an ordinary Joe who has a collection of whatever can be so famous now a days. Back in the days no-one ever had that privelage. We live in the information age now. Sometimes i want to just have an ordinary phone i dont have internet at home i dont watch TV at home.

CHUCK:

  After years of hiatus, you and Jhego released the music video of Jabonga which was positively received by today's fans and a flashback for every 90's hip hop heads. You also released your " Return of the Phunky Juan" project and with Jhego also being active yet again, are we seeing a new Legit Misfitz comeback album . How does it feels that you are doing again that thing you loved to do and this time a bit wiser because of time (age).

DASH:

  Return of the Phunky Juan came out before the Jabongga video. When we came out with Jabongga back in 1994 we never did a video for and since we celebrated our 20th anniversary nun 2014 we decided to come out w one with the help of Philippine All Stars they showed us a video of them using our track when we saw we said "hey let's just make this the official video.


CHUCK:

  Thank you for the time Dash..its an honor to have this privilege.. Any last word for every hip hop heads and can you give us a glimpse in the future of Legit Misfitz and in your solo career.

DASH:

(Hulk Hogan voice) 

  Just say your prayers eat your vegetables take your vitamins exercise your mind body and soul learn the 9 elements preserve the culture of Hip Hop. Live, Love, Learn, Keep on don't stop be thankful and grateful for we are blessed no matter what love God always in your heart. Create something dope and knowledgable im gonna keep on dishing out whatever I can for iI am one of the Guardians ,the gate keeper, the overseer, the watcher part ,of the foundation got one eye open even when i rest i know what goes on.... God bless everyone and much love and respect to the youth be good do good and you will have good

To the fans support buy our music our merchadise go to our shows events etc.... 

And thank you we love you.

BASS RHYME POSSE Pinoy Rap Pioneers...the Norman B aka Cool MC Norm interview FULL

 

 When you talk about Hip hop pioneers dito sa Pinas syempre unang mababanggit ang pangalan ng The late Great master rapper Francis Magalona at imposible hindi mabanggit ang pangalan ni Mr. Andrew E. Ang tanging rapper sa era na yun (Genesis Era ng rap) na active parin ngayon and still kicking ass. Pero may isang group mula sa panahon na yun and they are generally considered as the first rap group in the Philippine hiphop scene. BASS RHYME POSSE made noise sa Hip hop scene sa pinas before pa malaman ng mga pinoy ang salitang RAP..here is my quick chit chat with   
Norman B A.K.A Cool MC Norm of  BASS RHYME POSSE...
enjoy...


CHUCKY:     

   First of all salamat po sa time and its an honor po makausap isang legend na tulad po ninyo ...para sa mga hindi nakakaalam...san po ba nagsimula ang bass rhyme posse... .


NORMAN B:

  Thank you chuck..Anyway lemme give u a lil more info about how the group started as far as I accurately remember. There were a lot of struggles and obstacles we had to overcome before we got recognized. Before Bass Rhyme, there was R.A.P Crew (RockAllPArties Crew), the members were Rap Master Fordy (Andrew E), Cool MC Norm (Norman B), Andy Luv MD, Ice Tee, B-Boy Louie, Tuff Alf, Jayler Jay. We were actually a DJ Mobile service but instead of just spinning mixes during parties, we also rap and perform (that time, people were weirded out coz rap wasn't really exposed yet). Andrew E also had a dance crew called Ground Control, whose members also included Jay Smooth MC and Juice D (Lowkey's uncle). Andrew E then introduced Jay Smooth MC to me and Andy and that's when we formed the group that has the initial name "Pine Rhyme Posse"
 (Pine coz we're all from "Las Pinas") and later on was changed to "Bass Rhyme Posse"


CHUCKY:
 How was it like back then when not everyone knew what "RAP" was?? And did you guys knew back then that you were to become the pioneers here in the country and would inspire others that till this day would say " We owe it to those guys..kung wala sila hindi malamang ganito ang Rap sa Pinas"?

  
NORMAN B:

  Back then when Rap is not known as a music genre yet, people would stare at us when we grab the mic and start rhyming.They didn't know what we are doing. A few were fascinated about it but most were laughing at us. Penetrating the recording industry was even tougher coz since it wasn't known, no recording company would want to invest their money and time to something they're not sure would profit them. The only time that  recording rap music was given a break was when Kiko (Francis M) finally came out with a full length rap album. But the problem then was recording companies branded and understood rap music as "novelty" and they wouldn't sign you up for a contract if you don't have novelty songs in your album which would be the carrier single of your album. In our case, we never had a single novelty song in our album originally but Viva-RJ records doesn't want to release our album until we make novelty songs.And that was when I wrote "Juan T. Anga" which ultimately became the carrier single. we really didn't favor this but we're bound by a recording contract that's why we had no choice. and added to that, we were forced to record a spoof of popular songs from Andrew E's, Denmark's in our album. That's why "Ang mga surot" was created to release these songs. But on a positive note, before we landed on a recording contract, there were already a few followers of rap music mostly from the underground scene.


CHUCKY:

  How was it like back then to go head to head or to get a stint or shot on the mainstream when as you said you guys didnt had any novelty songs? How did you guys made that kind of adjustments and still kick ass.


NORMAN B:

  It was really hard to get into the mainstream without having a novelty song as your carrier single. We really didn't have novelty songs on our album originally but boss Vic del Rosario doesn't want to release the album until we add novelty songs. Coz that's how they understand what rap was. we ended up making novelty songs and sadly, it became our carrier single. We strongly opposed this so what we did was we do underground shows so we can perform the songs that we really want to be our sound as a group.  
Andrew E played an important role as this stage as well. Our performances at "That's Entertainment" where we did "buhay estudyante" spearheaded our brand as a legit rap group. After that, we were then allowed to perform other tracks from the album like "let the beat flow" and "basura". The underground scene also became our venue to showcase what we got as a rap group and what we are capable of.

CHUCKY:

  Looking back then na nagsisimula palang ang Hip Hop sa Pinas at today na mas tanggap at mainstream na talaga, what is the difference both sa music at ng mga listeners then and now?


NORMAN B: 

  When we made our album back then, our hands were "tied" by the recording contract that we signed on. If we had it our way, the whole album would have sounded way differently, music-wise. We have argued so many times with the arranger, our manager, etc., about "sampling" the original vs re-arranged cover version of the song or part of a song we want to use in our tracks. We failed but because of our desire to introduce rap music, we just gave in. If you have a copy of our album, you will notice that you won't hear any original sampling on any of the tracks. the only original sample you will hear are "stabs" or bits and pieces and majority of them is from the dj scratch part. In my opinion, if you're not going to sample the original and just use a "re-arranged" cover version of the original, you might as well not use it and just create a totally new one. No hatin' on the artists who do this, this is just a personal view of mine. although, some artists were luckier than we were back then coz they were able to "sample" in their tracks. If i'm not mistaken, RapAsia was one of the groups who was able to do this.

  Anyway, comparing the "then and now" when it comes to music creation, I can say that artists nowadays are luckier because of the availability of technology everywhere, be it hardware or software. I'm very impressed on the high quality of music i hear created by "unsigned" artists who sometimes recorded their tracks on a "makeshift" studio and created their music just using available free software from the web. I guess, it's the love for the culture and passion for music mixed together that bring out the talent on every artist. I have high respect to any artist, signed or unsigned, who has the love for music and expresses it by creating his own.

  The difference between the listeners then and now? Listeners now are more educated about the music and the culture itself. And by being educated, the talent and the music of every artist are more recognized and appreciated now compared to before. back then, people define rap music as novelty. Now, not only do people recognize rap as a genre but people also recognize the hip hop culture and all its elements. 


CHUCKY:

  Early 90's nawala kayo sa Philippine rap scene. When and how did you guys decided na "stop muna" pursue muna tayo ng ibang bagay sa buhay . 


NORMAN B:

  After the first album, we were forced to do the "surot album" which is not really our group album. Its more like bass rhyme + denmark spoof album. Then before we can create a second album, Jay Smooth has to migrate to the US already and Andy Luv pursued his nursing career. Jay Smooth and his brother Jeric and some other friends then formed a band called "Blok-Blok" in the US. He opened his doors to his versatility in music as he was also a former drummer of Ely Buendia. I was still semi-active in the hip hop scene when Andy and Jay kinda laid low. I guested in DFT's first album. I also composed, recorded and performed the rap part in Dingdong Avanzado's revival of "awitin mo at isasayaw ko". I still hooked up with Andrew (Andrew E)in some of his gigs. I migrated to the US in 2001.


CHUCKY:  

  Talking about Andrew E. What can you say about sa narating nya, considering that you guys started at the same time and he still kicking ass till this day sa Rap scene dito sa Pinas.


NORMAN B:

   I have all praises and respect for Ford. Andy, Jay and I were there to witness everything unfold. I remember before we even started our mobile dj gig, we would hang out and he will let us borrow LP's of ll cool j, fat boys, beastie boys and cassette tapes of run-dmc, grandmaster flash,etc. I also remember the time when we would go to glorietta just to hangout and breakdance and sometimes battle. Anyway, fast forward to his music career, I remember when he called late at night one time and asked me to come over so i can hear the rough recording of "Humanap ka ng panget". I was cracking up just listening to the lyrics, the melody, everything and we both knew that it would be an instant hit. Aside from Kiko (Francis M), he is also one of the foundations of the hip hop community in the PI. Not only did he contributed in penetrating the mainstream but he expanded the culture by creating his own record label and gave a lot of people a chance on the music industry by producing and distributing their albums. There might be some rough times in the course of doing that, but I guess that's part of the game. Its not gonna be always perfect but you just try to make things work.
   Together with Andrew and Kiko as pioneers, we are so humbled to be recognized as the first rap group in the PI. We also have madd love and respect to all the cats and crews who are still very active in the scene until now.


CHUCKY:

 Believe me a lot of young cats of today looks up to you guys and gives thanks for paving the way para sa kanila. Is there someone in today's scene or in recent years locally that you think got some potential or someone that caught your eye or ear? And what can you say about the current state of HIP HOP in the country?


NORMAN B:

  Thank you Chucky. Thats very humbling and heartwarming to know. Honestly, I'm not really updated with the local hip hop scene except for the ones I read about on blogs and social media outlets. I've only known about some cats coz I've seen them on the "flip top" battle videos. But one thing is for sure, hip hop in the PI is unstoppable and is going to grow even bigger. i know there are "beef" among cats but thats how it is. just as long as cats battle it out on d mic, i think its all good. 


CHUCKY: 

Thank you for your time and a lot of people are looking forward for this interview and thank you for taking us back to our roots. Can we expect a Bass Rhyme Posse reunion? an album perhaps?


NORMAN B:

  Pleasure's all mine Chucky. I hope a lot of cats would get something positive out of the views from myself and from other old skool cats. its all about positivity and good music.

  Reunion album? believe me we really wanted to make one. We've actually conceptualized it already. It would have been called "BalikBayan Boxx" and we're supposed to come up with "BassRhyme Remixx Album" and I think, is more "doable" but we'll see. We have to reconnect with one of our dj's back home, DJ Mick 'Spintech' and hopefully hookup with DJ Rod DVS Torres.


CHUCKY:
 Cool!!that would be great and a lot of old and new school guys will definetely look forward for that. Last word sir para sa mga nagbabasa at naka ilang message na para ilabas ko na tong interview na to and shout outs for everyone that loves this MUSIC.


 NORMAN B:
 For those reading this, thank you for taking time out in reading this and I hope Ii've managed to share a piece of our group's history and a part of pinoy rap history as well, for that matter.

  For all them aspiring cats, don't give up. it's not all about mainstream. Its about the love for the music, culture and positivity.

  People would remember you for what you've done and not for what you're planning to do, so keep making dreams into reality.

peace yo!

- NormanB

 




 

 


 

53th Grammy Awards 2011 - EMINEM, RiHANNA, Dr.DRE and ADAM LEVINE ]

 

Walang kinalaman to sa mga Rapper sa Pinas

pero maganda talaga :D

Proud to be a Dongalo Boy... the LilJohn interview...

 With 1 mixxtape under his belt and a number of collaborations from Dongalo/Gotmic, lets hear from one of Dongalo's freestylist at ano masasabi nya about ...well anything :D

CHUCKY:

   Kamusta tol...una sa lahat salamat sa panahon pangalawa congrats at nakapag labas ka na ng mixxtape last year, ano pakiramdam na nakapag labas ka na ng sarili mong mixxtape at may bigatin ka pang kasama dun. 

Liljohn:

   Proud na proud kapatid syempre..iba ung pakiramdam kasi madaming taong makikinig ng mga pyesa kp awa ng Diyos at naubos ung lahat ng kopya kapatid.100 pesos each pero pag my tumatawad ng 50 pesos 1 binibigay ko na din kasi di naman cd ko ang tinatangkilik dun ang tinatangkilik nila dun ay ako..kaya nga sabe ko sa sarili ko ok lang kung di ako maging 1 magaling na rapper atleast alam kong mgaling ako na tao. 

CHUCKY:

   Nailabas mo yung mixxtape mo under Dongalo/Gotmic, pano ka naging affiliated sa kanila? 

Liljohn:

   Nung una tagasubaybay ako tlga ng Dongalo lahat ng gig at event pinupuntahan ko talaga kahit malayo. Lage ako sinasama ni Padrino nun kapitbahay ko lang kasi si Padrino of Kruzzada,di pa ako kilala ni kuya Drew nun nararating ko na house nila kada may kasiyahan sa tulong din ni Padrino,tapos napasama ako sa mga nixxtape ng Dongalo artists,mixxtape ni Mighty A. ,mixxtape ni kuya Charlie Mack ,tapos ayun naging Gotmic ako sa tulong ni Kuya Jawtee.tapos ngkaroon ng DRA2.nagpasa ako ng demo as a solo artist then sa 4 na category na nominate mga kanta ko kaya nanalo yung kanta kong "sorry kung baog ako" sa best comedy feturing x3throwsign..tie kami ni Dello nun..tapos nung gabi din na yun my freestyle battle nun nakapasok aqko sa top4 pero tinalo aq ni crazzy g ng pdk..tapos pagbaba ko ng entablado binulungan ako ni kuya Drew sabi nya sakin "dont wori kapatid kasama ka sa boracay" freestyle battle of the champions kami ni crazzy g ngharap sa finals ..tie ang kinalabasan..nakatsamba lang tlga skin yun hehehehe pero miss ko n uyng tao n a yun..tpos year 2010 naglabas ako ng mixxtape na si kuya Drew ang nagproduce..kya bilang 1 Dongalo artist iniingatan KO ung pangalan ng Dongalo iwas gulo.iwas basag ulo..kaya as of now busy ako sa bible study at fellowship hahaha !!!

CHUCKY:

   Bible study talaga tol no?? Hehehe..Pag dating sa RAP, ano ang Dongalo sa scene dito ng RAP sa bansa para sayo? 

Liljohn:

   Ahmmmm para sa akin kung rap ang paguusapan hindi pedeng hindi mapapasama ang salitang Dongalo ...Dongalo is the no.1 rap label in the Philippines ..aminin man o hindi ng mga anti Dongalo na yan..isa lng din pngarap ng mga yan, ang maging Dongalo soldiers kaso ayun cguro mga nainip kya pumasok sa iba..eto ang malupit na scene ng Dongalo sa bansa ntin...* Dongalo ang susi papuntang chanel 2 at chanel 7...* 

CHUCKY:

   No one can deny ang kasikatan ng Fliptop ngayon at talagang nakatulong sila sa pagbalik ng spotlight sa RAP dito sa pinas at pinag uusapan uli ang RAP. Bilang freestyler na tulad mo ano ang masasabi sa Fliptop. 

Liljohn:

   Fliptop? Laki talaga ng naitulong nila sa rap industry..tropa ko naman sina Dello,Target,Datu,Zaito,Silencer..mga nakaka text q sila ..ahmmm mababait naman sila tol pero bilang 1 totoong tao walang dahilan praa hangaan ko sila..kcasi alam naman ng lahat n scripted yun ..pero bilib ako kay dello kasi nagbabalik talga ng mga punchline yun na hindi scripted..sana dumating yung oras na maglaban laban kami pero syempre freestyle with topic.. 

CHUCKY:

   Astig..At nakaksama mo din sila zaito minsan sa mga show tama?? Eh dun sa mga tamang pahaging na tira sa Dongalo ng "ibang" mga kasali? 

Liljohn:

    Ah gaya nina smuglazz na ang ilong ay parang kasoy..mga betlog nun lawlaw..gusto lang nila siguro na mapagusapan pangalan nila kasi malabo na mapagusapan pangalan nila kung fliptop pag uusapan dahil my mga naunang sumikat na sa kanila ..for short tol wala silng kwenta..pinapanalangin ko tol na sana makaharap ko sila sa freestyle battle gaya ni smuglazz na ilong ay parang kasoy ,after ng battle namin kung sakaling matuloy isa lng sasabihin nun *AYOKO NA MAGRAP* 

CHUCKY:

   Lahat naman ng Rapper naging tagahanga din sa simula...ikaw sino ang mga hinangaan mo noon hanggang ngayon at masasabi mo "sila dahilan kaya ako rapper ngayon" 

Liljohn:

   Sa totoo lng madami ako hinahangaan unang una si kuya Drew na syang nagbigay sakin ng liwanag para matahak ko ito.pangalawa c kuya Jaw.pangatlo syempre Kruzzada at ang huling huli ang Dongalo family..na tumatayo bilang pangalawang kapatidko.

CHUCKY:

   Sino pang artist ang gusto mo makasama sa isang kanta? 

Liljohn:

  Kuya Drew syempre at si Padrino 

CHUCKY:

   Dumadami na naman ang mga "beef" dito sa Pinas... Sa tingin mo nakakatulong ba mga ganitong bagay sa paglago ng Rap dito sa bansa? 

Liljohn:

   Hindi tol... 

CHUCKY:

   Bakit? 

Liljohn:

  Kung puro siraan kc ang mangyayare parang feel ko walang magandang patutunguhan pero minsan nakakatulong din sa career  ng 1 rapper pag kalaban ka diba pero ako wala akong kaaway na rapper..hehehe 

CHUCKY:

   Last nalang tol..
Ano dapat namin abangan sayo ngayong 2011...at shout outs mo sa mga nagbabasa nito :) 

Liljohn:

    Ahmm wala pa ko maisip n dapat nilang abangan skin e heheheheh sa ngayon medyo busy pa kasi e pero syempre may mga guesting guesting p din...ahmmm shoutouts para sa mga readers nito salamat dhil napagtuunan nyo ng pansin to khit papano my moral lesson nmn kayong matutunan dito mga tol,,hehe sa panginoon salamat din po sa lahat ,,sa pamilya ko ,,sa asawat 2 anak ko,,kay kuya Drew at ate My salamat din po kay kuya Jaw,sa Dongalo family at sayo Chucky salamat talaga,,at sa mga taong walang sawang sumusuportan sa Dongalo....end