New Video: "Nandito Lang Ako" - Stick Figgas

Graff in the City: Heavyhitterz @ Pablo Cubao Expo

Some pics from Royal Elastic's Heavyhitterz manila tour. Featuring artists Tenfold,Phoneticontrol,PSP,WeWillDoodle,ElectroLychee,Caliph8..

FunkWorx Pilipinas 2008 Primer

http://rapidshare.com/files/115081600/FWP_2008_Primer_Sampler_Cd.rar

Here is a FREE DOWNLOAD !!! of FunkWorx Pilipinas Primer CD.. featuring new tracks from MHC, Poetic Society & Blu-Ray Itch

Hey Now- Mellifluous Hiphop Crew
Written In Blood- Krayzie-V
One Grand Heist- Blu-Ray Itch
Summer Lovin- Pong of MHC feat MJ Carreon and Blu-Ray Itch
Do It- Krayzie-V ft. Miko G. of MHC
Di Mo Kaya (Freestyle)- Pong, Twixx, Eyesee & Krayzie-V
Midi-Oke- Blu-Ray Itch
Go Without Goodbye- Pong of MHC
Hip-Hop- FunkWorx Pilipinas
Written in Blood Remix- Krayzie-V feat Pong and Eyesee

For more info:09178388658
www.friendster.com/mhcrew
www.pongposadas.multiply.com
www.krayziev.multiply.com

Events This Week

Catch TEMPES, KLUTCH B/BLIND RHYME, DEATH THREAT, PEOPLES FUTURE, DCOY, BEATMATHICS, RBTO, BLANC ONE, AMBITO, NIMBUS9, JUG/GAZELLE, MARCUS DAVIS, KENJOHNZ of The Phil ALLSTARS, QUEST, ABBY ASSISTIO, LDP, BLUE BATT, SUNNY BANDILA, CIRCADIAN RHTHYM, BATAS, AUDIBLE, FUNKROOTS and whole lot more.
BBOYS will all be welcome to throwdown! Come and shake down all that you think you know about FILIPINO HIPHOP. We on the move and we still building!
Brought to you by: Stratosphere Productions, ReBrand Manila, On The Ground Music, WAVE 89.1, 103.5 MAXFM, MAGIC 89.9, Turbulence Productions, SoulSonic TV,
RESPECT


BUTTALICIOUS EVENTS PART III: "PINOY HIPHOPPAZ"
CARBON BAR (JULIA VARGAS AVE., NEXT TO PIER 1, ORTIGAS HOME DEPOT,PASIG CITY) SAT, MAY 31, 8PM FREE ENTRANCE!!!

CDS TO BE FEATURED DURING THE LISTENING PARTY:
- FUNKWORX PILIPINAS 2008 PRIMER
- DIWA of Gawad Kalinga
- SVC
- ILL-J
- PAMILYA DIMAGIBA
- NO ALBUM GOT SKILLS VOL.1
- JAY FLAVA - OBSOLETE EP
- TURBULENCE - TIPPIN THE SCALES
- ELITE - THE HOLD-UP MIXTAPE VOL. 1
- YOUNG JV - RIP BEATS MIXTAPE VOL. 1
- GAZELLE OF BUTTA-FLAVA/BFE
- BFE FAMILY COMPILATION
- JUG OF BUTTA-FLAVA/BFE
- ONEWAY & XL OF P3T
- A.M.B.I.T.O.

LIVE PERFORMANCES BY:
-LON AND BROWN BISCUIT FAMILY
-FUNKWORX PILIPINAS (MHC & POETIC SOCIETY)
-TRUPLAYA, ZJV, & DOS
-PETER PARKHER
-BLANC.ONE AND C3G of ONETHEDD PRODUCTIONS
-BROWNCHILD & DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT
-AWOL of URBAN HOPE
-GAZELLE OF BUTTA-FLAVA
-BFE FAMILY
-DIWA OF GAWAD KALINGA
-C TO DA B OF EARSHOT QUEST
-ROCKSTEDY OF HOUSTON, TX
and more surprise guests!

-PLUS K.U.H.A. AUDITIONERS WHEREIN KRAZYKYLE WILL CHOOSE 3 WINNERS TO BE PART OF KRAZYKYLETV SEASON 2 AND 15 LUCKY EMCEES TO BE PART OF "NO ALBUM, GOT SKILLS VOL.3" and "RAPSKALLION TRILOGY" albums!
SO DO WHAT YOU GOTTA DO TO BE AT THIS EVENT!
FREE ENTRANCE and inexpensive food and beer so mark your calendars and come through! ALL MEMBERS OF THE PHRBC (THE PINOY HIPHOP AND R&B COMMUNITY) ON FACEBOOK, FRIENDSTER, MYSPACE, MULTIPLY, YAHOO GROUPS, AND IMEEM SHALL GET BENEFITS DURING THE SHOW. YOU'LL KNOW WHAT THEY ARE WHEN YOU GET THERE. ONE OF THEM IS BEER DISCOUNTS!
After THE HIPHOP AWARDS and THE COMMUNITY, this is the event to be at in May so PREPARE TO BE PART OF IT!
These events organized by BUTTA-FLAVA are gearing towards the 1st PHILIPPINE HIPHOP INDEPENDENT & UNDERGROUND BALL to be held this year! We are looking for people to be part of the street team to help achieve this.

Video Drop: Mike Swift @ Elbo Room (SF)

Brand new ! NAS "N.i.g.g.e.r (the slave the master)"

This track is from the upcoming 9th studio album from the lyrical poet. Simple beat but dope lines. Another favorite here at SoulSonic!

Click the link to listen/dangload:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/12320062d2efeaa5

Old Skool Fridays: K-9 Killaz

Dominate

Tail In The Ass

Whoah.. after 6 busy weeks.. finally im back here at Old Skool Fridays.. thanks to the people who keep on supportin and sending us e-mails this one is for all of you... For this week we bring you the group that is counterpart of "Ghetto Doggs" (1st Batch)... and it is no other than "K-9 Killaz" which is composed of Dogg Catcha who is formerly known as Mic Checka of Flipz (see Flipz Old Skool Fridays) and can now be heard as Quickie, Cheez (the only female MC in the group), Tha Krook, Apartheid, G-Killa, Snoop Rakka, Cruzial Killa, Skoovy-D, Mad Killa (not from Salbakuta), Shot-G who is now part of 9MM (Rappublic of The Philippines), Son Mack and MasterShock (former H-Bom member). Their self titled album was released independently in 1997 under Dogg Catcha's (Quickie) StreetNoise Records.. The 14 track (4 skits) album that was produced by MasterShock contains diss tracks to the 1st batch artist of Dongalo Wreckords including Chill.. It is stated on the inlay that this was supposedly to be a fly album (I think it's their term for international album) but it didn't happen.. and up to this day this is their only album... They didn't do another album even Dongalo Wreckords released Ghetto Doggs version 2.0 and Chinese Mafia album which contains diss tracks to them... Maybe their beef was already settled by then.. Because MasterShock has guested Dongalo's 1st batch of artist on his independent solo album.. and Quickie told the now defunct Vibestation "Urban MYX" that he is following the footsteps of Andrew E. and he already proved it on his 3 Quickie albums where he really sounds like Andrew E. Anyways let's just listen to history.. here is "Dominate" & "Tail In the Ass" by K-9 Killaz...

VS: "Brand Nubian vs Krook & JOLO"

It's time for another VS and in this issue we got Brand Nubian vs Krook & JOLO. Brand Nubian is an early 90's group that was originally a 3 man crew from New York that consist of Grand Puba, Lord Jamar & Sadat X... but the group turned into a duo when Grand Puba left the group to pursue his solo career right after Brand Nubian's 1st album release... But came back after a couple of years to reunite with his group. Their last release was in 2007 with the album "Time's Runnin Out"...

Krook & JOLO is very similar to the above mentioned group.. they were also originally a 3 man crew known as Trilogy composed of Kristyles, JOLO & Krook.. and just like Brand Nubian... Right after the group's debut album.. one member left... and in this case Kristyles is the one who left the group.. Krook & JOLO continued their career and released an album without a group name and it is just simply titled "Focused"...

Here's their songs, sampled from the 80's band Simply Red. The Krook & JOLO version featured R&b singer Arnee on the hook. Which one ya'll like better?

Click on the image for track download

New Album/Single: Sinong Magsasabi - "Francis M."

At last, it's been 8 years since my last album, (Freeman 2/2000), and here is my first of 8 installments for 2008. "Sino Magsasabi" is my version of the tale The Emperor's New Clothes.
It is NOT for sale, yet you get it for free for every purchase of 2 FMCC roundneck tees, or 1 FMCC collared polo tee. It is a LIMITED issue and is serially numbered 1 to 2500, worldwide. It is NOT playable in your car stereos (unless they play MP3's) because, each single is a DATA CD that contains Documents, Pictures and Music. (YUP just like a MAC) Each of the 8 singles is unique in content for the collector.
Collect all 8 singles and SEE THE BIG PICTURE. And by the end of the year, or early next year, I drop the FULL CD AUDIO Album "The F-Word"
This 1st single is the "clean" radio edit. The word on the street is the "dirty" version will be released as a bonus track when the 2nd single drops next month.
Get your FMCC tees and your LIMITED singles before they run out. Where? At 3 STARS & A SUN, NEO-CHINATOWN, 2ND FLR., BRADCO AVE, COR. MACAPAGAL BLVD.
Hope y'all like the music, it's LIVE featuring the HARDWARE SYNDROME. IT FEELS GOOD TO BE BACK. BASAGAN NA NG BUNGO.
- Francis M.

Source: www.magalona.com

Events This Week

"1NATION"

Jonan Aguilar and Mark Gonzalez presents "1NATION"
Not a typical club scene where you see the same old ish over and over again. we bringin you something fresh musically thats good for your soul.
We play anything from HIPHOP, REGGAE, DANCEHALL AND RNB. To Spice it up even more, we bring out live acts from different parts of the nation.
Don't forget now Monday TONIGHT! MAY 19, 2008 w/ performances by: Lon the Beatmathics, Nimbusnine, Peoples Future, Mobbdawgs and more.
Show starts between 10pm - 12 and party on after. girls get unlimited free beer from 10-12 and guys get it at 35 only. absolutely NO ENTRANCE FEE!! PEACE!! Formula Bar, Tomas Morato. TONIGHT. 10pm

Gloc-9 with Sly Kane & Mista Blaze @ SERVE BAR ARANETA CUBAO Tuesday (May 20, 2008) - 10:30 pm

The organizers are working they're butts off for you guys this summer!! We are closing out The Community show in two weeks! Expect us to up the ante a bit and jazz up your hiphop experience this year. Let me start of by saying.. NO ENTRANCE FEE, DRESS TO IMPRESS, NO GUESTLIST, NO DOOR CHARGE!! 10PM Prince of Jaipur, The Fort! Ain't happy just yet? Hmmm, how about this. Performers for this night, MAY 21, 2008 includes: ILL-J & MONIQUE, AUDIBLE, AMPON, FUNKROOTS, PHILIPPINE ALL-STARS, CHELO, QUEST, MARQUISS, HOTNIXX, LYRICAL ASSAULT, XTINCTION AGENDA, MARY MASAMAYOR, JAYLEE, DLSU - LSDC, ATENEO - CADS and more!
DJ TRAUMATIK, CRASH & ACID BURN on the decks! Hosted by Chrizo and the return of GERI on the stage! Plus Paloma (FHM Model) will campaign for your votes to get her into the FHM Top 100 sexiest women of 2008. Bring yer cameras!!
Merchandise sold at the event: SOILED Clothing, ALLSTARS Clothing, TURF Clothing, Turbulence CD's - Tippin The Scales, Nimbus9 & Friends, Nimbus9 Philippine Phenom, Lyrical Assualt's new CD and more!!
Brought to you by: ReBrand Manila, Stratopshere Prod., Turbuelnce Productions, On The Ground Music, Empire Ent., WAVE 89.1, RX 93.1, 103.5 MAXFM, SoulSonic TV
Here's a bonus for you guys. New music you can download - Mobbstarr's EARGASMIC; God's Will, Lowdown, Likwid - Bagong Yugto; ILL29 & Kid - Mundo'y Pinapasan; Common - The Light 2008!! www.myspace.com/webuilding
Any questions? Come holla!! B-Roc +639277814833 www.turbulenceproductions.net

Locked Down Ent. Presents Chillitees "Espasoul" Album Launch @ Pablo Gallery, Cubao Expo (araneta center, cubao, qc) on May 23, 2008(Fri) -10pm Feat. Chillitees, Sandwich, Eggboy & MikeCons

Video Exclusive! Pamilia Dimagiba "Throne of Blood" Live

This was taken from the 4th Philippine Hip-Hop Awards at the Intercon Manila. A banging performance from the local scene's hardcore pioneers. Also check out the scene stealing cameo from Pareng William a.k.a Mr. Olympic. Hilarious.(thanks to Mako for this video footage!)

We Still Here !

Yap we aint goin nowhere! Just been busy preparing for the SoulSonic Anniversary which is by the way coming real soon. Plus it's our boy Unit-o3's birthday weekend so we in celebrate mode right now. One thing that's been also busy for sure is our shoutbox. I know it's starting to become like mastaplann.com but we do try our best to monitor it. To all the haters, and we know who you are, keep the hating at a minumum. Mas mabuti pa siguro kung sumuporta kayo at magpunta sa mga hiphop shows at hindi puro hate sa computer screen nyo ang ginagawa nyo hehe.

Speaking of shows, y'all still have about 2 more weeks to experience live Hip-Hop to the fullest with the Community happening all this May at Jaipur the Fort. We were there last week and its good to see local talent poppin. I just wished the drinks weren't so expensive. (120 for a beer?sh*t...)I hope the organizers realize that our Hip-Hop market is not all ballers and BalikBayans, so a lot of us cant afford that ridiculous 120 beer. Where's the bucket when u need em??

So we leave u off with a little sumthin for now, check out a joint from way back..A lost WILLIE NEP track, OPISINA...Deadicated to all our loyal haterz...We goin now to the TONDO HIPHOP SUMMIT so til' next tym.

Events This Week

Check out Gloc-9 with Slick n Sly Kane at SERVE BAR ARANETA CUBAO on Tuesday (May 13, 2008)

This coming Wednesday, May 14, The Community takes a sudden turn as we put a door charge mandated by the place, Prince of Jaipur. Door will be charged at 200 PHP inclusive of two beers. (Just send a message to B-Roc for Guestlist) This Week performers are...Pamilia Dimagiba, Krazykyle, Chelo of The Philippine All-Stars, God's Will, MHC, Rapskallion Familia, Lon and more !!

1st Tondo Hip-Hop Summit.. Mayhaligue St. near Tutuban Shopping Mall.. 4 PM - 3 AM... Barangay & Police are all around the area to secure the place plus a guarded parking space is provided...

Hip-Hop and R&B party every Saturday @ Tiamars Bar (near Capitol 8, Pasig Blvd.) guest performers this week: Resident101, Poetic Cast, Aikee, Desibyus, Pinoy Disciples, SNK, Lyrikal Pinoy, Nowe plus surprise guest artist.

New Albums Rundown

Available on Record Bars

For Orders: toney_chrema@yahoo.com

For orders, contact 09182973862 or 09157869912
The CD comes in a nifty CD envelope and includes "Lifeless (remix)" as a Bonus Hidden track.Skarm is a member of the Independent Rap Group/Label AMPON.
http://amponcamp.com

Available on Our fathers Coffee (Robinsons Galleria)
http://turbulenceproductions.net

Available On Odyssey Outlets
http://www.longevityrecords.tk

Blind Rhyme Live @ RX 93.1

Here's the Live guesting of Denmark, Ali, Klutch-B & Blind Rhyme Production's new artist at RX 93.1 HIP26... we didn't record the entire show coz there is no free space left on Ponga's Creative Player... Anyway Dangload Na... Enjoy !!!

Loonie Interview

Stick Figgas is a name that has quickly become synonymous with Pinoy Rap. The first nationwide taste of the duo was on Eat Bulaga's noontime Pinoy Idol-esque rap off competition, "Rap-Public of the Philippines". Hosted by Francis M. himself, the competition served as the stepping stone for many of the scene's now most active emcees. Amongst the notable competitors were Crazy As Pinoy, Kamandag ng Marikina, and of course, the Stick Figgas. Although not taking home the big win, Xplizit and Loonie would go on to take the local rap circuit by the horns (and pull very very forcefully).
The duo's guest spots on compilation albums and features showcased wordplay, flow, and multis that were, at the time, unheard of. Ridiculous shit! We're talking Rakim-esque multi-syllable rhyme-patterns, metaphors and similes that the local scene had not scene an emergence of since BB Clan's "Mabanges." If you were a local Hiphop head, you had a favourite Sticks line, whether it was Loonie's biting "Lumalabas sa TV, na parang si Sadako" on the Rap-Public's vol. 2 disc or Xplizit's "Kayang kaya mo ako pag-gamit-gamit mo baril, pero subukan mo ako gamit ng lapis at papel" on B-Sides/Turbulence compilation. Last year, their long overdue first album was released under 6000 Goonz & Red Egg Records, aptly entitled "Critical Condition."
After a successful album, Loonie has pushed local lyricism to new heights by recording verses in both English and Tagalog, gaining rep as a battle Emcee at numerous local battles, and all taking it in stride. Crowned as 2004's Power 108 Emcee Battle Champion, nominated for Rookie of the Year at the first Philippine Hiphop Awards and Rapper of the Year at consequent awardings and finally taking home his first "Boombox" at the third Awards Show as Co-Producer for Critical Condition (with DiCE of Mobbstarr), this Figga has had major hype leading up to the release of his first solo effort. Now, in 2008, Loonie gears up for his first solo album. Gloc-9 has praised him for his lyrical ability. Local Hiphop Heads have credited him as the "Allen Iverson" to Francis M's "Michael Jordan".
Now, with All Eyez on Him, SoulSonic sits down with the man of the hour to see exactly where the hype ends and Marlon Peroramas begins.

SOL: Alright, so here we are: Loonie. Waddap man? How's it going? Thanks for taking the time to sit with us here at Soulsonic.

Loonie: No problem man. I’m currently on a much-needed vacation right now so time is all I have.

SOL: So, lemme start off with a bit of a trip down memory lane. You guys, I mean you and your group, have been a part of the Rap-Public of the Philippines talent search, and the rest as they say, is history. How did that feel at the time? Anong mga nasa loob niyo nung pumasok kayo sa competition? Paano kayo nakapasok doon? May nag-scout ba sa inyo? How did you judge yourselves as compared to the other groups in the competition?

Loonie: A talent scout from Eat Bulaga took notice of us while we were performing during a rap contest in Sundance near Sta. Lucia. I still remember the title of the rap contest, it was called Rappenings and the guy from Eat Bulaga approached us, saying that our chemistry was perfect and later invited us to launch the maiden episode of Rappublic of the Philippines. We were ecstatic yet unsure of what we were going up against since most us were barely 16 at the time and it was our first nationwide TV appearance. We had to overcome a lot of things like stage fright, low confidence and other more experienced rap groups that were also competing. We rolled as a trio until the grand finals. No family or posse was with us in the studio and since the first episode was on such a short notice, we were literally writing our rhymes in the taxi cab on the way to TAPE Studios. It was a hell of an experience that I wished we had documented.

SOL: So a little background info. Anong ibigsabihin ng Stick Figgas? I heard alot of water-cooler talk. Naguusap mga Hiphop Heads, daming theory. Some say it's a play on words of "Stick Figures," others say "Figgas" is the N-Word with a Filipino twist. Shed some light.

Loonie: Stick Figgas is simply Stick Figures. Some people think it’s because of the way we look: tall, lanky and slim. But actually, in a deeper perspective you can say Stick Figgas refers to music for the simple listener as drawing stick figures is what people usually do when trying to illustrate something in an uncomplicated manner.

SOL: So what about Loonie? From past tracks, you made connections to your MC name as being synonymous with "crazy". But I also heard it's an acronym for something.

Loonie: Back in my senior high school years, peers would call me Marloonie which eventually became just Loonie in the long run. It was only recently that I accidentally came up with an acronym for it: "Lyrically One Of the Nation’s Illest Emcees". Corny but forgivable haha.

SOL: How did the Stick Figgas come to be? Why/how did you start rapping? Weren't there more members in the group before? Will we be hearing from Tuff from Rap-Public 1 in any new tracks?

Loonie: Stick Figgas was born during a boring Math class back in 2001. There were 4 members back then namely: Kannabis, Tuff, Xplizit and yours truly. We were the first students in the history of our school to ever perform a rap song during the morning ceremonies. Instead of notes, we would write diss songs to each other and incite rap battles during class. Then after school, we would go over to my place writing conceptual songs and recording them using an old cassette recorder, a couple of blank tapes, a cheap computer microphone and Cakewalk. We normally finish a dozen crappy songs a day and we would wrap every session up with some crazy freestyling that would drive my mom nuts. We even made use of our recorded songs when graduation came and our Music teacher required the entire class to compose and record an original song each. We made some money off of it and some became part of ex-deals to our classmates for other more difficult subject requirements such as Physics and Trigonometry. After the Rappublic era though Tuff had to quit rapping to concentrate on schooling and that’s where Xquisite came in. She did the choruses for Critical Condition and also had to leave after becoming a flight stewardess. But we’re planning to do a reunion track with the original Stick Figgas on our second album if time permits.

SOL: How does it feel being given props by Francis M.? I mean, you're the guy's hypeman. Idol siya ng marami. Were you star-strucked at all when you met him? What's he like in person? Is he like any other person now or is it still a little bit surreal to work with The Mouth?

Loonie: My first recording sessions with Francis M. were surreal as hell. I kept on messing up my vocal takes; my voice seemed to fail me, as he is very aloof at first. He would just keep a long stare at you, talking with his deep baritone voice, carefully reading your character as if you were a walking resume. Back then, I thought: I must be the luckiest rapper in the Philippines because here I am breaking bread with The King! We would talk about song structures, rhyme schemes, hip-hop in general, computer games, his fascination with Rakim and mine with Nas, religion, politics, and almost everything under the sun. He had given me a lot of useful advice in anger management, time management and showmanship. I also appreciate the fact that he listens to a lot of my suggestions and oftentimes he would consult me when it comes to rhyming. The day I became his official hypeman was one of the greatest highlights of my rap career. To this day, it’s still a bit surreal. I mean the guy is not just a rapper. He’s a multi-awarded actor, VJ, DJ, musician, artist, and one of the best up-and-coming photographers. So to sum it all up, yeah being given props by the Master Rapper would already be an accolade in itself if you ask me.

SOL: Do you think it's worth it to argue about if there's Hip-hop in the Philippines or not? Anong say mo doon?

Loonie: It’s a waste of valuable oxygen and web space. At least for me, I think. I mean, what’s the difference? If the music scene in general or the mainstream doesn’t recognize hip-hop I would still be doing this rap shit. I grew up on this art form. It has become both my hobby and my job at the same time. Whether I have a label backing me up or not, I know in my heart that the music that I do transcends genres, cultures, genders and all other stereotypes that make up this country. So arguing about it or even listening to heads argue about it is just boring small talk for me.

SOL: What can you say about the current state of affairs in the local Hip-Hop scene? May chance pa bang umangat ang rap industry? What do you think is the best possible route to take in the future for the whole movement? Nong pananaw mo sa industriya ng rap sa kasalukuyan?

Loonie: To be honest, I don’t really know. The markets are scattered and almost everyone wants to rap yet they don’t know how to be a fan. The underground scene is flourishing with talents but the majority of the radio jocks in the Philippines don’t really appreciate the local rap sound. I think a big part of it has something to do with marketing or packaging or like what Syke said: Filipinos hate Pinoys; a sad but true statement. The best route to take would be wherever as long as you mind your own business and make sure you always deliver an A-product.

SOL: What annoys you about the local Hiphop scene the most?

Loonie: Ignorance, immaturity and the green eyed monster. I’m not a role model for hip-hop but yeah it gets pretty annoying. Internet rappers who diss me trying to ride off my hype but end up sounding like me is just stupid. But I eventually shrug off those petty annoyances at the end of the day.

SOL: Do you believe a filipino rapper has a chance to go international? What do you think it would take?

Loonie: I’d like to believe that. I think it would take a truckload of money, a lot of guts and a network of big-time connections for that to happen. First of all, there’s always the race card and second of all, they won’t buy you unless you rap with a dance move nowadays.

SOL: Through an artists point of view, why do you think some albums have a hard time selling and others go platinum? Why do you think albums like Carlos Agassi's "AMIR" can sell in tremors while classics like D-Coy's "Plastic Age" barely even moved the Richter Scale.

Loonie: It depends on if the label is promoting you well. Promoting you well means giving you mall shows, TV appearances, music videos, radio airplay and at times buying your own records. The average Pinoy would rather spend 250 pesos on cellphone load than buying a pinoy rap cd which isn’t too famous because of the lack of promotion.

SOL: Is Critical Condition selling well?

Loonie: We’re already out of units so I guess it sold well. 3000 copies were manufactured, half of it was distributed nationwide and a lot of peeps are messaging me up saying the record stores are already out of stock for it.

SOL: Bakit kayo nagseperate ways ng Rapskallion? Are you and Kyle still cool? "Bitch Move" II maybe?

Loonie: Me and Kyle are cool. He just has his own way of doing rap music and I have mine. I honestly don’t wanna be a part of any camp other than Red Egg Records which was basically my launch pad. I just used to be affiliated with them like I was with 6000 Goonz. Maybe we’ll do a track again in the future if the beat is right and my mind feels like it.

SOL: Alot of people say that beef is played out or gas-gas na ang pagiging maangas. Anong tingin mo doon? Do you think it's a natural part of Hiphop's competitive nature or can rappers one day completely eliminate the diss-track? Give us a view into the mentality of a rapper that raps "Bakit ba mga kanta natin ay laging banatan? Magpakasaya tayo para maiba naman" on one verse and then goes on to write "Isang Bara Ka Lang" and "Ikaw Nga."

Loonie: Isang Bara Ka Lang and Ikaw Nga were another part of my creative being. It’s almost like a reflex action to me when one rapper disrespects me. My mouth just automatically spews out the verbal lashings to come. I don’t really sit and concentrate hard thinking on how to destroy a rapper’s self-esteem. I would rather channel my artistic vision into more thought-provoking tracks. Diss tracks are second nature to battle emcees. I’ve been doing them for years so it’s like a given for me. And I only strike for self-defense, lyrically or physically. I don’t waste studio time bullying wack rappers around. Isang Bara Ka Lang is almost like a life-line for Badang’s sorry-ass career. He was once a part of the Rappublic family, so why not help a brother out by making him a little bit noticed? Beef is cool if you know how to cook it. You know what I mean?

SOL: Speaking of beefs, the whole Hiphop scene is focused on Badang's recent diss track and reply to "Isang Bara Ka Lang." Have you heard it?

Loonie: Nope, and I don’t plan to. I hear it’s cornier than a Love Radio joke. He’s pathetically funny.

SOL: You wanna speak on the root of that beef? Cuz the streets are talking.

Loonie: I would call it beef cubes or fake beef because I don’t even have a problem with that little girl. It’s just the green eyed monster doing its work. The plastic bottle he threw on stage was the best shit he could come up with. He would’ve been dead by now if the bottle hit me.

SOL: Would you ever consider doing a pop track? Kasi, with you and Xplizit, personally, with what you did with Critical Condition, I see you guys like a new-age Simon/Ali or Hi-Jakkk/Gloc-9. With Gloc-9, nagsimula siya as a member of Death Threat and now he has songs with Rochelle of Sexbomb... sa palagay mo, through a rapper's point of view, would it be selling out to suddenly do a party track or club banger?

Loonie: Why not? If they pay me the right amount and respect I’ll do it. Things like that sort of like become a challenge for me. Selling out is inevitable if you’re just a manufactured artist.

SOL: Weve been hearing Rumors that you are no longer part of 6000 Goonz.. that you and dice have a beef going on ? is it true ? can you set this straight...

Loonie: Yes I am no longer part of 6000 Goonz. Let's just say that I outgrew that shit like what happened with Rapskallion. I am not in speaking terms with either Dice or Hi-C. They know what's up but Klumcee, Trapp and the rest of the gang are cool with me and vice versa. Like what I always say to myself before: I hate being a part of something where I have to follow orders or I have to take shit from "shot callers". I've got my own way of doing things and if they can't respect it then I'm out. That's all I have to say.

SOL: Who are your influences? Both locally and internationally. Who did you grow up listening to?

Loonie: Locally, I had the tapes of the original Ghetto Doggs: Born To Kill The Devil, The first Death Threat album, DFT, and FrancisM’s Happy Battle and Freeman. I grew up listening to a lot of N.W.A., Bone thugs n harmony, Jay-Z, Coolio, Cypress Hill and apart from rap I’m also a big fan of Alanis Morissette.

SOL: What's the process for you when writing a verse? Do you have any tips for wannabe rappers out there who have yet to put a pencil to paper?

Loonie: I don’t really have a process. The thoughts usually come to me when I’m riding a bus or a jeepney. Boredom kills my writer’s block. I would advise beginners to practice freestyling first. If you think it’s good, write it down. If it reads good, record it. If it sounds good, perform it. Most of the time that works for me.

SOL: Okay, so sino ang paborito mong local rapper right now, excluding the Sticks. Who has got your ear?

Loonie: There are a lot. Not in particular order: PKSO, Konflick, Klutch-B, Nimbus9, Mikerapphone, God’s Will, Klumcee, Gloc 9, and Mike Swift. Marami e. Off the top yun ang mga naisip ko.

SOL: Who do you want to someday collab with locally or internationally?

Loonie: I wanna do a track with Ian Tayao and just straight up open the gates of hell or do a fresh track with Ms. Cynthia Alexander or Aia De Leon. Internationally, I wanna work the boards with Dr. Dre or trade lyrical barbs with Lupe Fiasco.

SOL: So, your new album. It's called "I Am Normal" right? Or was it "The Ones That Were Left Behind"? Are there two seperate projects altogther or the same one? Give us a bit of an overview about the projects and what can we expect from each.

Loonie: Yes they are two different projects, "I Am Normal" is my first full-length LP as a solo artist and "The Ones Who Never Made It" is an EP to hype the listeners up before I release the first. The latter is actually a collection of loose songs I did post Critical Condition. You can expect the songs in the EP to be battle-oriented and I also did a bunch of collaborations up in there. I have a lot of guests up in there along with some surprise ones. Information about my LP is classified as of now haha. The LP will be more of a concept album and the only thing I can say is the first single off of it will be hot, hot, hot. It’s a collabo with Francis M. and Gloc 9 and the rest is a secret. The EP will be released soon as I get enough money for capital. The LP won’t be released till next year so just hold on tight.

SOL: Sino-sino mga ka-collab mo sa bagong mixtape? Sa bagong album?

Loonie: I’ve got Gloc 9, Klumcee, Nimbus9, God’s Will, Trapp and Ron Henley on the EP along with some surprise guests. My LP will have less guest appearances because I really want to direct the sound of the entire album with my own voice.

SOL: When can we expect a release date for either project?

Loonie: The EP will be out soon. I still don’t have a release date but I’m pretty sure it’s this year haha! The LP is still halfway thru its finishing stages so expect it to be released next year.

SOL: What's your favourite track from your new projects? What's gonna make people go "ASTICK!!!"

Loonie: The Bobo Song is one of my favorites on the EP. My favorite collabo track would be Ssinungaling with God’s Will and Ron Henley. All I can say is you can listen to it from start to end with no need for the next track button. It’s music for your headphones.

SOL: How is your solo effort different from your work with the Sticks in past projects? Can we expect any changes from your previous style and subject matters?

Loonie: It’s a lot different. My solo album has a darker, more sarcastic sound and some of the tracks are a little abstract in nature in contrast to Stick Figgas’ direct to the point approach. The signature flow and rhyming is still there with some improvements and you can expect the subject matters to be more diverse this time around.

SOL: I heard you were planning to enter the WRC (see http://www.jumpoff.tv for info). Is that true? Have you been following the worldwide battle circuit at all? Sino sinong mga idolo mo sa pagfreestyle? How do you think you stack up against peeps like Illmaculate or Thesaurus?

Loonie: I would really like a chance to spit against Iron Solomon. I’ll give him a lyrical ass-whuppin he’ll never forget haha! I’m a big fan though. Next year I’m planning to sign up under the Canada division with Klumcee if things go as planned. Illmaculate and Thesaurus are monsters. We’re gonna have to prepare well for the WRC if we’re gonna face those two. Right now we’re scheduling our spit-sparring sessions. We have more than a year to train and I think that’s more than enough.

SOL: Anong pagkakaiba sa process ng pagfreestyle at pagsulat ng kanta? What are the mental differences in those two fields? Sa palagay mo, can one be an ill freestyler, but a wack recording artist, or vice versa, an ill recording artist, but a wack freestyler? What skills or elements do you need to perfect each craft?

Loonie: Basically, freestyling is just improvised rap with no prior knowledge to the beat or to the subject matter. So it all comes down to impeccable rhythm, flawless timing and presence of mind. Loose portions of unrecorded lyrics can also be regarded as freestyle if you know how to act the part of a freestyler. To be a good recording artist though, you have to know your own voice and learn how to control it. Creativity is a must if you want to record. Mastering both skills will get you places.

SOL: Will there ba another Stick Figgas album in the future?

Loonie: Most definitely! Our second album will be entitled Take Two and we’re already writing the material for it as we speak. It’s gonna be a whole lot different and fresh so watch out for it.

SOL: Anong pangarap mo sa buhay?

Loonie: Magkaroon ng maraming maraming maraming pera dahil maraming maraming marami akong gustong gawin at tulungan. I don’t really expect to get rich off of hip-hop. I also have a separate life apart from the rapping that I’ve been doing for the past 7 years. Before, my dream was just to perform during our school’s flag ceremony. I’ve done it and more. One of my mottos is “One dream at a time.”

SOL: Any last words for the local Hiphop community? Shout outs? Messages? You have the floor tol.

Loonie: Shout outs to all the fans and supporters. We’ll never stop making music for you. Thanks for all the love. To the local Hip-hop community tuloy tuloy lang! Dapat ganado pa rin! Shouts to Ron Henley, Tuff, Don Pacundo, Klumcee, Cat Cat, Chano, Matt at siyempre kay Lianne. Sa lahat ng tropa, abangan ang pagbabalik! Watch out for these future releases:

Loonie – The Ones Who Never Made It
Xplizit – Telling Stories To The Sky
Loonie – I Am Normal
Stick Figgas – Take Two

Thanks SoulSonic. More power! Peace!

Events This Week

Catch the world renowned The Community show this May 7 as we kick off this year's series at PRINCE OF JAIPUR, The Fort as we declare Philippine Hip-Hop month. In line with the celebration of Empire Entertainments Hip-Hop Awards, we are giving away prices, VIP passes, free tickets, CD's, drinks and whole lot more.
Catch this week performances by Krazykyle, God's Will, Jay Flava, Mobbstarrs, Slick N Sly Kane, Jay Masta, Ron Henley and The Battle Krew, PKSO, Gmoney, DJ Acid BURN -- and appearances by the best of the best hiphop personalities the country has to offer!! Plus surprise performance of a surprise guest.
Gates open at 9PM, burning stages at 10PM. Come as we give you a show like no other, at a venue you never felt possible with a team bigger than you ever imagined. Come share the vision and spread the word!!
Hosted by Chrizo and MC Dash.

This event is brought to you by:
ReBrand Manila
Stratosphere Promotions
Hip26 93.1 Monster Radio
The Flow 103.5 FM
SoulSonic TV
PULP Magazine
and made possible by Turbulence Productions and On The Ground Music.
WE STILL BUILDING.
You need help doin your hiphop ish? Having a hard time? Help yourself, come to the show and pick up a new inspiration.


Intercontinental Manila (One Ayala Ave.) 10 PM
Tickets: Pre-Selling: 300 Door: 500