No one owns music. “Music is for everybody!” This was how rapper, singer, and songwriter Gloc-9 opened a message to his social media followers.
The post may be shared to his followers but the words are directed to his fellow artists in the music industry, particularly those who are just on their very first steps or those who just entered; “mayaman o mahirap, kilala man o hindi (rich or poor, well-known or not).”
“Maaaring mas madali para sa iba dahil mas may resources sila pero hindi ito basehan kung sino ang mas karapatdapat (Maybe it is easier for those who have more resources but note that this is not the basis on whoever is the most suitable [to be a musician]),” he wrote.
Gloc-9 posed some questions for these people, emphasizing on how much they love the art of music or how much they are willing to work for it.
“Kaya mo ba itong ipaglaban kahit mahirapan ka at tila walang pumapansin sayo o kapag parang walang nangyayare ay tatalikuran mo (Can you fight for it even when you are having a difficult time as no one gives you attention, or when nothing is happening, you will turn your back against it)?” he added.
These questions may be mind-boggling for those who are letting the sway of their music be their guide but Gloc-9 reminded the truth in dreams that are being pursued.
“Kapag umayaw ka, doon ka lang matatalo. Laban! Tumba! Tayo! Laban ulit! (The moment you stop is the moment that you lose. Fight! Fall! Stand! Fight again!),” he imparted.
The rapper did not mention or specify people, groups, or certain issues but it can be recalled that music and privilege is one of the topics with hot takes rounding social media, especially after boxer, Senator Manny Pacquiao’s son, Michael became viral for in his Wish bus performance. Several points were raised, including one saying that artists with connections to prominent people are given more platform and opportunity to be discovered.