Filipino Rap

I - How pinoy hip-hop started (late 70s-1980s)

From The South Bronx to the streets of Metro ManilaThe hip-hop scene in The Philippines is one of the oldest in Asia. It is hard to tell when hip-hop started here and how did it start. But I would like to make several points on how hip-hop was brought to this country.

The Philippines before was a US territory until the country gained independence in 1946. American culture left a strong influence in The Philippines. Filipinos listen to American music, watch American movies or eat American fastfood like MC. Donalds or Pizza Hut. In the 1980s, movies like, Breakdance and Flashdance were shown in cinemas around Metro Manila and got many Filipino youths to breakdancing. Filipinos are also updated with it comes to music especially popular American hits. Early Filipino DJs can get in hold of the latest hits. In the late 70s / early 80s, popular hits from Sugarhill Gang, Kurtis Blow and Blondie are getting played in Manila's radios and discos. Even hit songs like Chic's "Good Times" (which was a major influence in the creation of rap music) were played. Disco, funk, Motown and soul groove were also very popular in Manila.


Filipinos living in the United States (or any country) send money and/or presents to their families or relatives back home. Rap music on records or cassettes may be one of those items. Also Filipinos living abroad especially those living in the United States, Canada, Europe or Australia return to the Philippines as balikbayans with presents. Rap records/cassettes or reading materials with hip-hop issues can be one of those presents.

Filipinos who take a trip to other countries go shopping and buy presents. Again, rap music may be one of those presents bought.
The United States had several bases here in The Philippines before they pull out in the early 90s. African-American or Hispanic servicemen stationed in the Philippines may have influenced the locals into the hip-hop culture.

Influence

New York was still the main influence for most early Filipino rap artists when it comes to beats, flow and style; though California was also important. Some of the early influence were from Sugarhill Gang, Kurtis Blow, Boogie Down Productions, RUN-DMC, Public Enemy, Ice-T, Salt-N-Pepa, A Tribe Called Quest and Rakim. The earliest Pinoy Rap tracks contains samples or styles influenced by these artists. An example is Rapasia's track "That's The Way Love Is" which was influeced by A Tribe Called Quest's track "Bonita Applebum". Another example is Andrew E.'s early style. His style in the track "Ize Batayojan" is influenced by Rakim. The fashion style of Bass Rhyme Posse is similar to RUN-DMC and so on. II - Some Important Events in Pinoy Rap

Beginnings

Late 1970s / Early 1980s:

The first rap recordings in the Philippines were by Dyords Javier and Vincent Dafalong. Dyords Javier recorded "Na Onseng Delight" (which copied the style of Sugarhill Gang's "Rappers Delight") while Vincent Dafalong recorded "Nunal".

The Golden Age of Pinoy Rap 1990:

A former breakdancer with name of Francis Magalona released an album called Yo! which became the first rap album in The Philippines. "Mga Kababayan" (My Countrymen) became the first rap track recognized by many Filipinos.

Months later, Andrew E. who was a DJ in a popular disco in Makati released an album called Humanap Ka Ng Panget challenging Francis M.'s dominance in Pinoy Rap. A movie with the same title was also released and it was one of the first movies in The Philippines that featured Pinoy Rap.

"Makati Girl" by Andrew E. was the first pinoy rap track to display beatboxing. Cool MC. Norman B. of Bass Rhyme Posse beatboxed for the track and became the first known beatboxer in The Philippines.

Pia Arroyo, who would be later become Francis M.'s wife was the first woman in The Philippines to record a rap track (with Francis M.). The song was "Loving You" and was released as part of the Yo! album.Gelli De Belen, a popular actress was the first woman in The Philippines to record a rap track in tagalog. The track was "Mr. DJ" which featured Andrew E. The song was released as part of the Humanap Ka Ng Panget soundtrack.

Bass Rhyme Posse became the first rap group in The Philippines. Their debut album was released a year later and were the Philippine counterpart of RUN-DMC.

1991:

Rap Asia was the next group to release an album. Their track "Hoy! Tsismosa" became an instant hit. Michael V. released his first album with the track, "Maganda Ang Piliin" as an instant hit. The song also countered Andrew E's song, "Humanap Ka Ng Panget" and caused rivalry between the two rappers.

Denmark released I'm Markie D.! and the song "Louningning" became a hit Lady Diane and M.C. Lara were the first female rap artists in the Philippines to release an album. Lady Diane released The First Lady Of Rap while M.C. Lara released a self titled album. Lady Diane's song "SA-SA-Saddam" became an instant hit.
Jaime Baby was the first child to record a rap track in the Philippines. The track was "Eh Kasi Bata" which later became a motion picture.

Andrew E. starred in the movie, Andrew Ford Medina which became one the first movie in the Philippines to show a rap battle.

1992:

Francis M. released his second album, Rap Is Francis M. which was arguebly the best Pinoy Rap album ever recorded.

A cultural revolution 1993:

Mastaplann released their self titled album. Though in English, the album changed the way Filipinos look at Pinoy Rap. It was one of first Pinoy Rap albums that recognized the DJ as an important member and recognized their turntable skills. It also recognized the other elements of hip-hop such as breakdancing and graffiti and also made DMC Philippines an important organization in the evolution of Pinoy hip-hop.

Boom who would then become a member of Kulay released an all rap album. The album featured singers Jeannie Oakman (R.I.P), Radha and Jhego who would later team up with Dash and form the group, Legit Misfitz

1994:

Death Threat released the first gangsta rap album in the Philippines with the track "Gusto Kong Bumaet" becoming an instant hit. 1995:
Andrew E. forms Dongalo Wreckords which became the first independent rap label in The Philippines. The label's first roster of artists were Itim Pero Kayumangi, Syke, Chinese Mafia, Richie Rich (Anak ni Bakuko), Madd Poets, B.B. Clan, D.F.T, and Oblaxz

1997:

Andrew E. produces and becomes host of Rap 13, the first Pinoy rap show which was aired the same year. The show lasted until 1999.

2005:

Aikee at the age of 11 becomes the first child to release a full pinoy rap album.

This History of R.A.P was published by Pinoyrap.com