The Filipino rap scene just got a massive dose of legendary wisdom! Rap icon Gloc-9 and lyrical beast Abaddon sat down for an exclusive media conference at Limbaga 77 for the launch of their continuous collaboration, Project A, and they didn’t hold back on the industry’s hottest topics—from their creative brotherhood to the looming threat of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The two artists, who have been dropping back-to-back hits like “Halimaw,” “Bonethugs,” and “BLGBGN” as part of Gloc-9’s monthly release schedule, proved that the OGs are still dictating the culture.

When asked about his frequent collaborations, Gloc-9 emphasized that for him, everything starts with intention. “Siguro kung meron akong talent, maamoy ko ‘yun e. ‘Yung intensyon ng artist… ‘Oh gawa naman tayo ng kanta.’ Parang alam ko na kung bakit gusto mo gumawa ng song with me,” Gloc-9 shared, implying that genuine respect and purpose are his collaboration filter.

He then reflected on the younger artists’ dedication: “Noong napanood ko sila sa TV, ‘di na ako nakikita si Gloc-9 dito e, ba’t di na ako nakikita.’ Lagi ko ‘yung dinala. Sana mapagbigyan ko sila one time. Kasi nakikita ko sila sa mga events, ‘yung paano nila ako kausapin. Na-realize ko lang na parang dapat dumating ‘yung time na maibalik ko ‘yun sa kanila.”

Abaddon echoed this sentiment of profound respect, highlighting the constant need for hustle in the game. He mentioned Gloc-9’s consistent output—”at least once a month”—as the ultimate inspiration. “Talagang kailangan po ‘yung ‘pull ka lang nang ‘pull, huwag kang titigil… ‘Di ka mananalo hanggang ‘di ka tumataya. So, tuloy-tuloy lang sa ginagawa, sa hilig, maraming opportunities,” Abaddon advised.

The conversation then took a sharp turn into the future, addressing how technology like AI is changing the landscape for Pinoy Hip-Hop.

Gloc-9, a self-proclaimed “very old-fashion” songwriter, confessed that while he is unbothered, he respects the craft over the trend. “Hindi po ako masyadong naka-depende sa kung ano ‘yung bagong technology ngayon. Siguro ‘pagdating na lang ‘yan sa production or sa mixing,” he explained, noting his melodic influences come from the classics, the music his parents listened to. “Hindi rin po ako masyadong napa-pressure pagdating sa AI kasi wala din po akong masyadong alam sa AI,” he quipped. “Alam ko lang na pwedeng gawin kung ano ‘yung trip n’yang gawin, pero feeling ko as long as secure kami sa artistry namin… medyo safe kami doon.”

Abaddon, however, saw the future of AI in rap as a massive shortcut, warning the next generation that the battle is getting easier, but perhaps less meaningful. “Mas madali na pong gumawa ng kanta. Siguro mga five years, ten years pa… may babalitaan na lang sila, ‘yung gusto nilang idea ng kanta, may lyrics na, sobra. Ganon na sa future,” he said. “Eh kami po, hindi po kami sanay ng ganun… napakadali, sobrang dali nang gumawa ng kanta.”

On a lighter note, I asked Gloc-9 how he politely declines collaboration requests. He jokingly deflected, saying, “Buti na lang, sila ‘yung nagde-decline. Parang, ‘Busy ako e.’ ‘May dysmenorrhea kasi ako.’ May mga ganun!”

It’s clear that whether they’re talking about legacy, loyalty, or the lyrical battle with AI, Gloc-9 and Abaddon are not just making music—they are setting the standard for OPM Hip-Hop.

The full album “Project A” by Gloc-9 & Abaddon arrives October 17! 

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