"THIS IS WHERE WE STAND"

"THIS IS WHERE WE STAND"

I’ve been asked so many times. Why do this mixtape? WHY? because no one would.

The art of turntablism is beginning to be extinct. Nowadays,specially in the Philippines and the younger hip-hop generation in general. The fist thing that will come to their mind when you say the word mixtape. Is emcees rapping over other producers beat or just a bunch of emcees on one album. Don’t get me wrong. I respect those emcees for their talent, skills & dedication.

I created this mixtape for two reasons.
One: I want to make a mixtape using an what I would say "A Forgotten Art-form" Why forgotten? Because hardly any DJ do this anymore. And like I said, in my opinion. Younger generation of emcees don’t even know this turntablist mixtape art-form existed.

I’m talking about DJ/turntablist mixtape using a tracks of other artist both exclusive & album tracks. Mixing it, remixing, beat juggling, scratching and of course; just plain blending of records or tracks.

Two: I want to make a mixtape dedicated to Filipino artist around the globe. Why?Because in my opinion. Filipino Hip-Hop artist or Filipino artist in general are one of the most underrated artist in music business.
I always say that we don’t have a place in the music business here in the U.S. We’ll never be famous.
And I still believe that. And keeping that in mind is the reason why I wanted to make a mixtape and hopefully become a trademark mixtape representing Filipino artist. Representing their hard work and dedication to their art while adding and utilizing my skills to make good mixtape or project.

I was told that this mixtape has been done. But I would say no. Why? Because most DJ/turntablist nowadays.
Or Filipino DJ at least when they do a mixtape. They make beats and produce tracks for artist and put it in one album or mixtape.

And even if I’m not the first DJ/turntalbist that does this. It’s OK. All I know is that I want to be the first Filipino turntablist to really make this public. I want local Filipino artist to heard on other cities or countries.
And I’ll do anything make it happen. Anything is possible. I want the dream of Filipino artist to be heard.
And if this mixtape is what it takes to do so. Then I’ll keep doing it. I do this for the love of what I do and for the much deserved respect of all Filipino artist around the globe.

I was often asked. Why Hip-Hop? And I say why not?
I like every genre of music. I just love music in general. But the reason why a chose Hip-Hop. Is because it’s a lifestyle that brings artist and hip-hop fans together. Hip-hop represent unity, love and of course family.
It makes you proud of who you are. I mean, if you go to the Philippines. How many percent of the Philippine population do see who’s proud of being a Filipino? It said to say that it is way less. And you all know I’m right.
I came back in the Philippines rockin’ a New Era Three Stars and Sun cap and a Andres Bonifacio shirt. I went to the mall and people are looking at me weird. I bought a Philippine Flag to put in my room. But my neighbors start to make fun of me. But my neighbors back home start to make fun of me. For what? Because I’m proud of I am? Like I said, hardly any Filipino are proud anymore.

And that’s the reason why I chose Hip-Hop. Because it’s the only lifestyle that will make you proud of who you are.
It’s the only lifestyle that represent who you are. As person, as an artist and as a Filipino.

Unfortunately, back home. Corporate is messing it up. They rather have their pretty lil’ actress and actors performing on TV shows rapping "In The Club" or singing "Umbrella" or "Crazy In Love" and dancing to remixed tracks that they don’t even give recognition to the artist or the DJ that remixed the song. They’re rapping and dancing while wearing a tight pants and a tight shirt. They make them say YO!! and corporate think it’s Hip-Hop. And in my personal opinion. It’s a disrespect.

They don’t want to hire real Hip-Hop artist. Because they’re afraid of the real Hip-Hop. They want something that sells rather than booking something that comes from hard work, real skills and of course; from the heart. It’s all about the money for them.

Philippines is a third world country. But corporate and entertainment industry is making it seems like it’s not.
That’s a good thing. But the only problem is. The rich is getting richer and the poor are getting poorer.

That’s "CORPORATE TERRORISM" if you ask me.

Artist sells albums but the all profit goes to the company. The CEO get richer and the artist is still broke.
Why do you think most of the best artist in the Philippines chose to promote their music independently?
Because for most companies. It’s too real. They can’t take the heat.

Philippine All-Star won the biggest dance competition this world. But they went back to the Philippines. They didn’t get any recognition. Why? Is it because it wasn’t as famous as American Idol?

Filipino Hip-Hop community have to make their own award because Corporate wouldn’t give them recognition they deserved.

And then corporate rather sells NOVELTY rap album rather than real hip-hop artist. Com’on, even that Marc Logan; that dude from Balitang Kyut starts rapping. WHAT WAS THAT?

I created this mixtape because I want to do my part to help out with the culture. In my own lil’ way.
I want the people to hear real Filipino Hip-Hop. Wouldn’t you wanna hear "Free Speech" from the Nomadik Messengers, Nimbusnine’s "N.Y To P.I", God’s Will’s "Himig Ng Buhay" or D-Coy’s "Wika" and "Sana" rather than "The Amir of Rap" and "Boracay Baby"?

If you got DISSED by another artist. YOU DON’T SUE THEM! you dissed them back. That’s how it work. That just show that there’s a lot of posers in the Philippines who know nothing about Hip-Hop.
They wanna do it because it’s the new trend or in tagalog "USO".

This mixtape might not be big. But I know some will appreciate. Even if it’s only 1% of the population on earth.
I’m making my stand. And I know someone will follow. I’m not doing this for the money, I’m doing it for the love.
And yet, I know corporate will not listen. But like I said, I know someone will follow my footsteps.

This is just the beginning.
This is where we start.
This is where we pursuit out dream.

THIS IS WHERE WE STAND!!!