When you’re at loss and feeling like there can never be a salvation from the pit you’re into, then all you got to do is look around, and let the universe tell you of your next move. It can be a mere voice, a presence, an acquaintance, or even the most inconspicuous of all touches, whatever it is, it brings you comfort – a sign that things would soon be alright, and that you should never give up.

Gloc 9. Fasta rappa’

As for Aristotle Pollistico, more known as Gloc9, his sign to never abandon his dream of becoming a respected rapper came not just as a silent beacon, but as a glaring presence. And it literally came knocking on his door.

Like any other artists aspiring to make it big in the business, Gloc9 went through hell and back just to gain the recognition he’s enjoying at the moment.

He discovered his passion for performing arts during his high school, when he used to lull his breaktime jamming with classmates. Although he could sing, he knew then that he’d be better in rapping—something that comes out naturally.

In one of his “rapping sessions”, he got surprised to see a small crowd of people gathering in front of him. After that, he was able to convince himself and the people around him that he could actually make it in the scene. This was his sign. 

Gloc9 finds his drive listening to fellow Pinoy rappers, specially Francis M. “Fan niya talaga ako. Ninanakaw ko pa nga ‘yung mga poster niya sa tindahan ng kapitbahay ko,” he recalls.

So, when was his first break come?

A deal with Viva Records gave birth to Gloc9’s first-ever album. And although he was proud of his initial work, he admitted that his materials in this project were raw and that his writing had no direction.

His stint with the record company was short-lived and soon he was busy with different kinds of day jobs— like being a service crew and waiter— just to get both ends meet.  Thinking that he wasn’t able to leave a mark in the industry, still, he continued dreaming of making it big someday specially. He got more inspiration when he actually found out that some of his co-waiters know and sing his song. However, when he told them that he was actually THE Gloc9, none of them would believe him. “Akala nila, kamukha ko lang si Gloc9”.

Gloc9 would always tell his friends that when you want to pursue something, one must not be a mediocre. One must work hard towards the realization of that dream. And so, living up to his own beliefs, Gloc9 would find time to record demo tapes that he submits to record labels even with a regular job as pahinante.

“Umiiyak na talaga ako sa hirap. I’d commute from Binangonan, Rizal to Las Piñas just to record. Pagdating ko pa du’n, I have to wait for my turn because there are many others who would also want to record. Sometimes, hinahatid ako ng tatay ko and he would even ask me if it’s worth all the effort. Pero gusto ko talaga ang maging artist, I believe that I can do something, that’s why it wasn’t easy for me to give up.”

Luckily, his demo song, Isang Araw (which won Best Rap of the Year from Awit and Katha Awards in 2002) captured the ears of Star Records producer Christian Martinez, along with honcho Enrico Santos. They tried to locate Gloc9 but the only clue he left was Gloc9’s identification: “Aries Pollisco, Binangonan, Rizal”.

Star Records tried to duplicate his song by letting other artists rap it, but it wasn’t the same. So Mr. Martinez decided to take a drive to Binangonan one day and scourged the whole town until he was able to locate the artist’s residence.

Gloc9 was out of the house, but when he went to Star Studios for the appointed meeting, the producer couldn’t help but utter expletives out of the sheer fascination of actually locating the artist. When they let him rap Isang Araw once more, they actually clocked the whole piece at 200 words per minute.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Gloc9 has been awarded numerous citations, including Best Video during the 2004 MTV Pilipinas Awards.

Gloc9 is definitely a cut from the other artists claiming to be a rapper. And although he doesn’t look like one – no fancy bling-blings, no baggy clothes, no “Yo!” to greet you when you meet, not even a single body pierce – you’d know you’ve met one once he starts doing his thing. 

With his new album, ____________, under Star Records, Gloc9, who’s now being called the “panday of words” (for he could play fast with words), has nothing more to ask.

“Sandali lang siguro ‘to (his career as rapper), ‘pag alam ko na hanggang duon na lang ako, hanggang duon na lang talaga. At least, I was able to prove to myself and to others na hindi masama ang mangarap.”

Till then, he shall wait for the sign to come.

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