Son of Francis M. Responds to Debate Over Who Is the ‘King of Pinoy Rap’
ARKIN MAGALONA – The son of the late Master Rapper Francis Magalona shared his thoughts amid a debate over who deserves the title “King of Pinoy Rap.” The controversy began when a newspaper referred to Gloc 9 as the “King of Pinoy Rap,” sparking discussions among fans and artists.
In response, Arkin shared a post from Dongalo Wreckords, which laid out three criteria for being considered the king: 1) You must have been rapping and performing publicly by 1986, 2) You must have released a retail rap album by 1990, and 3) Your album must have achieved platinum certification. Based on these criteria, only Francis M. and Andrew E. are qualified.
Despite these metrics, Arkin expressed that being a “king” is not about meeting specific requirements. He emphasized that if his father were still alive, he would likely say the same thing. According to Arkin, the title of “king” is something bestowed by the public, not earned through accomplishments alone.
Arkin also encouraged both veteran and new-wave artists to continue creating and sharing their music with the world, assuring them that many people are eager to hear their new work. The debate over who holds the “King of Pinoy Rap” title remains open, but Arkin’s perspective highlights that true recognition comes from the fans and listeners, rather than a set of rigid standards.
Meanwhile, rap in the Philippines began in the 1980s, influenced by American hip-hop, with the first recorded Filipino rap song being “Na Onseng Delight.” It gained mainstream popularity in the 1990s through pioneers like Francis Magalona, who fused rap with themes of national pride and social issues, and Andrew E., who brought humor and street culture to the genre.
The 1990s and 2000s saw the rise of underground rap groups and socially conscious labels like Dongalo Wreckords. Artists like Gloc-9 further popularized rap with socially relevant lyrics. Today, rap in the Philippines is a powerful cultural force, with regional styles and rap battles like FlipTop gaining widespread popularity.
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