Ever since rap took on a more searing, rock-driven edge some years back, it seemed that there wasnt anywhere else for it to go. For the longest time, it always teetered on the verge of novelty and gimmickry, with its biggest adherents rapping their way to the bank with nothing more than drum machines and silly musings replete with sexual overtones and double entendres.
But theres a new breed of rappers out to change all that. The two-man contingent of Krook & J.O.L.O is on a crusade to rekindle the distinction that rap once enjoyed.
With their new album aptly titled Focused, the duo is deadset on taking rap to a newer level. "Its been described as having the East Coast rap sound," explains Jolo.
"Its more R&B than hardcore rap. Plus, we also have a lot of guests such as Jay-R, Arnee and Francis M. We had a couple of songs produced and guested on by LA-based production firm called Div6. I think theyre doing the reunion album of Destinys Child right now."
Jolo and Krook were once members of the now-defunct hiphop group, Trilogy, together with fellow rapper Kristoffer Carlo "Kristyles" Cariño. At that time, the trio released their highly-charged debut titled Kut 5 Trilogy under the Ill Kamp label, then distributed by Universal Records.
"We all got together then through DJ MOD (a.k.a. Noel Macanaya)," explains Jolo. The idea then was to have three solo artists with our own songs. That was supposed to be our testing ground before we embarked on our own respective solo careers."
Unfortunately, Trilogy broke up after two years when Kristyles had to go back to the US to take care of the family business when his dad passed away.
Born and raised in Manila, Jose Jolo Garcia Raagas, 24, also goes by the monicker J.O.L.O. (Juggling Over Lyrical Obstacles) an apt catchphrase that best describes his penchant for rapping.
Way back during his high school days at the Ateneo, Jolo rapped his way through an English music project. "When people heard it, they liked it instantly," he narrates.
"So, that was like my rude awakening. I said, "Wow! I can do this!"
From then on, Jolo joined a lot of underground groups. "We were producing our own CDs, passing them out to clubs, trying to make a buck or two," he adds. "The rave scene was pretty big back then."
On the other hand, Mark Anthony Krook Anglo, 23, was born in Washington, D.C., grew up in Maryland, and came back to Manila in 1999 to continue his studies.
"My parents are both Filipinos who migrated to the States back in the `70s," Krook narrates.
Although he didnt know anyone in the music biz back then, Krook was dauntless in looking for leads and opportunities to flaunt his talent. "I used to go to every event just to check it out," Krook shares, "I met DJ MOD at a DMZ DJing finals. The only rapper I knew then was Andrew E. I wanted him to hear me, but I couldnt just butt in his program. So, he introduced me to Noel instead. Later, Noel invited me to come to his studio and I did. We made a song in three hours. Two months later, he told me he was forming Trilogy with Jolo and Kristyles."
With such diverse influences, Jolo and Krook sifted through the essential elements and forged their own unique sound. "Of course, we respect our own homegrown artists such as Francis M and Mastaplann," Jolo admits.
For an album thats still distinctly OPM, Focusedironically sounds anything but a local production. "Technically, a lot of people say they dont believe its OPM," Jolo boasts. "Its flattering. Hindi siya manipis. Plus, its not too heavy for a first time rap listener. Theres this song which Francis M calls Final Destination that talks about life and death. For that, we sampled Queens Bohemian Rhapsody. Our carrier single is On Your Own, produced by DJ MOD and Div6.
Despite rap musics taking a backseat to other more popular genres these days, Jolo is still optimistic about the local rap scene. "Theres a lot of talent out there," he affirms. "Wed like to take up from where Mastaplann left off. And as far as image is concerned, wed like to change peoples impressions of hiphop guys. Nowadays, if a hiphop guy walks into a club, people would go, Ah, jologs! There was a time when wed go to clubs and all the girls would want the hiphop guy not the straight-looking, clean-cut guy. Ever since Salbakuta came out, hiphop had such a bad image.
They made it ugly for us. Thats the change we want."
Asked to cite the difference between rap and hiphop, Krook settles the score.
"They say rap is something you do. Hiphop is something you live like a culture or something," he explains. "Rap is like a branch of that culture, just like how deejaying or breakdancing are branches of that hiphop culture.
Surprisingly, the hiphop tag isnt used much in the States. "Ive heard that word spoken here more than anywhere else," Krook adds.
Not one to succumb to fads, Jolo admits to having transcended the hiphop look and image. "Im not the type wholl go with all the trends," he points out. "Like, I dont wear jerseys no more. If I used to wear those like what they wear now, Ill change it coz theyre wearing it now. I dont wear those big shirts either. I like a cleaner look."
But what is it then that makes rappers easy prey for feminine wiles? Is it true that the hiphop guys always get the girls? Amused, Krook unabashedly admits, "Yeah, we get attention. I guess its the confidence." Jolo adds, "They can see and feel that youve got a lot to say to them. Girls know. They can feel that kind of aura especially if youre fakin it or not.
With all their sights focused on their new album, the duo has no intentions of bearing any patriotic torch. "We dont want to set borders and call this Filipino or American," Jolo emphasizes. "We want it to cross over everywhere. Thats what music is. Its the language of the universe."