
Its fury is undeniably infectious, fueling the resistance with anxiety and manic energy that characterize their respective solo outings. Artists who are fed up with the devastating climate of extra-judicial killings, impunity, corruption, and fear turn to music not so much for its gift of escapism, but for its tradition of addressing contemporary issues in a concise, powerful form.Īnger hits gold with the barbed punches of “Di Matitinag,” where rapper/producer Calix and acclaimed emcee BLKD hold ground in exposing the atrocities of the Marcos regime. Instead of a song, BLKD offers a protest hymn that would hopefully save us from the flames.įrustration and rage inspired some of the boldest Filipino releases of the decade. Unfazed by fear, BLKD spits rhymes about the blatant decay of humanity against a backdrop of bleakness and greed, and challenges the way we see things: “Nasaan ang katarungan? Panay sakahan, may kagutuman? Sa lawak ng lupa ba’t may mga walang matirhan?”- the critically acclaimed rapper asks questions to help us understand the status quo and bring awareness on issues that affect the marginalized and disenfranchised. “On Gatilyo,” he delivers a razor-sharp commentary on social injustice and class privilege, pushing the limits of hip-hop to a more provocative front. He has a duty to fulfill, an important message to share. But BLKD doesn’t care about the stink or total blackout. Floor flooded and walls covered in blood, the imagery signals post-apocalyptic dread, almost as if the systems in place have completely shut down. “Gatilyo” begins with a blanket of static noise.
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At these certain moments, “Tala” opens the gate so that we could all at once celebrate our version of freedom - free from homophobia and discrimination, a world that demands you to dance like no one’s watching. It became bigger and more culturally relevant than ever, providing positivity against a backdrop of chaotic present. The song eventually went viral in 2019, going to as far as inspiring young LGBTs to revolt against the “tyranny” of Aleng Nelia for their right to play volleyball in the barangay. And as it progressed, hundreds of sweaty bodies imitate the music video’s choreography and take part in the production number made entirely of strangers and friends. They seemed to recognize euphoria and escape on the first few bars of the track. Every time the DJ dropped the banger on Today x Future, Nectar, O Bar, or any queer-friendly space, people congregated the dance floor and crawled back for more. It became a club sensation, eventually bringing joy to gay night life and greeting everyone’s presence with an ecstatic entrance. There’s effortless grace in the mix, but there’s also a generous serving of camp and sass - qualities that help made it become a great queer anthem.Ī year or two after its official release, “Tala” found its home in the vanguards of cult worship. It made one appreciate how the tribal beats and island rhythms blend fabulously with Jumbo de Belen and Alisson Shore’s shiny, modern pop production. When “Tala” first arrived in the summer of 2015, its impact isn’t as immediate as Sarah Geronimo’s groundbreaking hits “Kilometro,” “Tayo,” and “Ikot-ikot.” On first few listens, the song sounded like an attempt to ride the coattails of tropical house - a short-lived dance music genre that traded EDM’s thumping bombast for a warmer, Caribbean-inspired motif in the vein of Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” and Major Lazer’s “Lean On.”īut its appeal grew as months passed. They shaped it as it is: #woke and more socially conscious, innovative but accessible. And then there are modern protest anthems that reflect harsh social realities, club bangers that champion queer experiences, new R&B joints that feel personal yet universal, and indie rock songs that surprisingly topped the local streaming charts, thanks to newfound fans and strategic DIY promotions from independent labels.ĭespite the new technological advancements that proved to be sustainable for few artists, we have underrated gems and modern classics that not only defined the decade. There are tracks that push the envelope in terms of production and songwriting, giving us an entirely new lane that could be further explored in the years to come. But how do you stand out in a decade of endless possibilities and never-ending options? Yes, there’s plenty of music to choose from. We are living in an era that makes it easier to get rid of songs. CD sales have dipped to frustrating numbers, radio no longer dictates the fate of a hit single, and mp3s are slowly fading in the background as the go-to music format. Digital and streaming culture forever changed the way we consume music. Manila (CNN Philippines Life) - 2010-2019.
