MANILA, Philippines - Julius and I were once asked if we were finally referring to each other as boyfriend and girlfriend. However, Julius knew that I didn't want to be called a girlfriend (even though I technically was), as the title came with a lot of pressure. He saved me from a panic attack and replied sarcastically, "We don't believe in labels; we're indie." Remember when being indie simply meant doing things on your own? Nowadays, indie music no longer suggests that an artist isn't talented enough to be signed. Instead, it implies that the music is "too good" for radio play or to be shared with everyone.
Perhaps I have attended too many concerts where I felt like I was being judged, or maybe I am just a new and self-absorbed individual who sometimes feels out of place. N
...evertheless, I believe that indie rock music is becoming overplayed. That does not mean having a lot of rock music is bad, but taking a break from it can also be beneficial. Luckily, Manila's indie hip-hop scene is thriving at the moment. When Julius asked if I wanted to witness a rap battle, my initial assumption was that he meant one of the online videos he frequently watches. You can only imagine my horror when he clarified that it was an actual local rap battle league—the only one in the Philippines.
The first FlipTop Battle took place at the beginning of the year, and I was surprised by the large turnout despite the minimal marketing efforts, limited to an online poster. FlipTop hosts rap battles in both English and Filipino, which goes against the common belief that rap
battles should be strictly freestyle. Instead, the participants are encouraged to research their opponents and prepare their rhymes in advance. While it is more impressive when one artist spontaneously responds to the other's attacks, the style and choice of words are also highlighted in these battles, as there is no beat to accompany them - each battle is performed a capella.
The FlipTop Battle League is the brainchild of 22-year-old Aric Yuson. He recognizes that in the realm of hip-hop, there exists a significant amount of noise and individuals frequently form judgments solely based on one emcee or group. Yuson concedes his lack of comprehensive understanding about hip-hop and anticipates uncovering remarkable emcees from previous eras as he grows older. The crucial aspect involves persistently exploring, acquiring knowledge, and endeavoring to enhance oneself.
Aric applies the battling aspect of hip-hop to Philippine culture, enjoying the spontaneity, competition, and twisted humor involved in rap or emcee battles. He is a fan of battle leagues like America’s Grind Time Now and Canada’s King of The Dot, frequently watching them online.
The aspect itself is entertaining, but what I particularly enjoy is how ideas are developed and expressed through battle verse. Sometimes, it's not just about outdoing each other with insults, but rather the level of wit required to craft a line. Aric, along with all of us, was taken aback by the turnout of the first event. Numerous groups were gathered outside the venue engaging in practice battles before entering. With each event, the crowd continues to grow larger, to the point where venues are unable to accommodate everyone. Insult battles, apart from being a favorite pastime for Filipino males
during their schooling years, seem to attract Filipinos with non-confrontational attitudes," Aric explains. I may be mistaken, but I can envision people enjoying and admiring things they themselves cannot do. So if their mindset is something like 'Wow, I could never come up with insults like that in person, let alone in rhyming form,' then they would most likely be amazed at how the emcees manage to maintain their composure before, during, and after the battle.
Despite the battles in FlipTop, the emcees understand that their words are solely for the competition and they shouldn't hold animosity towards their opponents, unless it's a grudge match. Aric, a member of FlipTop, explains that one of their goals is to educate the masses about hip-hop culture and common sense. On the topic of the future of FlipTop, Aric envisions the advancement of hip-hop and hopes to bring more performers on board. Aric's father, a well-respected writer, is unaware of FlipTop's existence and has never watched it. It's fascinating how Aric is revitalizing a fading culture in the Philippines with a new generation of talented wordsmiths. I used to associate indie music with a specific sound until recently, but now I believe that anyone with an independent mindset can consider themselves indie.
Although I don't understand why you would bother calling yourself that since labels are no longer important, the same goes for my relationship. I have overcome the fear of being labeled as a girlfriend and all that comes with it because nothing has really changed. Independent artists continue to make progress because individuals support them. The FlipTop Battles official YouTube channel has received 11 million hits in just
four months, which demonstrates the love for this league.
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