In ‘KALAKAL,’ SB19 and Gloc-9 Deliver a Masterclass in Collaboration

In ‘KALAKAL,’ SB19 and Gloc-9 Deliver a Masterclass in Collaboration

Collaborations among artists are always a sonic treat. And they become even extra special when two heavyweights from different genres and generations team up to deliver a no-nonsense track.

This is exactly what happened in “KALAKAL.”

The song sees P-pop giant SB19 and legendary rapper Gloc-9 spit verses that not only discuss Filipinos’ unique consumerism but also showcase a journey of empowerment and longevity.

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“Dinura, binura, sinara pero ‘di mo pa rin kaya isuka
Bumara, nawala, dinala, kami nagsimula, lahat gumaya
Laging pinipilahan, kahit nga hindi magbenta
Pa’no pa kaya kapag naputol ‘tong kadena?”

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However, the song is more than just about the message that it conveys through its lyrics. Looking at the artistic efforts behind creating “KALAKAL,” one can see that the two acts pushed the boundaries for this project.

According to a press release, “this monumental collaboration finds both music titans taking their creative direction to previously uncharted places and harnessing their gifts with a balance of star power and dynamism.”

A gratifying experience

In a Roadshow interview, Gloc-9 revealed that he first saw and met the quintet at the 6th Wish Music Awards in 2021. Apart from being nominees back then (they eventually bagged awards, including Artist of the Year for Gloc-9 and Group of the Year for SB19), they also graced the events as performers.

Serving much like a full-circle moment for the two acts, they recently boarded the Wish Bus to perform their collaborative song.

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During the interview, Gloc-9 commented on his first foray into P-pop, “Na-appreciate ko talaga ‘yung paano nila ako i-welcome. ‘Yung suporta ng P-Pop community, lalo na ‘yung suporta ng grupo. And I’m very, very overwhelmed.”

“Nanliliit nga ako honestly sa trato nila sa akin. Kaya napipresure din ako… na dapat mabigay ko lagi ‘yung best ko.”

Gloc-9 also expressed that collaborating with SB19 for “KALAKAL” is a gratifying experience.

“I’m very, very thankful… Malaking-malaking tulong din sa akin. You may think na ito ay pabor para sa inyo, pero hindi. This is a favor ding malaki para sa akin. Kumbaga, ‘yung kandila ko, nalalagyan niyo pa ng wax,” Gloc-9 remarked.

A creative exercise

Justin — who, for sure, has stunned listeners with an angsty verse that’s nothing like his usual sound — shared what it felt like working with the “ALA” hitmaker.

“At first, syempre medyo pressured, kinakabahan. Syempre, sir Gloc yan eh. Pero [nung] nandoon na kami sa studio, ang bilis lang ng mga pangyayari. Parang naging comfortable agad lahat. And everyone was giving their best… Tapos, on the spot din kami sumulat ng lyrics. Parang kaming nag-class [na] may activity kami na on the spot. And [h]appy lahat sa kinalabasan nung collaboration,” he remarked.

Pablo shares the same sentiment, viewing “KALAKAL” as a creative exercise.

“Actually, matagal na siyang hinihingi ng mga supporters namin. And for me, kasi parang exercise din siya para ma-develop pa ‘yung writing skills namin. And dito talaga sa ‘KALAKAL,’ lahat talaga naging involved. Nagbatuhan kami, even the melodies… I’m proud of what we have created,” he enthused.

During their Wish Bus stint, SB19 also performed their recent releases, “Moonlight” and “Ready.”

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They also received a Bronze Wishclusive Elite Circle award for their “GENTO” Wish Bus performance. This award is given to artists whose Wishclusives garner 10 million YouTube views within the first year of publication.

Stream “KALAKAL” here.