At the time Chill first burst into the music scene in 1998, the listening public was already being bombarded with attacks of what was then simply known as "rap" music, coming from the likes of those artists with initials
for surnames: Andrew E., Francis M. and Michael V. However vague the connotation of "rap" music may be for the Filipinos, this form of music proved popular, especially when it was laced with wit, humor and a dash of patriotism as with the music of these aforementioned artists.
But Chill wasn't about to be overwhelmed by all this. Though not exactly
the first and only woman to venture into rap music, Chill nevertheless gave it a border and more serious approach - something that was not normally done in the mainstream. She came out with her self-titled debut album whose music sounded fairly different from the rap music people used to hear in the airwaves. It was distinctly hip hop with a kick, music that blended well with her fun-loving, liberated personality.
One can tell that the time had definitely changed judging from the way music enthusiasts took to her music. After all, it was almost the turn of the century. Filipinas are no longer the Maria Clara types who would sit quietly in one corner. As Chill has demonstrated, they can now assert themselves, say what's on their mind and be taken seriously. A female rapper like her can have a musical career - even in a music industry dominated by mostly pop artists - if they have the determination to do it.
Subsequently, Chill's 1998 release spawned the hit singles "Tease Me," "Party All Night" and "More Bounce." This made her the only legitimate female rap artist to embark on a recording career in the 90's - a decade in the Philippine music history that was predominated by alternative bands and, lately, balladeers and pop artists preoccupied with cover songs.
Later, Chill went on a two-year self-imposed hiatus. She spent her time learning more skills, writing more rap songs and basically hanging out with
underground rappers and even musical arrangers and producers to determine the new course of her music. Chill further developed her skills by working on different projects like putting up a spate of underground rap events where she would occasionally join forces with Sun Valley Crew and do freestyle rap under the name of Sun Squad. Aside from tending to her hip hop roots, Chill also branched out to rap-rock fusion projects by recording the title track to STONE with rock band Razorback. STONE was the highly successful soundtrack album featuring music from the likes of Wolfgang, Korn, Incubus, Our Lady Peace and many other foreign artists, and was thematically developed for Whilce Portacio's comic book series of the same title. Lately, rumors are circulating in the grapevine that Whilce is developing a new character for STONE inspired by Chill. One of the latest projects she did before holing up in the studio was providing backing vocals on the single "Y?" from the critically and commercially-acclaimed debut album of Greyhoundz, "Seven Corners of Your Game."
After the much-needed self-growth and hands-on experience, Chill returns to the scene with all the aplomb of a queen reclaiming the throne she knows will not be permanently vacated. And with her re-emergence came several
changes - a new, bolder image… a deeper sense of respect to the process of making music… and quite understandably, a more mature perspective in life. This personal and musical growth gave her the drive spearhead the production of her follow up album and take it to the direction she wants to go. Hence, EGOMANIACAL was born.
However, in spite of being in fine fighting form and her readiness to do "battle" with whoever messed with her before, Chill still admits to being
subject to life's never-ending process of learning. All the changes she undertook were from her personal decision to improve herself. EGOMANIACAL is a very personal album, and very much rooted in human experience. Chill
herself says, "I make mistakes but you won't see me repeating them. I want, I fall in love and out of love, get mushy, get mad, fight for what I believe is right… then learn."
While presently being the only legitimate female solo rap artist in the country, Chill wishes that hip-hop music here would improve more. It is, after all, the only way to keep the music alive. Being vocal and independent - these are the qualities she keeps pointing out in her music. She hopes to reach out to her fans, young girls in particular, who are not very confident about themselves and their feelings or those who are uncomfortable about their sexuality. "Don't be scared to find out who or what you really are and what you really want…don't be what others want or expect you to be," she says.
While not everyone appreciates rap, it can also send out positive vibes in a unique way…just the way Chill does. Inasmuch as rap music was borne out of the very negative experiences African-Americans had gone through since time immemorial, Chill stresses that she represents the good side, the hard work that comes with proving one's worth and getting respect. She represents the Filipina who speaks her mind but doesn't force the issue. For Chill, it's cool if people live the conservative life, but if it hinders mental and emotional growth and it keeps their mind closed to all possibilities and opportunities, she wonders how can people make good at what they do…
To those who listen, Chill words are: "Don't be docile. Do what you must
in order to achieve what you want. Go for it and be confident that you can do it. Don't let others stop you and keep you from reaching your goal."
And this goal is exactly what powers the music behind Chill's latest offering, EGOMANIACAL. "Lyrically and musically, I'm definitely proud of this album," Chill states matter-of-factly. "Every track and every beat… Yes, I can say that EGOMANIACAL is better than anything I've ever done."
The Queen of Filipino Rap is back so you better be ready, baby…
(source: Sony Music Philippines)
