What started as a casual collaboration between Gloc-9 and Abaddon quickly grew into Project A-a nine-track collaboration that unites two distinct voices in Filipino rap, built on discipline, mutual respect, and creative trust.
What began as a casual idea for just two songs evolved into a cohesive album built on mutual respect and creative trust.
In a press conference with BusinessMirror’s SoundStrip and other media organizations, the two artists shared how Project A took shape from what was initially a simple exchange of beats and verses.
Abaddon recalled how the project started in a group chat with Gloc-9 and producer Cursebox.
‘Then Master (Gloc-9) suddenly messaged me and said, ‘Let’s continue this.’ So I immediately sent him some of my best tracks, and from there, things just kept going,’ he said in Filipino.
For Gloc-9, the timing was right. After years of steady releases, he admitted that Project A gave him a needed push to start writing again.
‘I was at a point where I was also looking for inspiration to write,’ he said. ‘With the help of artists like Venzon (Abaddon), I slowly found my rhythm again.’
Set for release on October 17-the eve of Gloc-9’s birthday-Project A features tracks such as ‘Umbag,’ ‘Bonethugs,’ and ‘Kakampi,’ featuring Hero.
A collaboration that pushed both artists
While Project A carries both their initials, the album’s creation was less about merging styles and more about pushing boundaries.
Abaddon, long known for his rapid-fire flow and lyrical ferocity, experimented with melody and more personal themes.
‘This isn’t the usual Abaddon sound, like the ones I used to make before. I really experimented with more melodic parts-it’s not just rap anymore. I challenged myself because this was a rare chance to work with Master (Gloc-9), so I gave it my best,’ he said.
For Gloc-9, who has long set the standard for storytelling in local hip-hop, the project offered a much-needed jolt.
‘If it were just me, you’d probably already have an idea of what to expect from the album. But because there’s that Abaddon factor, even I get surprised.When I listen to it, it’s like hearing a new artist. It’s very refreshing for me, and I’m really thankful,’ Gloc-9 said.
That mutual respect comes through in ‘Ambag,’ which features Abaddon’s group Shockra and also pays tribute to their late member Inozent One.
Gloc-9 said it was one of those rare songs that wrote itself.
‘There are songs that feel like assignments,’ he said. ‘But this one was a magic moment. I think it came together easily because our intention was clear. You know exactly why you’re writing it, and who it’s for.’
Following ‘Ambag’ are two songs that expand Project A’s emotional tone-‘Bonethugs’ and ‘Kakampi.’
The album’s emotional throughline continues with ‘Bonethugs’ and ‘Kakampi.’
The former takes on the familiar tension of relationships-the arguments and reconciliations that come with real love-while the latter turns that emotion into partnership.
Together, the tracks capture how both rappers balance authenticity and heart without losing their sharpness. Each song reflects what they describe as the album’s ‘good vibes’ core-music grounded in real stories, free of pretense, and built on honesty.
Lessons from each other
More than a collaboration, Project A became a learning exchange. Abaddon said working with Gloc-9 taught him the value of consistency and time.
‘Master is really disciplined when it comes to time.I’ve started carrying that discipline with me, even in the projects I’m doing next.’ he said.
Gloc-9, meanwhile, said the project reminded him that growth never stops, no matter how long one has been in the game.
‘I learned that you still have to trust yourself,’ Gloc-9 said. ‘There are songs on the album that, when I listen to them now, don’t even sound like something I wrote. Maybe that’s because Abaddon’s writing pushed me in new ways. It made me realize you can’t ever think you know everything.’
Both artists also reflected on how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the music scene.
Gloc-9 said he prefers to keep his process rooted in instinct rather than innovation.
‘I don’t rely too much on new technology. Maybe in production, yes, but when it comes to writing, I still do it the old way. As long as we’re secure in our artistry, we’re safe,’ he explained.
Abaddon agreed, saying that while technology may make songwriting easier, it can never replace lived experience.
‘I think it’ll become much easier to make songs,’ he said.
‘Maybe five or ten years from now, people will just say what kind of track they want, and the lyrics will come out right away. That’s how it’ll be in the future. But for us, we’re not used to that. I think for the next generation of rappers, it’s going to be really easy-too easy-to make songs.’