Loonie shares lessons learned from Francis Magalona

MANILA, Philippines — Rapper Loonie shared that the late "Master Rapper" Francis Magalona inspired his music career. 

Loonie said Francis made him realize his full potential as a rapper during the launch of his latest album "Meron Na" last Sunday. 

“Kung hindi ko na-meet si Francis M, hindi ko mare-realize ‘yung potential ko na makaabot sa ganitong stage. Nu'ng na-meet ko si Kuya Kiko (Francis' nickname), more than rap ‘yung natutunan ko sa kanya. How you carry yourself, how you answer interviews, how you deal with difficult people, paano ka makisama — ‘yan ‘yung mga na-impart niya sa akin," Loonie told Philstar.com.

"Pero lagi talaga kaming nag-uusap tungkol sa rap ni Kiko kasi rap nerd talaga siya. Well-versed siya. Magkaibigan talaga ang turingan namin. Hindi lang siya work. Equal niya akong itinuring. At ‘yan ang isang mahalagang natutunan ko sa kanya — to treat everyone equally,” he added. 

A post shared by Marlon Loonie Peroramas (@loonieverse)

Loonie gave an advice to aspiring rappers. 

“Learn as much as you can from others. Matututo ka sa mga mali ng mga kuya mo, ng mga nauna sa’yo, ng mga kasamahan mo. Maging observant ka," he said. 

"Mas mahigpit na ang competition kasi lahat pwede nang maging instant star. Hindi mo rin masasabi na mas madali dati. Hindi mo masasabi na mas madali ngayon dahil totally specific ‘yung needs ng bawat isa sa magkakaibang era,” he added. 

Loonie launched "Meron Na" after the success of his “The Ones Who Never Made It” 10 years ago. 

“After (my last album), maraming heartbreaks in terms of disappointments and unmet expectations, katulad nu'ng song ko na 'Tao Lang' na hindi ko alam na hindi pala ako ‘yung may-ari. Marami akong pinagdaanang managers na nag-take advantage sa pagiging inosente ko sa business side ng music. Before kasi naka-focus lang ako sa art side,” Loonie said.

“During that time, medyo na-discourage ako na gumawa ng music. Hindi ko nakikita na nagme-make sense na gagawa ako ng music. Hindi mo puwedeng i-upload sa sarili mong channel. Iba ang kikita. Iba ‘yung yumayaman. During that time, mas pinili ko mag-gamble sa battle rap. Nag-act pa ako. Lumabas ako sa award-winning movie na ‘Respeto.’”

“Ngayon, 2023,