EMCEE, QUEZON CITY/CAVITE

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BLKD is an emcee and activist from Cavite and now residing in Quezon City. He started out as a battle rapper on FlipTop, wherein he is regarded as one of the progenitors of his advanced technical style.  He is also well-known for his songs and community work that tackles corruption, injustice, and inequality in the Philippines.

Battling career:

BLKD first emerged in the scene as a battle emcee. He joined FlipTop’s inaugural Process of Illumination tryouts in mid 2010, and even though he didn’t reach the finals, he was eventually selected as one of the tournament’s special picks. His debut battle took place at the Down N South event in September 2010, where he faced off against eventual label-mate, Sayadd. He went on an impressive winning streak since then and his relatively modern and technical approach immediately inspired both battle rappers and fans alike. In 2013, he joined the league’s first Isabuhay tournament and finished as the first runner up.  

Musical career:

Apart from the Isabuhay tournament, 2013 was also the year that BLKD joined Uprising’s roster as one of the label’s first batch of members. He appeared on various projects throughout the year, and in early 2014, he and veteran producer UMPH collaborated on a full-length project. The album, titled “Gatilyo”, came out in mid-2015, to widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike.

BLKD continued making music in 2019, this time teaming up with other local artists for the compilation album “KOLATERAL”.  The LP was released for free online and tackles the Philippine government’s highly controversial war on drugs.

Discography:

With UMPH:

• Gatilyo (2015)

With Kolateral:

• KOLATERAL (2019)

Kalabit Sessions ep. 1

BLKD, Lanzeta, and Tatz Maven