EMCEE, TAGUIG CITY

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Kemikal Ali, also known as Berting Bertud, is an emcee from Bicutan, Taguig City. Having started out in the mid-90s, he is often credited as one of the first to utilize multisyllabic rhymes and rhyme schemes in Philippine hip-hop.  He officially joined the Uprising roster in 2017.

Early career:

Kemikal Ali formed the group BB Clan in the mid-90s with his brother Jap and homie Simon. Their raw and rugged style eventually led to their Dongalo Wreckords signing. In 1998, they released their debut album entitled “Mabanges”. The album received critical acclaim for its grimey lyrics and production. BB Clan left Dongalo Wreckords in 1999, and went on a brief hiatus from music. Ali and Simon decided to reform the group in 2002. In the same year, they dropped their second LP called “Bonafide Bastards” under Universal Records. Just like their debut, “Bonafide Bastards” was also critically-acclaimed.

In 2004, after appearing on various tracks on Denmark’s “Blind Rhyme” LP, Kemikal Ali became part of the super-group Circulo Purgantes. They released their album “Todas” in 2007. Ali proceeded to do guest appearances on various tracks before going on another hiatus.

Uprising and Bukas Uulan ng mga Bara era:

2014 saw Kemikal Ali picking up the mic again, but this time as a solo artist. Coming off their collaborative underground hit “Iwas Pusoy” on the “United Freestyles Vol. 2” album, Ali kept in touch with fellow living legend Arbie Won, toyed around in the studio for a few tracks, and eventually ended up signing with Uprising to release their next project. In 2018, the duo dropped their album “Bukas Uulan ng mga Bara”. It gained positive reviews from both older and younger listeners thanks to Ali’s complex rhyming style and catchy succinctness, together with Arbie Won’s timeless production.

Kemikal Ali | Palong Palo

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