As a product of a ruthless third-world system, rising rap artist Bente Dos grew up well-versed in Pinoy crisis management. His single “Kapit sa Patalim” proves just that. He pays tribute to the journey and grievances of the struggling Filipino, his affinity for underdogs and outsiders. Backed by fellow musicians, Raymund Marasigan, Sandwich, and Imago, Alejandro Monares Claros Jr. was able to write a gripping narrative filled with confidence and ambition.
“Kapit sa Patalim ay tungkol sa pagiging matibay sa hamon ng buhay. ‘Di masamang kumapit sa patalim kung alam mo namang wala kang tinatapakang kapwa. Kapit lang kahit maraming hamon na pagsubok sa buhay natin. Kapit lang hangga’t my pagkakataon na binibigay satin,” said the Negros Occidental native as he reflects on the meaning behind his debut single.
Bente Dos started writing music as early as 16 years old while working as a crew for local band Cueshe. “Hilig ko rin talaga nung elementary hanggang high school ang magsulat ng mga rap or kahit anong kanta. Minsan ‘pag nagbabasa ako nira-rap ko or ‘pag nagbibigay ng sulat sa nililigawan. Kaso tinigil ko, kailangan mag trabaho eh, pero sa musika pa rin ako dinala ng Sansinukob.”
The 29-year-old artist confessed that his approach to the rap game was inspired by his friend and collaborator, Raymund Marasigan (Eraserheads/Sandwich). He eventually found his own voice and started to sing about his personal struggles and finding his place in the world. He derides authority and preaches about individualism and anti-oppression, even social issues that some are too afraid to tackle. For those who grew up constantly victimized by a government that swore to protect us, it doesn’t take much to join the political. Every gig he plays, he allows his hurt and fear spill over easy-to-digest beats largely provided by Raymund Marasigan and backed on stage by his manager, Jigger Divina. No restraint, no fear, just an artist who values cutting straight to the point.
“Bago ko pa gawin ‘to sinabi ko na kay Kuya Rayms (Marasigan) noon na pansarili ko lang sana ‘tong mga nagawa kong sulat. Pero trinabaho na namin, kailangan ko nang panindigan. Kung ano man kalalabasan nito ipagapapasalamat ko na lang sa Sansinukob. Sabay lang sa agos at mag enjoy sa talentong meron tayo.” Marasigan directed the “Kapit Sa Patalim” official music video.
As a musician, Bente Dos deliberately uses his platform to communicate to his listeners, “Itutuloy ko lang muna kung anong nasimulan sa ngayon. Abangan niyo din sana yong mga susunod pa naming proyekto at pag huhusayan kupa ng husto ang paglikha ng awitin para sa inyo.”
Bente Dos is also set to drop his follow-up single “Teka Teka Teka” in the coming months. “Lumalakas ang hiphop sa atin ngayon gawa ng fliptop, bahay katay, sunugan atbp. Marami ding magagaling na batang MC ngayon. ‘Di rin nawawala ang mga dance contest sobrang daming hip-hop sa dance contest lalo na sa mga barangay. Kaya salamat sa mga nagtataguyod ng hip-hop sa iba’t ibang lugar loob o labas man ng bansa. Masaya ako sa pagiging saksing buhay para sa kultura ng hiphop sa Pinas” he added.
When asked who “Teka Teka Teka” was written for, he said, “para sa mga lalaking palaging nag aalangan pag ipapakilala na sa magulang o pamilya ng kaniyang minamahal,na baka di siya magustuhan kaya palaging kinakabahan.para sa mga lalaking matatapang pero mahina ang loob.” His label Locked Down Entertainment has something brewing for Bente Dos and soon to be released song.
Through his every performance, whether it’s a small gig or opening for the main act, it has become more and more evident that he’s a critical soul-searcher. For someone who’s just starting his career, Bente Dos raps like he’s unafraid of anything. He writes for those who couldn’t speak up. And speaks for everyone who cannot step up. There’s no hotline for the grinding cycle of despair. Instead, Bente Dos comes out with off-hand solutions and a point to prove.
“Kapit Sa Patalim” can be heard on Wave 89.1, Star FM, and MOR, and is digitally available on Spotify and Apple Music. You may also catch the official music video on MYX.
For more information, follow Bentes Dos on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Bentedos.22official/
Kapit sa Patalim (Spotify) – https://open.spotify.com/track/3toPBC0SyfPPbcq3lTmZkZ?si=DZGYEe76RemiVLItpIwqJg
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