Al James
The Complex Council best represents what Complex Philippines stands for—the culmination of youth culture in the Philippines. Whether in music, fashion, or sports, the Council commands respect, influences many, and lets their work speak for itself.
Claim to fame: Mesmerizing flows, hype man, “patience is a virtue”
Al James is the definition of quality over quantity. He has dropped seven singles over the past seven years, and while the lull drives his fanbase crazy, they can’t argue with the results.
From Pahinga to PSG, James’ deep-rumbling vocals paired with hypnotic beats capture the ideal Mood for late-night drives and chill drinks with the crew. With every long-anticipated but surefire hit, Al James teaches us that good things come to those who wait.
“You just have to stay inspired and motivated, then work hard para ma-pursue mo yung gusto mong passion.”
What’s been the biggest shock to you in terms of how music has grown in the Philippines?
Yung reach ng local hip-hop and rap, generally Tagalog. Mas tanggap na siya ng karamihan. Yung appreciation ng tao sa kanya, mas malaki na.
Before kasi kung ano lang yung nasa mainstream media like TV and radio, dapat pop siya eh. Pero ngayon, I think mas relevant, mas nakaka-connect yung mga tao. Nasa TikTok na and mas gusto nilang binibigkas out loud yung mga expression ng lyrics.
What makes the music community in the Philippines unique?
Yung events. Kasi Filipinos, different tayo from other countries when it comes to celebrating things. Tignan niyo na lang yung pasko na’tin.
Iba yung excitement ng fans and community, and may kanya-kanya silang style that’s connected to their music. And lately, hindi na closed off [ang style] sa isang genre. Dati kasi pag sinabi mong hip-hop, maluwag lang yung clothes, ngayon may sari-sarili nang looks.
Why do you think Filipinos have such an interest in hip-hop, especially in the last few years?
I think isang malaking reason is yung internet na talaga. Social media. Naging part na siya ng daily routine kaya ganon na ka-interested ang mga Filipinos.
Isang reason din siguro yung daily struggles. Hindi madali [ang buhay], diba? So eto yung escape nila from reality, from the daily hard work.
How does music help define the Filipino identity outside of just music?
Ma-dedefine mo ang music from a person’s perspective sa fashion. Makikita mo yung creativity kung paano nagawa yung look.
Sabihin ng iba, it’s not about money every time, like sa mga ukay, which has its own culture. Meron din argument na you have to spend a lot sa pananamit mo. So it's about Filipinos finding different ways to express themselves.
Would you have done anything differently if you knew how big the local hip-hop and rap scene was going to be?
Siguro yung gagawin ko lang differently five years ago was to be more all in with my craft.
To be honest, before, medyo malabo yung life in arts and music. Alam niyo na yung mga comments ng unang generation “Walang future diyan, unless kakilala mo yung mga tamang connections.”
Pero now, ang lakas ng independent scene, syempre dahil sa internet. Iba na yung movement now. As early as 14, 15 years old, kaya na nila mag-start. Before parang suntok sa buwan, alam mo yun?
Start palang ulit ng Golden Age [of local hip-hop and rap scene] kasi andiyan na yung platform. You just have to stay inspired, motivated, and work hard para ma-pursue mo yung gusto mong passion.
Fill in the blanks for us: Youth culture in the Philippines is defined by ____ and kept alive by ____.
Youth culture in the Philippines is defined by our creativity and how we dress and sound, kept alive by the love for the culture. Pag binitawan mo kasi [ang love for culture], pag masyado ka nang naging technical, like, when you think about money, medyo nawawala na talaga yung creativity.
Here's another: It’s about time Complex arrived in the Philippines because ____.
It’s about time Complex arrived in the Philippines because there’s a lot to see in the Flipino culture, music, and fashion. Filipinos deserve time in the spotlight.
The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Credits
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Photography Erwin Canlas
Art Direction Alexandra Lara
Art Alexandra Lara and James Francisco
Makeup Aica Latay
Hair Angel Marinas
Styling Consultant Janna Silao assisted by Salvador Silao
Story Gelo Lasin
Production Design Luis Pelo
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