BLKD

BLKD (pronounced "Bulked") is a sharp-tongued Filipino rapper and activist known for blending socially conscious lyricism with hard-hitting hip-hop beats. Emerging from Manila's underground scene, he's become a respected voice in Pinoy hip-hop for tracks like "Gatilyo" (Trigger) that tackle systemic inequality and political corruption with unflinching clarity. A University of the Philippines alumnus, he frequently references academic concepts and revolutionary history in his bars, earning him a reputation as rap's "street professor."

Part of the Uprising Records collective, BLKD's music often doubles as protest art, with recent releases like "LABAN, UP!" celebrating student activism and the Mocksmile remix of "Maghimagsik" (Rebel) showing his versatility in collaborative spaces. His raw, lyrically dense style – delivered in both Tagalog and English – has made him a bridge between underground purists and mainstream Pinoy hip-hop fans. While keeping a relatively low public profile, his tracks remain rallying cries for Filipino youth navigating political turbulence.