Manila, Philippines — While we were playing pogs and being good angels and mothers at chinese garter out on the streets at 7 years old, a young talent was already carving her way to the spotlight. Now, with a mic on hand, Alex Bruce is setting a whole new bar for young female artists in the rap genre. In a recent interview, she talked about her journey, the major setbacks along the way, and how she continues to adapt and grow in a rapidly changing industry.
A Passion for Hip-Hop
From a young age, Alex was captivated by hip-hop culture, not just its music but also its art, fashion, and dance. "Bata pa lang ako, I was very fascinated by hip-hop," she recalls, crediting her parents for her early interest at the genre. Her father was part of a band, and she grew up watching their performances. "Nanonood ako ng mga gigs nila," she reflects, indicating that her passion for performing was ignited in those formative years and had her thinking she wanted to try it out herself. "Parang, ang sarap sa feeling nun."
Challenging Gender Norms
As a female rapper in a predominantly male genre, Alex has encountered her share of challenges. "Wala akong finiface na challenges," she jokes, but quickly adds, "The biggest challenge I faced was not being taken seriously." Despite being just a kid having fun, she felt the need to prove her voice mattered, being able to start as early as 7 years old which, in itself, is no feat to be taken lightly with that amount of talent.
"Lagi ko lang pinapaalala sa sarili ko kung bakit ko sinimulan ‘to," she asserts. This unwavering passion has been her motivation, helping her navigate the complexities of the music industry for the little Alex years back.
Staying True to Her Roots
Growing up in an environment influenced by global hip-hop, Alex makes a conscious effort to infuse her Filipino roots into her music. "I like to add my own spice, my own flavors to my songs," she explains. "Minsan it's hard for me to write in Tagalog, pero ayun, baby steps." By mixing Tagalog and English, she embraces her heritage while appealing to a wider audience, that Filipino rap can be as appealing and as good as English rap. "Kapag nagpadala ako sa outside noise or sa pressure, masisira yun," she adds, wanting to keep it real despite all outside pressure.
Connections and Misconceptions
Alex also acknowledges the misconceptions about being a female artist in rap, particularly the idea that it’s an aggressive genre. "Gusto ko ibahin yung mindset na yun," she states, expressing her desire to showcase the genre's depth and versatility, that rap isn’t just all about sex, money, drugs, and opps. It can be empowering or enlightening too.
Building relationships with fellow artists like Illest Morena, Zae, and Demi has been instrumental in Alex's growth. "Ang dami na namin ngayon, literal na girlhood at its finest," she says, highlighting the importance of a supportive network especially a feminine environment in a male-dominated field. "Kapag nakita mo yung babae na nanalo, parang it's a win for everyone." When surrounded by like-minded individuals, she feels motivated to push boundaries and explore new artistic directions.
Experiments
In a rapidly evolving OPM scene, Alex embraces experimentation while staying true to her roots. "I like trying different styles," she shares, recognizing that her youth allows her the freedom to explore. "By experimenting, malalaman ko din kung ano yung sound na best mag-fifit sa ‘kin," she explains, illustrating her commitment to growth and adaptation in her artistry.
When asked about what she thinks of commercial success, Alex believes in balancing authenticity with market appeal. "Meron akong side A and side B," she explains, where her side A reflects her true feelings, while her side B caters to a broader audience and their likes. "If that doesn't work, then I can go back to me, to being me," she shares, indicating her strategy for navigating the music industry in a balance. This honesty by Alex shows how artists listen to their listeners as well and how the audience is part of the ecosystem of the industry.
Looking Ahead
With her sights set on the future, Alex is preparing to release a new single, the title yet to be announced. "It's gonna be out very, very soon so please stay tuned," she teases, hinting at the exciting projects on the horizon.
As for collaborations, she dreams of uniting all female artists in the Philippines for a powerful track. "Gusto ko magsama-sama kami lahat in one track, parang cypher," she exclaims, emphasizing the strength of collective female talent. Internationally, she expresses admiration for artists she’s been gatekeeping in her playlists like Erika Badu and the Marley brothers, inspired by their fearless approach to music. "Sila talaga, artist sila, hindi sila takot mag-experiment with sounds."
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Reflecting on her journey, Alex shares the best advice she has received: "Sabi nila sa ‘kin, kung gusto mo, gawin mo, and we're gonna be here to support you all the way." Her message to aspiring artists, particularly young women, is to "stay true to yourself, know your worth, protect your vision, and don't shrink yourself for anyone."
As Alex Bruce, now at just 18 years old, continues to adapt and thrive in the continuously booming OPM scene, her journey is not just inspiring—it's a testament to the power of passion to your craft, resilience to challenges that come your way, and a fierce female aura to embrace and keep. With her fresh energy and artistic authenticity, Alex is showing every young talent everywhere that they can break barriers regardless of their age and gender, and make their mark in the music industry. So whether you're a budding artist or just a fan, keep your eyes on this talented Filipina—she's just getting started, and the best is yet to come.
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