Interview with Rocky G: Filipinos in Space
For as long as I’ve known Rocky G, we’ve never actually sat down to talk one-on-one about music. In 2018, I wrote an artist profile that outlined Rocky’s path in music, film, and organizing, and how his art would be impacted by Ethnic Studies. As we discussed his 2020 album, Filipinos in Space, Rocky G shared the stories behind decisions that pushed him to pursue musicianship, how Ethnic Studies still influences his message, and the importance of his relationships with the local community. Today marks the one-year anniversary of Filipinos in Space and I couldn’t think of a better day to drop this interview. Rocky offers us a glimpse into the foundation of trust and creativity that he shares with Nuglife, and how it adds to the weight of their joint album, Filipinos in Space. As a listener, the album feels whole and comprehensive, and the sound has its own identity, which can be attributed to their working and creative relationship as not only rapper and producer— but two tight-knit musicians sharing space and navigating life together.
My curiosities for this interview revolved around the making of certain tracks, familiar sounds, and creative decisions that really made the songs shine. Rocky gives us insight to how Kero One’s “Love in All the Wrong Places” influenced “The Odyssey;” how Joe Bataan blessed “YGB;” the cadence and making of “Be a Rapper” with Ruby Ibarra; choosing to close the album on “Golden Hour,” and of course me personally stressin Rocky on how long it took to drop “Dog Eater.” We also talked about Rocky’s hand in editing and making of the Balikbayans documentary, 7000 Miles: Homecoming, lessons to learn in music business, and so, so much more.
For the first time, Hip Hop x Asian America is releasing the interview as audio—podcast style— instead of the written word. While I usually prefer to write, dissect, and emphasize certain points, this interview with Rocky is packed with heart, stories, and genuine love for the craft, the journey, and the community—from beginning to end. So instead of keeping the audio to myself, I invite readers to listen in on this conversation with Rocky G:
This interview with Rocky G is now available on Spotify and Red Circle.
This will also become available soon on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Radio Public.
Today marks the one year anniversary of the album, Filipinos in Space.
Stream the album on Spotify, or purchase on Bandcamp to support.
Hella Recommended
Documentary Trailer: 7000 Miles: Homecoming (2020). Directed by Evelyn Obamos, this documentary chronicles the Bay Area’s own hip hop star Ruby Ibarra and her band, the Balikbayans, as they take a trip back to the Philippines. Ruby Ibarra is a Filipino American rapper, music producer, and spoken word artist from San Lorenzo, California. She raps in Tagalog, Waray, and English. This film premiered at CAAMFest FORWARD on October 14th, 2020.
Nuglife - The Beat Dispensary 2 (2021) on Spotify