San Beda University

Manila

Content Analysis of Shanti Dope’s Selected Songs Towards His View of

Reality Using Karl Marx’s Marxism Theory

A Research Paper Presented to the

Faculty of Integrated Basic Education Department
Senior High School
San Beda University
City of Manila

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Subject,

Practical Research 1 (Qualitative Research)

Presented by:
ALCANTARA, Alyssa Angeline A.
HARIS, Abrar B.
PAKINUGUN, Sitie Nhesrhen S.
STA. MARIA, Angelo Airam F.
RAMOS, Umi Zyrus Elijah

Presented to:
CLEOFAS, Vera Angela

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March 6, 2019
Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

One of the greatest influences on human consciousness is music.

As stated by Martin (2016) in the context of Filipino music, the music of the

variety has become the scene for different social sentiment, and it has

become a vehicle of spirituality, patriotism, and nationalism. It takes power

to make music, for it to shape the human mind.

Hip-Hop is undeniably known worldwide, leaving great impact on

global, international, intercontinental and universal scale. Hip-Hop is indeed

the most popular music genre to date. During the 15th to 16th century in

Britain, nobody would have guessed that rap would eventually yield to strike

(Mize 2014). Around 1960s, when rap began to be used in the black

community, it meant to be a slang word meaning someone is talking or

having a conversation (Cole 2014).

Since then, Hip-Hop (Rap especially), eventually made history; with

DJ Kool Herc being the first DJ and founding father of Hip-Hop. He was the

pioneer of Rap, and the one who ignited the beginning of a new culture now

known as Hip-Hop.

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Furthermore, Hip-Hop rapidly grew into the most listened to music

genre in its earlier years, with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s “Tha Crossroads”

and The Sugarhill Gang's 1979 song "Rapper's Delight" as perfect

examples of great Hip-Hop records which gained widespread popularity in

the mainstream. The foundation and style of Rap music were of humble

beginnings, and was focused on bringing families united together, inspiring

each other’s spirits in times of heartache and suffering (Cole 2014).

In accordance to Mervis’ (2004) statement, the golden age of Hip-

Hop transpires to be during the years of 1980s and 1990s. Rap artists back

then were characterized by their diversity, quality, innovation and influence.

Moreover, there were strong themes of Afrocentricity and Political militancy,

while the music still in working progress, particularly in terms of

experimental and the sampling eclectic.

On the other hand, the rise of Modern Filipino Hip-Hop is constantly

making progress, and is consistently making noise among young Filipinos.

This proves that Hip-Hop is not dead in the Philippines and the future of

Filipino hip-hop has arrived. Notable hope brought about by Filipino rapper

Sean Patrick Ramos (Shanti Dope) continues to bring a new touch of spark

to the music industry. His presence in media, with songs evident to be heard

in all streets of the country, ignites the burning flame within his countrymen

as he brings with him the new generation of Filipino Hip-Hop.

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Shanti Dope’s works that contain common themes of poverty, power

and class struggle, helps expand its listeners’ visions of reality of different

societal issues. According to Davey (1999) Rap itself, the rhymes spoken

over Hip-Hop music, began as a commentary on the ability or skills. The

Filipino music context, as described by Labrador (2015), is the foundation

of the reality happening in our society. To him, music is the common means

of communication significant to nationalism and patriotism of Filipinos.

Growing up in the Philippines’ local streets and experiencing first-

hand the harsh realities of the world, inspired him to be the artist he is today.

As observed in the lyrics of his songs, Shanti Dope has always been

observant about his surroundings. He expresses his thoughts about society,

keeping his intellectual quotient vexed. Sociopolitical issues are prevalent

in the rising star’s works, thus, earning him avid listeners who take interest

in the same problems.

His top hit Nadarang speaks about the temptations in life and

love while one of his top grossing song mainly “Shantidope”, “T.H”

(Tokhang) and Norem tackles about sociopolitical issues and nationalism.

The young artist, only at the age of 17, made Filipinos witness his

remarkable fire verses and mean bars. In an inclusive interview with Insight

Music Record Label, the rapper mentioned how there were still people who

continued to question his message because they thought he was ‘too

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young’, claiming that he did not know what he was talking about. However,

many believed that at the age of 17, Shanti Dope was only on his way to

prove what he is capable of.

At present, it is noteworthy that the growth of the songs discussing

the socio-political themes such as various social disorders, and the state of

the country and the citizens, is rapidly gaining public attention. It is

undeniable that these are the themes of modern Filipino hip-hop and rap,

that which are often enjoyed by younger generations Fayoyin (2017). He

stated that the lyrics from the songs range from the entertaining to the

satirical and from defiance of oppression to hope for the future. With this, it

is safe to say that the thought of image and messages of Shanti Dope’s lyric

content is inclined with Marxism. Hence, Fayoyin (2017) concludes that

music is strong in disseminating information in social development but

ineffective in influencing collective behavior on structural inequalities and

the root causes of underdevelopment.

In the final analysis, the researchers aim to highlight lyrics, images

and messages of selected songs of Shanti Dope, that tackles class struggle

and power—and to justify the essence of the study related to rap’s influence

and lyrics’ significance to human experience, while using Marxist lens as

guide to interpreting hidden meanings. In addition using the framework of

symbolic interactionism and the concept of meaning, For instance hip-hop

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themes will be discussed as represented in Shanti Dope’s rap genre

authenticity to its audience.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This research aims to analyze and conceptualize on Shanti Dope’s

selected songs, and see how they are relevant to today’s socio-polotical

issues, using Marxist theory. The researchers deem it important to identify

the reason and circumstances that inspire Shanti Dope to write his songs;

and how class struggle is evident in his selection of work.

Henceforth, this research aims to answer the following questions:

1. What themes and social issues are evident in Shanti Dope’s

works?

2. How is power observed in Shanti Dope’s selected songs?

3. How do symbolisms help in portraying a deeper meaning to Shanti

Dope’s songs (works)?

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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This conceptual framework encompasses the research input which

includes the research profile, the method of information acquisition and the

intended outcome of the study. Using qualitative thematic analysis the

researchers aim to give meanings and understanding using Marxist

approach to justify interpretations.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

This study aims to Investigating line by line the Content Analysis of

thoroughly analyze Shanti lyrics content of Shanti Shanti Dope's Selected

Dope’s work. In order to Dope’s selected songs Songs towards His View

maximize data, books and using the theory of Marxism of Reality using Karl

previous research regarding in relevance to power and Marx’s Marxism Theory.

Marxism will be used to class struggle. Using online

identify the socio-political music platforms to gather

themes present in his lyrics. data as we interpret his

songs.

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SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Venturing the world of rap artists (particularly in the modern Philippine

industry), the researches aim to unravel the underlying meaning that

mainstream Hip-Hop Filipino artist, Shanti Dope, bring to the public. Said

artist’s works are heard by Filipinos through radios, television, and is

sometimes recommended by friends and/or acquaintances— basically,

listeners have easier access to his works.

Henceforth, the data of this research adheres to the needs and

interest of the following:

Students and adolescents. The findings of this research will be

beneficial for students as they will have an in depth understanding of today’s

music. This would also benefit adolescents to realize what actually goes on

in the society. Whatever conclusions this study ends up with, it would help

open the eyes of the youth that Hip-Hop and Rap, is so much more than

beats and sound— for music artists tell a story.

Hip-Hop enthusiasts. This research adheres to the interest of

people following Rap artists. It would either introduce them to Shanti Dope’s

music, taking in to consideration if they were not a fan in the first place; or

give them a deeper or a different perspective on the artist’s works.

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People who are generally interested in music. May it be a fellow

Hip-Hop artist or fan; or a classical musician, this research will provide

insightful findings that will help its readers understand how Hip-Hop

influences people. Music, whatever genre it may be, brings people

together— thus, this research helps in strengthening this bond for it will

showcase how an artist’s heart and thoughts seep through their lyrics.

People in the music industry. Shanti Dope’s music is considered

mainstream as his works are experienced and listened to by a majority of

Filipinos. The results of this study will help people involved in the music

industry, discover what the public wants, or what the people take interest in.

This research can make them produce better music that would adhere to

the thirst for good music of listeners.

Aspiring Rappers. The results of this study will be beneficial for new

generation rappers as this will serve as their guide to balance expectation

with reality exposing them to build a foundation and content inspiration for

their passion. Of course rap is not just about being expressive on it, Rap

instead is simply educating yourself.

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SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS

This study will focus on the Marxist analysis of the top three (3) hits

songs of Shanti Dope. The research also encompasses of the socially

relevant and socio-political issues inclined in Shanti Dope’s songs towards

his view of reality, using Marxism as a theory to analyze the selected works.

Moreover, using inductive thematic approach, we are to employ a

relatively balance level of interpretation through content analysis. The

researchers aim to analyze Shanti Dope’s perspective portrayed in his

songs, and how socio-political issues and class struggle are evident in

them.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Hip-hop - style of pop music of US Black ang hispanic region featuring rap

with an electronic backing.

Class Struggle - (In Marxist ideology) the conflict of interest between

workers and the ruling class in a capitalist society, regarded inevitably

violent.

Power - the capacity to direct/influence the bahavior of others or the course

of events.

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Marxism - a method of socio-economic analysis that views class-relations

and social conflict.

Socio-political issues – combining social and political factors.

Afrocentricity – is a paradigm based on the idea that African should re

assert a sense of agency in order to achieve sanity (Asante, 2009).

Political Militancy – having a combative character; fighting and warning.

Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter comprises related studies that will help its readers

further understand the topic that is presented by the researches of this

paper.

Significance of Hip-Hop and Rap Music

Music, no matter its genre, is known to be a universal language. It

has an uncanny ability to provoke, despite its myriad forms across

continents and throughout centuries, the sense of shared human

experience (Higgins, 2012). Through the course of the years, hip-hop,

somewhat a culture formed to uplift a marginalized group, has evolved into

something much greater— a genre that created communities, formed

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bonds, and made dreaming possible for hopeless people. Hip-Hop is now

a culture, a way of life. Its rap artists who speak for themselves and the

people, tend to create a voice for the voiceless.

Today’s generation is heavily influenced by rap music, and it is no

surprise that hip-hop has influenced and raised awareness to numerous

issues in the society. Hip-Hop speaks up for different generations as it

provides a voice to the people who are facing class struggle, and helps the

marginalized deliver a message.

Consequently, Mohammed-Akinyela (2015), explained that within

rap music, explained that three popular genres have emerged: gangsta rap,

party rap and conscious rap music. Due to conscious rap music’s “overtly

political” content, this study presumed the genre to speak more towards the

experience of African Americans and minorities living in marginalized

sectors of American society. It was this presumption, that African Americans

used the genre as a tool to express themselves, which led to the

investigation of conscious rap music. The study proved to be significant in

that many of the conscious rap artists suggested their music to be a

reflection of their life and lived experiences. All of the participants are

African American or identify as a subset of their culture and therefore have

a shared experience. The inspiration and content of conscious rap music

details the reality of the rappers’ lives, and provides a level of authenticity

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that seeks understanding of a collective experience and at times offers a

solution to oppressive conditions.

The need for African Americans to utilize hip-hop as a way to speak

themselves and showcase their struggles, suggests that despite the

accomplishments of previous movements, the lives of African Americans

and minorities remain in need of political and social change. In order to

express this need for change, current rap artists have embraced the

medium of conscious rap music to understand situations affecting them

individually as well as affecting the larger African American and minority

communities.

The study provided above shows that African American rap artists

share the same experiences of being oppressed or the feeling of

maltreatment. Their music, the lyrics they write, are reflections of their life.

At the same time, with the work they put out to the public, they bring

awareness to society as they fight against oppression with the usage of hip-

hop. Shanti Dope’s view of reality relating to class struggle and oppression,

is a prime example of Hip-Hop artists utilizing their medium to further spread

knowledge and awareness about problems arising in today’s society.

Moreover, Land and Stovall (2009) suggested that Hip-Hop can be

described as a way for the oppressed to “resist and challenge the social

ideologies that caused and maintained their subordinate position” (as cited

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in Criswell, 2015). Socio-political issues and class struggle, a topic that is

considered taboo and is spoken about cautiously, can be put into surface

through music and Hip-Hop. In Philippine, the 16 year old artist Shanti

Dope, speaks about such topics while he gives a new perspective as part

of the Generation Z. As a mainstream hip-hop artist, he is given a bigger

platform to reach an audience. With a louder voice and greater influence,

Shanti Dope seizes this opportunity to talk about inequality, political

messages and protest. Such themes are not deviant from what is usually

talked about by Hip-Hop artists, however; Criswell (2015) established six

major themes evident in the most Hip-Hop artists’ lyrics. These include:

hardships, encouragement, social theory, inequalities, political messages

and social protest.

Rap Industry in the Philippines

Music has become a recreational activity for many people and the

Filipinos are known for being a music lover. Before hip-hop or rap gained

commercial success, the songs of both genres focused on the community

and the lives of the artists. Many rappers in the 70s and beyond discussed

the perils of being black, poor and dealing with white control and power

(Zichermann, 2013). In relation to socio-cultural themes before, most

rappers of the 20th century focused their song compositions on the most

relevant themes that discussed class struggles, war on drugs and the

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importance of power in a society. These themes are considered to be too

sensitive for some youth’s but, it would help and inspire them to be

constantly aware of the socio-political issues. Besides, these common

themes enlightens our modern society to different phenomena occurring

around. In addition this is because rap came as a result of the elongated

measure of exposure to slavery, segregation and prejudice.

Furthermore, according to the study done by Demetrio (2013), he

analyzed Aristotle’s thirteen songs using Roland Barthes’ Semiology.

Featuring social criticism of the rapper and the contradictions concealed by

the socio-political theme of his songs.

Demetrio’s paper also proved Pollisco’s outstanding contribution to

rap industry in the Philippines. Furthermore, De Veyra and Sabayton (2012)

claimed that Gloc-9’s intelligence in the formulation and speed of telling his

lyrics is notable. Pollisco also has great contribution in terms of songs

related to patriotic and socio-political themes. Meanwhile, Filipinos back

then really enjoyed Gloc-9’s music clearly because of its patriotic and

inspiring themed type of songs.

Moreover, Demetrio also discovers the same study that his examined

songs by Gloc-9 have five prominent and more specific topics related to

people and socio-politics: corruption and politics, patriotism, poverty, crime

and chaos, and homophobia. Hence, Demetrio’s paper gave emphasize to

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hidden images and messages of Gloc-9 that is similarly patterned to

interpreting Shanti Dope’s lyrics using Marxist as the researcher’s

approach.

One of Shanti Dope’s greatest inspirations is Gloc–9. Currently Gloc

– 9 has been a collaborator for the song “Shantidope”, which deals with the

reality in the perspective of Shanti Dope discussing his exposure to the real

world or he considers as our modern society. Finally, Gloc–9 as Shanti

Dope’s guide in rap industry discusses similar pattern which are deeper

concepts to be lessons like Demetrio’s study of intrusive contradictions with

Gloc– 9’s idols.

Music and Marxism

Moreover, Abel (2016) critique was the heart of any application of

Marxist theory, and that therefore Marxism musicology must be critical.

Acharya (2016) stated that the meaning in music as it is revealed in modern

Hip-hop has been completely modified into a genre that serve its purpose

to influence in different purpose in terms of voicing the political, social, and

cultural struggles which is present in Shanti Dope’s local music. Besides,

Shanti Dope self-titled song featuring Gloc-9 has obvious approval of a

passing of the torch from one great rapper to the next big name in the

industry with 21 million views on Youtube and 20 million views and streams

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after seven months on Spotify as per Chagas (2018), WhenInManila author

and Phil Star News (2018).

In addition, the most obvious and most common way in the history of

Marxist approaches is involvement of music in various forms of delivering

of lyrics which ease the judgments could be made on the basis of the

political values expressed in the lyrics that has similar structure at present

in Shanti Dope’s theme in hidden in his songs.

Likewise, Scott (2009) claimed that early 20th century was the era of

insulting politician to call himself a “Socialist”. Moreover, the original state

hip hop that originated from the west was against the dominant ideology of

the society (Lerebours, 2017). Evidently as the rap industry in the

Philippines grows the commercialization of rap is largely responsible for

widespread of hip-hop with rap has increased as the genre’s political

content withered.

However, in Shanti Dope’s lyric content he critiques about his

context has “shallow meanings” to be interpreted. The rapper himself

mentioned that he has always been keen about his surroundings, every time

he sense something wrong he felt like he cannot accept it. Instead, Shanti

Dope then expresses it through his songs writing lyrics about society.

Furthermore, according to Lerebours (2017) as we engage in capitalism and

the dominant means of production, hip-hop’s content has come to reflect

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the dominance of ideology rather than proposing radical change or

revolution in the West.

In an interview again in Philippine Daily Inquirer news, Shanti Dope

is aware that his music has raised “eyebrows” meaning he believes there

are many people who doubts about his capability. The young star believes

that he doesn’t have to sympathize his self to others besides, he accepts

critics because it’s their own opinion and Shanti Dope doesn’t mind

spending his time arguing with them as per Philippine Daily Inquirer Net

interview (2018).

Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY
This chapter comprises of the different methods and techniques to be

used in conducting the research. Chapter three presents the research type,

research method, research design, data collection and ethical

considerations to be utilized and observed in this paper.

Research Type

In the final analysis, for the researchers to conceptualize on a

concrete conclusion, a descriptive with qualitative approach is to be utilized.

A qualitative research is used to explore a phenomenon and add rich detail

and nuance that illustrates or documents existing knowledge (Ospina,

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2003). The materials will be the selected songs of Shanti Dope, analyzing

its lyrics and lyrical themes. Finally, the researchers also used books and

other resources as guides and references to collect and analyze data.

Library Research, a way used by the researchers to gather material,

according to George (2008), is an investigation you control from the

beginning to ending. In addition, it is a form of a structured inquiry with

specific tools, rules and techniques.

Research Design

There is no doubt that the study of music and lyrics becomes another

way of approach in understanding the discipline of a society (Criswell,

2012). To further elaborate, Akom (2009) supports that Hip-hop serves as

a vehicle for people to voice out how ‘miseducated’ today’s society has

become. In accordance to this, the researchers will be analyzing common

Marxist patterns and themes inclined with Shanti Dope’s lyrical content by

understanding the meaning and message involved within Shanti Dope’s

songs. Using the concepts of Marxism, the researchers will be able to show

how the datas gathered tackles socio-political issues that is evident on the

songs of Shanti Dope.

Using thematic analysis, the researchers aims to argue an

accessible and theoretically-flexible approach in analyzing qualitative data.

Moreover, according to Braun (2006) thematic analysis focuses in locating

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relations to other qualitative methods that seek understanding for common

themes and patterns. Additionally, the researchers will have the flexibility in

conducting and deliberating analysis in a rigorous way.

Furthermore, the researchers intend to discuss Shanti Dope’s

selected songs that reflects common themes inclined with the Marxist

Theory through an inductive thematic approach. Through these (3) songs,

the researchers are to imply unbiased criticism providing insights and

understanding to its themes which are; class conflict/struggle and power.

Marxist approaches to power focus on its relation to class domination in

capitalist societies. Power is linked to class relations in economics, politics,

and ideology. Marx's emphasis on class conflict as constituting the

dynamics of social change, his awareness that change was not random but

the outcome of a conflict of interests, and his view of social relations as

based on power were contributions of the first magnitude (Rummel, n.d).

Data Collection

Data collection methods are the way of collecting data used in this

research. There were some data collection methods or steps employed to

collect data used in this research. In this study, the researchers used

qualitative approach in which the data were in the form of utterances.

Steps of collecting the data in this study were as follows:

1. Browsing Shanti Dope’s songs (through Spotify and Youtube).

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2. Collecting Shanti Dope’s songs.

Collecting data here is a method to collect the data that analyzed by

the researcher. The researchers collects the data taken from Shanti

Dope’s songs. There are 14 songs gathered within Shanti Dope’s 2

albums.

3. Selecting Shanti Dope’s songs.

The selected songs of Shanti Dope are those inclined with the

Marxist approach discussing the following; Class Struggle and

Power that has relation to societal issues mentioned in Shanti Dope’s

selected songs. Given, the researchers chooses 3 songs from Shanti

Dope that has common themes about Marxism.

4. Reading and Understanding the lyrics.

In this step, the researchers did not only read/ listen to the lyrics for

once. Instead, for the purpose of understanding deeply about the

lyric of the songs.

5. Identifying which Marxist Approach are applied per line of the lyrics.

6. Noting down the data and classifying them.

The researchers classified the data based on their analysis of Marxist

Common themes and patterns.

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Ethical Considerations

The research process consists of various elements. The

researchers have considered a lot of facts, figures and elements. Firstly, the

group realized that it is vital to use legitimate sources; sources in which the

facts are from actual news or data or backed by people directly connected

to the data. These sources are Spotify and Youtube. The researchers also

used the original lyrics and not the made up ones. Also, the music, music

videos, and the other resources that the group has used are from its

legitimate sources.

Chapter 4

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

The fourth chapter lays out the data gathered by the researchers,

and how they are interpreted and analyzed. This chapter discusses the

research’s corpora, all while explaining its indication and meaning.

Economic Power

From “Shantidope” by Shanti Dope ft. Gloc-9:

Andami dami daming maiingay do’n sa amin

O kay tagal ko na nag-iikot para hanapin

Kung sinong sumusulat at humihingang malalim

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At 'di hilaw ang kanin kapag siya ang nagsasaing.

The researchers claim that the driving force behind human history is

its economic systems, for people’s lives are measured by their economic

circumstances. In addition, Karl Marx stated that a society is shaped by

forces of production meaning the economic conditions underlying the

society are called material circumstances.

Furthermore, the lyrics above represents the division of bourgeoisie

and proletariat in the society depicted in the content. Also, Shanti Dope

explains in this lyrics what place he grew up wherein He represents the lyric

“andami dami daming maiingay dun sa amin” as a symbol for chaotic place.

In addition, Shanti Dope mentioned in the lyrics “Kung sinong

sumusulat at humihingang malalim At ‘di hilaw ang kanin kapag siya ang

nagsasaing” as a symbol for His struggle as a dreamer and despite of those

circumstances Shanti Dope still strives hard to reach his goals as illustrated

in the lyrics.

From “Shantidope” by Shanti Dope ft. Gloc-9:

Gandang umaga haring araw,

Tulala sa kaning bahaw,

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Pang-amoy na nabusog sa lumalapang alingasaw ng kalyeng

kairitang halayang ininit lang,

Tiis lang ang lasa parang minumog na sinigang

In these lyrics, we are given a clear picture of a society that has

unequal distributed goods or even the means to achieve them. Besides,

Shanti Dopes depiction in this lyrics was a powerless situation with no way

to approach a comfortable lifestyle in terms of their daily needs. But, despite

of the situation in Shanti Dope’s lyrics. He still look at the positive side of his

life in deeper understanding of Marxism the proletariats have nothing to lose

but their chain and Karl Marx mentioned proletariats still have a world to

win.

From “Norem” by Gloc-9 ft. Shanti Dope, Jkris & Abaddon:

Bakal ka ba na dala na katulad nila sinubukang lumaban

Wag nyo akong tutularan sa?

Ang kanyang pangalan,

May dugo na namang bumaha sa daan na kailangang punasan

The lyrics represents the power for instance; ‘may bakal ka ba na

dala na katulad nila sinubukang lumaban’ wherein it represents the police

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action against war on drug and some of the drug user/pusher needs to fight

back to provide fot the needs of their family. ‘Wag nyo akong tutularan sa?

Ang kanyang pangalan, may dugo na namang bumaha sa daan na

kailangang punasan’, we can visualize in this line that the drug way turned

out to be bloody and the saddest thing about it is it’s legally implemented

but most of the police abused their given power by the current

administration. In addition, there are plenty number of the drug suspects

who were killed by the vigilante— they are unrecognized but there are

rumors that they are paid by the current administration, remained but they

can’t have justice bacause people with power said that it is “legally”

implemented.

From “Norem” by Gloc-9 ft. Shanti Dope, Jkris & Abaddon:

Sistemang mapanlamon ang dami kong inihain

Handa kong mamatay dahil may dapat na buhayin

Pamilyang umaasang matulungan sila

Buo kong nilunok ang kaba kahit maputol ang paghinga

The lyrics represented the issues and conflicts between the doings in
his lifestyle and his family. Shanti Dope emphasizes in these lyrics that hard
work pays off, however, its outcome remains unpredictable if one commits
something illegal and/or that goes against the laws. Economic power is

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shown, and is depicted through these lyrics for it indicates the struggles the
less fortunate people go through on a daily basis.

Class Conflict

From “Shantidope” by Shanti Dope ft. Gloc-9:

Pasok sa paaralan, ganon pa din pag-uwi

Dakilang tagahiwalay ng dekolor sa puti

Poso na nagturo sa'king pa'no humingang malalim

Lumaki na gutom lamang ang 'di kayang kalabanin

The Marxists are aware that the working class does not always

recognize the system. For instance, Shanti Dope illustrated in this lyrics that

no matter how hard work the lower class does they are still overpowered by

the dominant class. This portrays the social inequality between the higher

and lower class depicted in “Pasok sa paaralan, ganon pa din pag-uwi

Dakilang tagahiwalay ng dekolor sa puti” dekolor or colored represented as

the dominant class symbolizing they are always the highlight or above the

society and puti or white representing the idea of colorless (in deeper

understanding powerless).

From “Shantidope” by Shanti Dope ft. Gloc-9:

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Bibihira kung dalawin ng grasya't sariwang hangin

Sa dami ng bukambibig kung nakakulong lang sa silid

Mikropono lang pala ang kailangan upang ako'y madinig.

In an inclusive interview of Shanti Dope in ABS CBN’s Tonight with

Boy Abunda (2018) the young star explained this lyrics saying, this lyrics

pictures out that Shanti Dope grew up to crowded and chaotic place.

Moreover, Shanti Dope said that he was exposed to the reality that not all

has the privilege to sustain a pleasant life. In short, there are division

between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. The division grows more

apparent and unbridgeable creating class struggle.

Once again, despite of negativity Shanti Dope still manages to add

motivational thoughts in the lyrics saying mikropono lang pala ang kailangan

upang ako’y madinig meaning He still believes of the process and continues

to pursue his dreams lastly he realized that the instrument he just needs are

his criticisms to voice out the inequality of our society.

In addition, bihira kung dalawin ng grasya’t sariwang hangin meaning

there is an evident class conflict or unbalance status between the two

classes. Proletariats struggles and Bourgeoisie remains at the top with

authority and power granted by the society. Socially significant to the

relationship of domination and subordination among people.

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From “Shantidope” by Shanti Dope ft. Gloc-9:

Pagkagaling sa eskwela, rekta palit kamiseta

Takas sa pagkakatengga sa parisukat kong planeta

The dominant class still takes over the power and controls the means

of authority compared to the proletariats. These lyrics portrays 2 symbols;

pagkagaling sa eskwela rekta palit kamiseta meaning the lower class

always follows the higher class of the society represented as dominate

authorities; second is takas sa pagkakatenga sa parisukat kong planeta,

parisukat or square in English meaning they are bounded by bourgeoisie

that results to class conflict.

From “Norem” by Gloc-9 ft. Shanti Dope, Jkris & Abaddon:

Handa kong mamatay dahil may dapat na buhayin

Pamilyang umaasang matulungan sila

Kailangang masigurado ko ang kinabukasan ng aking pamilya bago

humandusay

Pinugad ang kagipitan, salapi't kaibigan

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In this line, it describes how brutal poverty is, ‘handa na kong

mamatay dahil may dapat buhayin, Pamilyang umaasang matulungan sila’

drug pusher/user has to fight for their family , they need to sell drug in order

to provide their basic needs. ‘Kailangan masigurado ko ang kinabukasan

ng aking pamilya bago humandusay’ we can infer that the drug suspects

will do everything to provide for their family’s future and to protect them as

well, even if their life would be the exchange of their sacrifice. ‘Pinugad ang

kagipitan, salapit kaibigan’ poverty is one of the main reason why most of

them get into this business (kapit patalim), that can’t work because most of

them don’t have background in studies so they will find an easier way to

again, provide their family’s needs.

Class Struggle and Power

Class struggle and POWER

From T.H by Shanti Dope

Kita mo ba aking chapa sige sigaw pa ng mama sa langit kayo mag

chacha cha

In the lyrics, it shows that there is an inequality between those people

who are in power and those who are not. In the line “Kita mo ba aking chapa

sige sigaw pa ng mama sa langit kayo mag chacha cha” it is known that the

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word “chapa” means “badge” is referring to police officers (Morin et

al.,2017). While in the line”sige sigaw pa ng mama sa langit kayo mag

chacha cha” it shows that when you ask for help, people who will be involve

in the incident will also be affected or you’ll get killed by asking for mercy.

As stated by Advincula (2017), witness heard the kid pleading with his

abductors: “Tama na po. May test pa ako bukas.” It was a school test the

student would no longer be able to take, for a few moments later, gunshots

were heard. The body of the grade 11 student was found slumped on the

ground. The student was Kian Loyd delos Santos. By that being said, class

struggle and power is evident in this line.

ayokong sayangin lang ang aking laway kung ilegal na gamot

hinahanap nyo ay andito kayo sa maling bahay babye

In this line, it is stated that “niyo” refers to police officers because of the line

"kung ilegal na gamot hinahanap nyo ay andito kayo sa maling bahay

babye” and again, the song is related to and tackling the sociopolitical

issues that the Philippines is experiencing right now. One incident that

accurately represents real events that is related to the line in the lyrics is

when Paquito Mejos, a 52-year-old father was found dead and was

suspected that a shabu packet was found along with a handgun with him,

which paquito’s relative said he never had a gun and did not have shabu

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that day. (Human Rights Watch, 2017). Proletariats are usually the ones

who are being attacked by this kind of situation due to their lower rank or

class in the society (Kautsky, 1899). It means that most police officers here

in the Philippines judge people who use drugs base on their physical

appearance and their social class. (Weitzer & Tuch, 2015).

Mga alagad ng batas yung iba ako hindi ako’y vigilante sa maynila

As stated by Silke (2015) vigilantes often break the law in their efforts

to punish alleged wrong-doers, and sometimes their perceptions of what

constituents deviant behaviour is not shared by the legal system. In the line

“Mga alagad ng batas yung iba ako hindi ako’y vigilante sa maynila”, duterte

once said to the Philippine public, “If you know of any addicts, go ahead and

kill them yourself as getting their parents to do it would be too painful.” This

could cause criminal incitement and would lead to a lot of death. (Human

Rights Watch, 2017). It is stated in the lyrics that some killings are the

doings of police officers but some can be in the hands of the people. Only

the poor are dying. It is stated that many people were killed by paid

assassins operating with police backing or by police disguised as vigilantes

- a charge the police deny. (Mogato & Baldwin, 2017). This represents that

people with power use other people to exploit and gain for themselves.

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Chapter 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary

The motive of the researchers for conducting this research was to

answer one of the many problems of society; the problem of having shallow

understanding towards the lyrical content of mainstream rap artists. With

this reason in mind, the researchers’ main objective was to interpret and

analyze the selected songs of Shanti Dope using Marxism approach to

justify these lyrics to be meaningful for the society.

In addition, the Filipino community needs to start supporting local hip-

hop movement in the Philippines as the Rap Industry in the country

consistently makes progress creating noise among Filipino youth. The

Future of the Filipino hip-hop has arrived and continues to bring a new touch

of spark to the music industry.

Moreover, the researchers aim to prove Shanti Dope’s work that

contain common themes of power and class struggle using Qualitative

content analysis. With Shanti Dope’s selected songs; T.H or Tokhang that

discuss war on drugs; Norem about socio-political issues in the Philippines;

ShantiDope tackles about the common life experiences of the young star

growing up in the hood.

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Recommendations

Without doubt, local Filipino hip-hop artist should continue creating

meaningful lyrics and rap content to produce. It can be Mainstream or even

underground hip-hop as long as it contributes to the society. At the same

time, Filipinos also should support local artist as they rise step by step.

Moreover, lyrics such as related to socio-political issues are worth

supporting for exposing us to reality.

In addition, instead of pulling others down we should help each other

to rise up and to succeed. For the audience, they should develop a narrow

understanding of lyrics context that wherein they can apply it to real life

situations. Of course, rappers should also consider valid criticism or critique

to their songs because Music somehow can affect the way our society

thinks.

Lastly, the public should have the consciousness and awareness as

the audience of hip-hop. Audience should know their stand about particular

issues.

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