Stream 'Dreams' and you may soon refer to Sen. Manny Pacquiao as Michael’s father
Last month, netizens could not get over the rapping skills of the son of boxer-politician Sen. Manny Pacquiao after discovering his verse on “Pac-Man.” In the words of one Twitter user, he “spits fire.” Soon after, on July 13, Michael Pacquiao dropped his first full-length album. The 11-track album blends rap, R&B, and even a bit of soul, shows that he is no one-trick pony.
His live performance of “Hate” on the Wish Bus on Aug. 5 has over one million views in a day. The live rendition is crisp, with clarity in every word. While it still hasn’t caught up yet with the viral hit “Pac-Man,” which now has two and half million views, it suggests we will be seeing a lot more of Michael as he takes on the local, dare we even say international, rap scene.
In the comments of the YouTube video, many make comparisons to his famous father. “This is actually faster than Mayweather’s punch,” writes one commentator, in awe of the rap skills of the young Pacquiao.
Others, however, are realizing that Michael is a force to be reckoned with on his own. “From now on,” comments another YouTuber, “whenever I see Manny Pacquiao, I’ll be like, holy shit, that’s Michael Pacquiao’s father!”
Last month, before the release of his album, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle talked to the up-and-coming rapper about his budding music career.
Growing up, were you always interested in creating music?
It was a slow process where the love of music led me to want to create my own music. I thought it’d be fun and cool.
Were your parents supportive? Do you think you got your appreciation for music from one side of the family?
My parents were very supportive. They let me do what I love. And I think I got my appreciation for music from both sides of the family.
How would you describe your process when making music?
It’s fun. Making music doesn’t feel like work to me. If I feel like making a song, I do it. Ideas would be popping off my head. But there are times your mind gets blocked off from new ideas and it’s frustrating. I have ways of getting around that now. Making music to me takes a few hours to days, depending on if I’m feeling myself or not.
What are your goals in your music career, and other passions?
Making music is just another way for me to engage with a large number of people and to inspire them. My goals are to help other people the best way I can through what I do.