As the hip-hop genre in the Philippines continues to rise, thanks to underground rap battles like FlipTop and experimental rappers like Al James, many devoted fans and avid listeners are looking to cop style inspirations from their idols.
And speaking of Al James, full name Alvin James P. Manlutac, here he is in this exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) talking about how he picks his attire, casual but suave as all get-out, for his vibe-inducing performances.
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FASHION STYLE
Al James says, "Ako ngayon, wala naman akong pine-peg na tao.
"Like yung style ko siguro ngayon kasi, more on yung music na pinapakinggan ko.
"And, basically, yung mga fina-follow ko na mga tao yung mga inspiration ko. Kaya walang specific na tao."
The alternative hip-hop artist then proceeds to comment on the eclectic fashion sense of the young people today, which he likes.
He says, "Halo na, e, yun ang nagustuhan ko sa generation ngayon.
"Parang hindi na siya stereotypical na hip-hop maluwag, pag rakista masikip, black.
"Ano na ngayon parang very ‘Put your own twist sa inspiration mo na style.’
"Yung identity mo na talaga, e, kumbaga nakikita ko din sa mga younger generation, di ba?
"Mas nag-e-explore sila pagdating sa style nila.
"And ayun mas naging experimental sila, kaya ako parang ganun na din nangyayari sa akin.
"Medyo very open na ako, hindi na like ito lang."
OOTD ESSENTIALS
Al James, by the way, was named as the new face of Converse PH back in February, alongside alternative R&B Pop singer and songwriter Kiana Valenciano.
In order to grab the complete style of the Ngayong Gabi hitmaker, these are only the few things to remember.
"Ito yung go-to style ako. Hindi ko na iisipin, basta presentable na clean.
"Para sa akin, must-have pa rin ang plain T-shirts, especially black and white."
Al James explains, "Ako pag medyo tinatamad akong mag-isip ng isusuot, yun talaga then parang pants na yung nagdadala.
"Plain shirt, pants na ito, Dickies. Minsan para sa akin yung pants cargo, plain shirt.
"Tapos ano na lang, lalagyan ko ng vest or chains. Dun ko na lang siya nilalaro.
"Then eto, Converse, siyempre nasa Converse event tayo. Naka Converse ako na F.O.G [Fear Of God model]."
Oh, before he forgets, "Shades!," he exclaims, relieved he remembers.
"Yun pala isa sa aking essentials yun. Marami akong shades, minsan dito pa nga ako pinaka-natatagalan, e."
Fun fact: choosing the perfect pair of shades to match his OOTD is often the reason it takes him awhile to get ready.
The 31-year-old songwriter adds he is particular about not wearing the same sunnies in consecutive performances.
He says, "Ayoko din kasi na ‘Nasuot ko na ito, e,’ so parang may rotation dapat talaga," he noted.
For his hair, he just puts them in braids; sometimes, he cover his head with a cap.
Al James' hit songs include the chart-toppers Ngayong Gabi and Pahinga, Palamig Ka Muna which became one of McDonald's Philippines' anthems, Lagi, PSG, Mood, Repeat, Pa-umaga, Pwede Ba, Atin Ang Gabi, and LATINA.
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