JRLDM
Filipino rapper and songwriter
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jerald Mallari, known professionally as JRLDM (pronounced "Jerald Damn"), is a Filipino rapper, singer, and songwriter from Bataan. He is signed to Music Colony Records, a sub-label of Warner Music Philippines. He is best known for his 2020 single "Patiwakal" and his collaborations with hip-hop artists such as Gloc-9 and Loonie. He is known for his melodic rap style and lyrics about mental health. In 2022, he received the Best Rap/Hip Hop Recording award at the Awit Awards.
JRLDM | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jerald Mallari Mariveles, Bataan, Philippines |
| Genres | |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | 2020–present |
| Label | Warner Music Philippines (Music Colony) |
Early life
Jerald Mallari was born and raised in Mariveles, Bataan.[1] He was raised by a single mother and is the second of three brothers.[1] Growing up, he listened to OPM on the radio and taught himself to play the guitar.[1] He began writing songs in 2009 and started recording music in 2011 using a second-hand computer.[1]
Before pursuing music full-time, Mallari worked various manual labor jobs in Bataan's factories, including textile and garment manufacturing.[1] He worked in more than 20 different factories while making music on his days off.[1] Mallari stated that the music scene in his province was small and primarily focused on bands, making it difficult for him to join groups as a hip-hop fan.[2] He eventually learned music production and rapping under the mentorship of King Promdi of VVS Collective.[2]
Career
2020–2021: Beginnings and signing
In July 2020, Mallari released the four-track EP Look MOM I’m Flying.[1] He considered this project his final attempt at a music career before planning to work overseas.[1] One of the tracks from the EP, "Patiwakal" (transl. Suicide), went viral online after its music video was featured on the platform Local.[1] The song dealt with themes of self-harm and depression, garnering millions of views on YouTube.[2]
Following this attention, Mallari was discovered by Ryan "Juss Rye" Armamento of the Sun Valley Crew.[1] Armamento signed JRLDM to Music Colony Records, a hip-hop sub-label under Warner Music Philippines.[1] In October 2021, JRLDM released his first single under the label, titled "Lason" (transl. Poison).[3] The song depicted struggles with vice and society.[4] In December 2021, he released the single "Lagi Na Lang" featuring rapper Gloc-9.[5] The song describes the pain of repetitive heartbreak.[6]
2022–present: Mood Swing and accolades
In March 2022, JRLDM released the single "Eh Papaano", a collaboration with singer Jikamarie.[7] His debut studio album, Mood Swing, was released on April 22, 2022.[8] An album launch event was held at Mandala Park, featuring guests such as Owfuck and Loonie.[8] NME gave the album a positive review, describing it as "masterfully ordered chaos" and praising JRLDM's vocal and stylistic range.[9] The album included the track "Kuwan", which criticized inauthenticity in the hip-hop scene.[10]
Later in 2022, JRLDM released the single "Biktima" (transl. Victim), which touched on the social and political landscape of the Philippines following the national elections.[11] The track featured guitar work by Vie Dela Rosa of the band Dilaw.[12] In September 2022, he participated in The Regionals: Philippines, a cypher project by HipHopDX Asia, alongside artists Loonie, Jon Protege, Mhot, and Arkho.[13] The track was produced by American producer Illmind.[13]
At the 35th Awit Awards in November 2022, JRLDM won the award for Best Rap/Hip Hop Recording for "Lagi Na Lang".[14] He was also nominated for Best New Artist in a Collaboration for the same track.[15] In April 2023, he performed at the "We Play Here" concert celebrating Warner Music Philippines' 30th anniversary alongside labelmates such as Felip and Lola Amour.[16] In September 2023, he performed at the Music Colony Records 2nd Anniversary event.[17]
JRLDM received a nomination for Wishclusive Collaboration of the Year at the 10th Wish 107.5 Music Awards for his song "IISA" with Jikamarie.[18]
Artistry
JRLDM's music is often noted for its "dark" and "melancholic" atmosphere.[5] He has stated in interviews that he does not intentionally set out to make dark music, but is naturally drawn to sad songs and heavier emotions.[9] His lyrics frequently address personal topics including depression, anxiety, and substance use.[2] NME described his style as a mix of multisyllabic rapping and crooning, with production influences ranging from R&B to 1990s Alternative rock.[1]
He has cited Gloc-9 and Loonie as major influences on his rapping style.[2] He has also expressed that he writes his music to bring awareness to mental health issues rather than to glorify them.[11]
Discography
Studio albums
- Mood Swing (2022)[9]
Extended plays
- Look MOM I'm Flying (2020)[1]
Singles
- "Patiwakal" (2020)[1]
- "Parasitiko" (featuring Lexus) (2020)[1]
- "Lason" (2021)[3]
- "Lagi Na Lang" (featuring Gloc-9) (2021)[6]
- "Bahala Na Bukas" (2022)[1]
- "Para Sa Sarili" (2022)[1]
- "Eh Papaano" (featuring Jikamarie) (2022)[7]
- "Biktima" (2022)[12]
- "The Regionals: Philippines" (with Loonie, Arkho, Mhot, Jon Protege) (2022)[13]
- "IISA" (with Jikamarie) (2024)[18]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Awit Awards | Best Rap/Hip Hop Recording | "Lagi Na Lang" (featuring Gloc-9) | Won | [14] |
| Best New Artist in a Collaboration | Nominated | [14] | |||
| 2023 | Wish 107.5 Music Awards | Wishclusive Collaboration of the Year | Won | [17] | |
| Wishclusive Hip-hop Performance of the Year | "Para sa Sarili" | Won | [17] | ||
| 2025 | Wishclusive Collaboration of the Year | "IISA" (with Jikamarie) | Nominated | [18][19] |