Loonie (musician)

Loonie
Born
Marlon Peroramas

(1985-12-18) December 18, 1985
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • emcee artist
Years active2002–present
Labels
Member ofStick Figgas

Marlon Peroramas (born December 18, 1985), known professionally as Loonie,[a] is a Filipino rapper, songwriter, and producer. He known for his hit song "Tao Lang" (2012) featuring Quest. He is the front member of the hip hop group Stick Figgas and rose to prominence through his performances in the FlipTop Battle League. He is considered one of the influential figures in Pinoy hip-hop.

Early life and education

Marlon Peroramas grew up as the eldest of four siblings. His father, an editor of corporate reports, encouraged him to develop strong English communication skills through reading and word games.[1][2] As a youth in the 1990s, he listened to Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Coolio, Naughty by Nature and N.W.A. He also cited Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill as an influence that inspired him to write his own songs. Although he initially intended to pursue Mass Communication, he instead majored in Information Technology.[2]

Career

Loonie began competing in rap battles before high school and later gained national exposure as a member of Stick Figgas, which finished second in the talent search "Rappublic of the Philippines" on Eat Bulaga! in 2002.[2]

In 2010, Loonie was signed by Sony Music Philippines. The label released the single "From Saudi With Love" before ceasing operations.[2] He independently released his debut album The Ones Who Never Made It, distributing copies for free.[1]

His later works included his album Ultrasound in 2013 and singles such as "Tao Lang", "Pilosopo", and "Balewala".[3] He revealed that "Tao Lang" was written as a rebellious response to pressure from a former label to produce a love song.[4]

After a three-year hiatus, he released the 12-track album Meron Na in December 2023.[5][6] The album featured the track "Tugmang Preso", which recounted his arrest and detention.[3]

In 2024, he collaborated with Arthur Nery on "Palaisipan".[7] He also released "May Nanalo Na" with Frizzle Anne.[8] Loonie partnered with SB19 member Pablo in a live reaction video on his YouTube series "Break It Down".[9]

On March 20, 2025, Loonie collaborated with R&B artist Dionela for his single titled "Ikigai".[10] On June 22, he released "Gugmang Preso", his first track written entirely in Cebuano.[11]

Philanthropy

During the COVID-19 pandemic period, Loonie launched free online rap classes under "Looniebersidad: Rap Academy".[12]

Musical style

Loonie is known for his "thought-provoking" and strong lyrics and is considered an important figure in Pinoy hip-hop. He became prominent through his performances in the FlipTop Battle League, where his battle raps were direct and forceful. He also writes songs about social issues and his own experiences.[13]

Controversy

In September 2019, the Makati City Office of the Prosecutor indicted Peroramas, his sister Idyll Liza Peroramas and two others for alleged violations of Section 5 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 in connection with a buy-bust operation.[14] He was held at the Makati City Jail from September 2019 until January 2020. In 2020, he was released after posting bail set at ₱2 million.[3]

On June 22, 2021, Judge Gina Bibat-Palamos of the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 64 granted a demurrer to evidence and dismissed the case against Peroramas and his co-accused. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish its case, noting the absence of required independent witnesses during the buy-bust operation.[15]

Discography

Studio albums

  • The Ones Who Never Made It (2010)[1]
  • Ultrasound (2013)[3]
  • Meron Na (2023)[5]

Selected singles

  • "From Saudi With Love" featuring Ka Antonio (2010)[16]
  • "Tao Lang" featuring Quest (2012)[4]
  • "Pilosopo" (2013)[3]
  • "May Nanalo Na" featuring Frizzle Anne (2024)[8]
  • "Balewala" (2013)[3]
  • "Gugmang Preso" (2025)[11]

Collaborations

Notes

  1. ^ The stage name stands for "Lyrically One Of the Nation's Illest Emcees".[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Ong, Jennifer. "Rap lives on in Loonie". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  2. ^ a b c d Calderon, Nora (2012). "Loonie's tunes". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Alcantara, Carissa (December 20, 2023). "Pinoy rapper Loonie recalls time in prison: 'Iniisip ko lang na nagwoworkshop ako'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  4. ^ a b "Loonie reveals hit song 'Tao Lang' is actually a 'rebellious gesture'". ABS-CBN News. February 25, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Mercado, Josh (December 20, 2023). "Loonie releases comeback album 'Meron Na'". ABS-CBN News.
  6. ^ Villanueva, Angelica (January 6, 2024). "'Meron Na': Rap icon Loonie makes a resounding comeback with a new record". Manila Standard. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  7. ^ a b Almo, Nherz. "Loonie and Arthur Nery explore modern love in new single 'Palaisipan'". GMA Network. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  8. ^ a b Pareño, Elijah (May 2, 2025). "Loonie Drops Rare Love Rap in "May Nanalo Na"". Rolling Stone Philippines. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  9. ^ Pareño, Elijah (May 21, 2025). "Loonie and SB19's Pablo Collaborate on 'Break It Down' Episode". Rolling Stone Philippines. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  10. ^ Pareño, Elijah (March 25, 2025). "R&B Artist Dionela Revels Surprise Collab with Rapper Loonie". Rolling Stone Philippines. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  11. ^ a b Saenz, Rome (June 27, 2025). "Loonie Drops New Bisaya Single "Gugmang Preso"". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  12. ^ Biong, Ian (June 5, 2020). "Hip-hop star Loonie to launch free 'Looniebersidad' online rap classes this June". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  13. ^ Basbas, Franchesca Judine (July 8, 2025). "Meet The Stars Of Pinoy Hip-Hop Mixtape 2025". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  14. ^ Marquez, Consuelo (September 25, 2019). "Rapper Loonie, 3 others indicted in drug cases". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  15. ^ "Filipino rapper Loonie cleared of drug charges, wants countersuit vs cops". Rappler. June 23, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  16. ^ "Loonie tunes: monster riffs, elegant rhymes". Yahoo News. March 12, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  17. ^ Rolling Stone PH. "R&B artist Dionela reveals surprise collab with rapper Loonie". Rolling Stone Philippines. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
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