MANILA — Most people remember John Rendez as the companion or rumored boyfriend of Superstar Nora Aunor. An avid follower of the local hip-hop scene in the 1990s would know that John is the guy behind the song “Everybody Sayaw,” and the rap album “Metal Dog.” Now, 18 years after releasing his maiden rap record which achieved modest success, the 41-year-old actor-rapper is back, “picking up where I left off.” At the press launch of his new album, “Metal Dog: There Can Only Be One (PolyEast Records),” John said he was giving show biz another shot with Nora as her manager. “More than being her friend, I want to be recognized as a real artist,” John told the Inquirer. “I want to contribute to the local talent pool.” Disgruntled and burned out, John cut short his music career in 1995. In 2001, he used his real name, John Robert Porter Jr., and came out with a revivals album, “Crossroads”—an unlikely follow-up to his angst-filled, all-original debut offering. “I'm taking things more seriously,” said John, whose sound and style had been likened by fans to that of Everlast of the American hip-hop group House of Pain, as well as Rage Against the Machine. — Agencies
