In the heart of Toronto’s vibrant cultural landscape, Santo Plata has carved a unique path as an artist, mentor, and co-founder of Battlegrounds—a Tagalog battle rap league that has become a haven for aspiring rappers. Santo’s journey in hip-hop is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and community.
Finding His Voice in Hip-Hop
Growing up in Toronto after moving from the Philippines, Santo’s early days were shaped by his surroundings. “I didn’t even know I could rap until I started hanging out at places like Bikini and Manila,” he says. What began as casual gatherings turned into a platform for raw talent and creativity. Santo’s first battles took place in a humble parking lot, where nerves and adrenaline collided. “That spot was everything to me,” he reflects. “It’s where I proved to myself and others that I could hold my own in battle rap.”
The Birth of Battlegrounds
Santo’s vision for Battlegrounds was simple yet ambitious: to create a space where Tagalog-speaking artists in Toronto could showcase their talent. “When I was coming up, there weren’t many opportunities like this,” he says. “I wanted to change that for the next generation.”
Battlegrounds quickly gained traction, drawing crowds curious about how Toronto’s battle rap scene translated the energy of Manila’s rap battles into a new cultural context. “It’s about giving people a platform,” Santo emphasizes. “No matter how big your dream is, you’ve got to start somewhere.”
Balancing Life and Art
For Santo, being a rapper is just one piece of the puzzle. “I see myself as an overall MC,” he says. “Hip-hop is too broad to box yourself into just one thing.” Balancing his music with event organizing and personal life hasn’t been easy, but it’s a challenge he embraces. “Every day, you face something new,” he says. “It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”
Staying True to Himself
Authenticity is a core value for Santo. “There’s a lot of fakeness out there, but for me, it’s about staying true,” he says. His stage name, Santo, was ironically given to him by a friend who joked about his “demonic” temper during his younger, hot-headed days. “It’s funny, but it’s also a reminder of how far I’ve come,” he says.
This commitment to authenticity extends to his advice for aspiring artists. “Don’t follow what everyone else is doing,” he says. “Do what’s right for you and the people who support you.”
Lessons from the Journey
Santo’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From the early struggles of gaining recognition to learning how to channel his energy positively, he has faced many hurdles. But each obstacle has fueled his growth. “You have to work on yourself first,” he says. “When you’re better, everything else falls into place.”
He also highlights the importance of building a solid network. “Show up, be professional, and be someone people want to work with,” he advises. “That’s how opportunities come.”
A Vision for the Future
Santo’s long-term vision is rooted in creating a legacy for the hip-hop community. “Battlegrounds is more than a league; it’s a movement,” he says. He hopes to inspire others to embrace their culture and use hip-hop as a tool for storytelling and connection.
His latest project, Hiraya Manawari, exemplifies this vision. Named after a Filipino phrase meaning “may your dreams come true,” the league reflects Santo’s belief in the power of dreams and hard work.
A Legacy of Support
At the heart of Santo’s journey is a deep appreciation for the people who have supported him along the way. “Whether it’s my mentors, my crew, or the fans who show up, they’ve all played a part in my story,” he says. “And that’s why I’ll always give back.”
For Santo Plata, hip-hop is more than music—it’s a way to build bridges, inspire change, and leave a lasting impact. His story is a reminder that with authenticity, hard work, and community, anything is possible.
