Because is one of those artists that has always been on our radar. We first heard about him during our 2016-2017 Black Market, Poblacion era with his hit “Marlboro Black.” It was an exciting time for underground rap back then. It felt like there was something new every week; a new track, video, launch, and everything in between. And somewhere in that whirlwind of up-and-coming hip-hop artists was Because. It was very early in his career but people took notice because he provided a specific sound and perspective that I, along with a scene of people, embraced.
Roots
Since then he’s been consistently putting out bangers with what feels like every season of the year. Because, a 23-year old rapper from Manila is a born entertainer and a rap freestyler at heart. He started getting curious about music in elementary school and would write rap notes at the back of his notebook. He tells us how he would listen to 3 6 Mafia on his way to school and copy the cadence and style of his idols, which formed the roots and starting point of his rap career.
His artform progressed when he bought a USB mic from CDR-King known as the “White Mic.” He convinces us that this legendary mic was also used by other rappers who were doing their thing at the time and credits the white mic for changing his life. It gave him his first taste of recording and he’s been chasing and elevating that experience ever since. Clocking more and more studio hours as he progresses as an artist.
Vocation To The Rap Game
He calls his career a vocation. He entered the chaotic gig circuit by going to shows and asking the resident DJs if he could rap over beats during performance breaks and intermissions. A lot of the moves he did during his early days was his vocation to the rap game. Doing unpaid work, non-stop practicing, and putting himself out there as a musician was a sacrifice and his way of paying his dues as a young artist. He tells us that that’s his formula. You have to start with a vocation first and then the money will just naturally come.
Toronto/Manila Sound
Because he describes his sound as rooted in battle rap and heavily influenced by the Toronto sound, with influences such as PartyNextDoor, Drake, and Justin Bieber, he pairs the feel and textures of the Toronto sound with his own stories and perspective to craft songs that are undeniably catchy and relatable. If you dig deep enough, you’ll discover that his catalog is filled with songs about vulnerability, introspection, heartbreak, and stories about navigating life experiences layered with head-nodding beats and catchy hooks, resulting in a deeply personal yet infectious mix.
Heartbreak SZNs
The “Heartbreak SZN” albums are a 3-part trilogy with the same name released in different years, each exploring different phases of his life. Inspired by the “heartbreak” symbol, it’s a simple yet effective imagery that encapsulates the sound and emotion of Because being in touch with his emotional side and understanding the different relationships that are happening within and around him. He shares that every “Heartbreak SZN” represents a season of his low times, during which he tries to create music out of that pain.
Now in its third installment, “Heartbreak SZN 3” serves as the conclusion of the trilogy. Because shares that he has learned a lot since his last two albums. The previous two seasons were about embracing his pop sensibilities, and this time it’s more of the same but with a refreshed attitude towards the work. He shares that he has always been pushing himself to be better than the last time, and for “Heartbreak SZN 3,” he focused more on the lyrics and aimed to have his music connect on a deeper level with his listeners. This intentional project requires you to listen to the words and feel the music on a personal level.
The Next SZN
Heartbreak SZN 3 may or may not be the last installment of the series, but it’s always been about the journey for Because. He started Heartbreak SZN at only 16 years old and has been creating ever since. Now, he’s setting his sights on new projects and embracing a fresh chapter. With a deep need to create and express himself, he’s always been genuine and determined to create the music that best suits him, regardless of the season he’s in.
If you haven’t yet, listen to the Heartbreak SZN 3 on your favorite streaming platform and stay up to date Because SZNs on Instagram and Facebook.