Just a month apart, mainstream label Viva Records presented to the media two local acts who practically belong to the same genre and style. No problem; both rappers Because and Geo Ong are certified YouTube sensations, meaning they’ve proven themselves bankable even before they signed up for industry backing.
The numbers could tell. Because, also described as a trap-soul music act, has his track “Marlboro Black” garnering more than 30 million views, while Geo’s music video for his new single “Pekeng Kaibigan” reached a million views in just two days. These are fellows you have to put into the hardcourt even if their respective kind of play appears to be just mirroring each other. Both have hot hands making shots.
Real name BJ Castillano, Because, who is taking up music business management at Meridian College, may not be your typical idol at first glance. One scribe insisted he resembles the grown-up Niño Muhlach. Read: between the lines. Yet, when he starts talking, he speaks.
“I want my music to be serving those music listeners who are not even into hip-hop,” he said, referring to his move to switch things up this year with livelier and thematically positive tracks as opposed to slow-paced and noticeably darker themes.
It’s quite a quick turnaround for the young man who debuted with Heartbreak SZN album. He must have felt there’s too much bittersweet love songs and he’d instead make use of his power to influence by coming out with a “positively chill track” about youth. The funky hip hop piece is interestingly titled “PNE,” in reference to the famous band led by Chito Miranda.
It makes sense for a young person to chill and just go partying, instead of spending much time nursing heartbreaks or self-pitying to somehow get attention. Real problems in life are yet to come, kids!
Planning to release a new full-length album the soonest possible, Because wants to add more musicality to his sound by incorporating different genres into the mix.
Geo, on the other hand, is finding his niche by keeping his lyrics aggressive and straight to the point. While he may visually come as a boy-next-door attraction, the dude knows there’s more to rapping than using it as a way to be cool and girl-magnet. He seriously tackles current social issues.
His songs narrate the struggles of hard workers (Breadwinner) and gold diggers (Parokyana). His latest is about opportunists (Pekeng Kaibigan). But then, of course, his music videos are eye-grabber by themselves, keeping up well with his storylines.
“Pekeng Kaibigan” boasts of a music video that combines snappy dance moves, steamy bed scenes, and old-school rap. Geo’s charm finds itself at the center of this organized chaos.
“Yung mga music video ko ay paraan ng pagkwento ng istorya ko para mas tumatak pa ang mensahe ko,” he shared.
To prove he’s no poser, he ensured, “Dapat totoo lang ako lagi sa sarili ko.”