Prolific hit-rap artist Because delivers a new album and sets dial on vibe.

Rapper Because a.k.a. BJ Castillano's latest album titled “12:34” might be his most relaxed sounding album to date. But don’t mistake relaxed for light because the new album finds Because sharp in his rhyme and sonics game.

Opening with the appropriately titled “Ready” a piano decked number that Because ‘mumble-rap’ his way through uneasy relationship status themes. The track is also an indication of the new record's overall tempo and feel, which we’ll peel as we go.

Next track picks up the tempo a bit with “0916.” Because explains that the title is a reference to one of the early cell phone prefix numbers hence a throwback to past relations. Next track “SMS” serves as an extension of the previous track. Here Because conjures images of random encounters, booty calls and one-night stands. Which begs the question, is Because is a player? Maybe, but from his lines, he seems confused, almost falling for his conquests. Both tracks were previously released as singles.

Which leads Because to bare his emotions for everyone to hear, wrapping it in emo-rap sounds and beats as supplied by ace producer-artist NEXXFRIDAY (Emmanuel Salen).

Because doesn’t need much to put his point across. Just a solid, thump-y beat, a vibe laden chord vamp on guitar with supporting synths and he has a cool sounding ballad like “Makahiya” in the can easy. And this is where his themes start to mellow and turn on a romantic bent.  

In fact, there’s a handful of these types of tunes here on “12:34” like “Anjela’s Notepad” which features R&B singer Nicole Anjela who’s supplying the reverb drenched verses and chorus counter Because’s rap-sing style delivery and the resulting track is a hypnotic jam about a wanting to save a love that both parties don’t want to end.

A fast favorite on his latest set is Because’s “Missed Calls.” Here, Because and his Flow Minister cohorts that include rappers Ace Cirera, FTD and LarkMester, eases a bit on their heavenly herb references and jams on a relaxed bop that’s perfect for cruisin’ around or just plain chillin’. And while the low-key groove of “Kofta Freestyle” seems to imply sonically that he’s all cool, the lyrics implies the opposite as Because raps about life grinding as a rapper, breadwinner and music scene figure.                                                                                           

Also included on “12:34” are previously released singles “7777-23” and Because’s noir-like soundtracking on “Wow Baby.”  In total, a solid set of moody/emo rap tunes set on cool and chill as delivered by Pinoy rap’s most amiable looking ambassador.