J. Cas Intro: What can I say that hasn’t already been said all over social media?

On 06 July 19 the INTRO EP was launched during a silent party at KOKO King in Caye Caulker, hosted by William Neal and attended by a select few of his friends. It was well received with favorable reactions quickly spreading across various social media platforms. The EP was also simultaneously launched on his YouTube channel at 9pm that night, amassing 5000+ views quickly.

I found myself enthusiastic about J. Cas’s musical debut from earlier in June when he first began sharing snippets of his music on his personal Instagram page as well as  the Kadence Instagram page, which is a musical duo featuring Keanu Chaplin & Justin Castillo. We were first introduced to Justin’s musical prowess from the Channel 5’s music show KTv Duets, on which he appeared with rap/hip hop sensation Izak Chang AKA Falcon the god, since then I’ve been waiting patiently for him to enter onto Belize’s music scene and I must say he didn’t disappoint.

The EP features love ballads that come from a stand point of  romanticism mixed with street boy swag, encompassing the various stages of love in a romantic relationship. The entire album was produced and recorded by J. Cas in his home studio and mastered by Belize’s very own Kendoyll Simpson. While all the songs were written by J. Cas, Intro (Love and Affection) was co-authored by another Belizean musical sensation: Stig da Artist. The album also has one feature from another KTv allum, Tasha on Dim the Lights. 

INTRO (LOVE & AFFECTION)

The song begins with a plea to be given a chance to show how deep his love and affection flows for this woman he wants. He’s asking her to tell him what she needs of him so he can give his all. The song gives the impression of early love and wanting to start a relationship with all the promises it entails of something that can last forever.

INTERLUDE (GIVE IT TO ME)

Here he goes into the woman he wants and once again pleas for a chance, but this one touches on the relationship between maybe someone who’s committed to someone else. So the relationship isn’t open and he wants a night of pleasure that’s going to be memorable. With lyrics that are both sensual as well as emotional this songs gives a perspective of someone who probably wants a relationship but is willing to be a side piece if that’s all he can be in order to share some love with the woman he’s after.

DIM THE LIGHTS

This song featuring Tasha Escobar, is a smooth ballad that provides a balance on the album, giving us the female perspective in this love dance. Persistence on his part, and her not wanting to give in too easily. The cool back and forth gives us a vibrant picture of a couple at the bar about to head out for a night cap and a little more besides XOXO.

FOR A MINUTE

Just straight bedroom action on this one! For a Minute goes in for the kill with its NSFW lyrics, so if you’re vybing to this in your cubicle at work, be sure to lower the volume or listen with your headphones.  We start off getting in the bed big enough for some legroom, going down and getting in some good head game with no shame. Without a video this song still gives crisp visuals with its lyrics alone. Definitely another one for the ladies.

DISTANT

This is my personal favorite for many reasons. The song begins with a voicemail audio of the female asking what’s wrong, and why he’s not answering her and acting distant. She’s unsure of the relationship and wondering if they are breaking up. The song then goes in to explain that he just needs time and feels lost himself so he’s not in the space to be with anyone right now. Even though he’s not there he still thinks of her and needs her he just doesn’t know how to be there right now. Sometimes after entering a relationship one person might start displaying distance because of uncertainty of the direction of the relationship. Keeping it raw and open, the song is an apology asking for understanding for the behavior.

OUTRO (ONE FOR ME)

With it’s melodic rhythm and raspy crooning, J. Cas once again comes with a classic love ballad. The slow pace and lyrics are clear cut in relaying the message of why you’re the one for me. The song does not need to have poetic depth in order to express the message of love. Written like a love letter, reassuring the love shared.

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This EP is a classic love letter for the new ages. From the intro to the seduction, the apology, and all the loving in between the highs and lows, ending with the outro giving a word of reassurance that no matter what, you are the one for me. Music to vibe to with a chilled glass of wine or a well rolled spliff, the atmosphere created is one of mellow reflection and sweet affection. The neo-soul, trap influence is keen in creating an international sound. With the clear lyrics, smooth, raspy, almost Bob Marley voice, and passion embedded in the music, it is bound to resonate with not only Belizeans at home and abroad but also any R&B, Hip-Hop, or Souls fan around the world.  The songs can be streamed on J. Cas Music on YouTube, Spotify, as well as iTunes.

You can also look out for his live performance as he is popping up all over the place promoting and performing with the musical duo Kadence, one of their most anticipated appearance will be at the Chronixx concert on 3 August 2019 in Belize City! According to the artist he will be dropping videos for some of the songs as well as some more singles for the remainder of the year and plans to go on a countrywide tour in 2020. If you want to keep up to date be sure to check him out on Instagram and keep up to date with the latest.