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The Latin beat comes calling.

I didn’t know what to expect when I saw the Prima J album for the first time.  I looked at the song titles the first of which is Corazon (You’re Not Alone).  All I could think was, “Oh, Latin music.” Oddly enough, though, the other song titles didn’t appear to fit with that assumption.

There’s a definite Latin beat to some of the songs, but there’s also rap. The duo is cousins Jessica and Janelle, who share a Mexican-American background.  They’ve been performing since they were four and entertained family members during half-time of football games.  They would dance and sing and this early practicing makes them perfect as a duo for recording their brand of music.

Prima J has a unique style that’s very polished for two people who are 18 and 19.  The duos’ voices are strong and vibrant on each song on the album.  They practice regularly and recorded a debut single called “Rock Star” which is featured in the movie Bratz; it hits theaters Aug. 3. “Rock Star” is about being a rock star for everyone to look at and enjoy.  It’s a true rap song with the harmonic duo front and center with a chorus behind them.  The song should appeal to everyone who will listen; it’s a “watch” number, not a dance tune. 

Their songs are reminiscent of Janet Jackson, Gwen Stefani and Salt-N-Peppa.  The 13 tracks on the Prima J CD epitomize this sort of music with the rap and Latin beats.  The duo is backed by other singers and at times sound like more than just a duo.  Their music is good and enjoyable because Prima J uses soprano and alto mixes instead of just a solo sound to round out their music.  Their rap is different because it’s not monotone but up and down the scale; it’s not “talk” rap but real harmony and singing.

I’m not big on rap music, but Prima J perform it so that listeners can actually understand the words and groove to the dance beats. I like the Latin music just as well and have played the album three time before writing this review.  Prima J is going to be on the market for some time to come.  Want to check out the tunes? Visit their site http:/www/myspace.com/primaj.

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