In a world that is all too anxious to reward the wrong types of role models, Prima J just want to do make sure they do things right. And as can be heard on their self titled debut album, there’s nothing wrong with that at all.
They were born Jessica and Janelle Martinez (but you can call them Jesse and Nelly), raised in the predominantly Latin-American Los Angeles suburb of Rosemead, and realized early-on that they wanted to be performers. How early-on? They were barely old enough to talk when they started performing their own choreographed cheerleading and dance routines for their family every week during halftime of Dallas Cowboys football games. With five uncles, two aunts, and at least three cousins with each, those family gatherings were large, which explains why the girls, then four, have no problem strutting their stuff in front of audiences more than 15 years later.
It’s also why they have had no problem staying centered and focused amidst the whirlwind that has surrounded the duo since they splashed onto the pop scene last summer with their debut single “Rock Star.” As Mexican-Americans, they hope to be role models to both American and Latin girls, as they consider themselves the face of the new Hispanic in America, part of an emerging generation that “speaks English and lives Latin.” They even go so far as to affectionately refer to each other as “chilosa,” a word Jesse and Nelly have coined to describe themselves, and those like them: Sassy, classy, spicy and feisty girls who are independent, know who they are inside-and-out, and don’t have to pretend to be something they’re not to impress the people around them.
Just like Prima J, “chilosa” describes the fun and fearless girls next door with a lot of spirit and a deep-rooted sense of self-confidence. After selling nearly 200,000 digital copies of the “Rock Star” single and having the video viewed more than 6 million times on YouTube alone, the girls are primed to build on their grass roots foundation and make an even bigger impact with their eponymous Geffen Records debut. “We want to have a good time, but we also want to send a positive message to younger people,” says Nelly. “Too many people don’t know that if they set their mind to it, they can accomplish anything, just like we have.”
Prima J’s achievements are well-documented on their album, which was recorded with the guidance of executive producer and Geffen chairman Ron Fair. The girls couldn’t have asked for a better mentor, as Fair’s worked with artists including Christina Aguilera, Keyshia Cole, The Pussycat Dolls and Blackeyed Peas making him one of the most respected and sought-after names in popular music.
“I haven’t been this excited about a new artist since I signed Christina Aguilera,” raves Fair. “Prima J is more than just a Latina thing, their music is hip-hop, pop, R&B and dance all mixed together with their own unique flavor. Geffen Records is fully behind these girls, and I truly believe that they will be massive around the world.”
From the Spanish-flavored acoustic strains and the supple, street-seasoned heartbeat that pulses through lead single “Corazon (You’re Not Alone),” through the booty-shaking hip-hop sass and sexy swagger of “Tame,” and beyond the infectious bass-thump and dance floor energy of “Boom,” the album resonates with a fresh feel and contemporary groove. “We worked so hard, in and out of the studio, to make sure that this record is the best that we can make, and we are so happy with the finished product,” gushes Jesse. “There are a lot of up-tempo dance party tracks, and some slower tracks that we know all of our fans will be able to relate to. We are so excited, because the album is hot!”
Prima J “Prima J” (Geffen) in stores June 17, 2008
Check out the video for the first single, “Corazon (You’re Not Alone): www.primaj.com
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