A Southern California based Hip-Hop Group Made Up of Three Talented Young Men; Like (22, born Gabe Stevenson), Mibbs (21, born Mike Stevenson), and B-Young (20, born Bryan Young) Originally From Los Angeles, California These Three Talented Individuals are Currently Located in Palmdale This Group Has Extravagent Live Shows Full of Energy and Flawless Rhymes, Almost Always Taking You Back To The “Golden Era”

Who said that West Coast was no longer producing fresh hip-hop?

Pacific Division - Bang It (listen)

While the current trend of discovering unsigned artists from the South (think: Unk, D4L, Crime Mob, etc.) have been somewhat rewarding, three twenty-something cats from Los Angeles is trying to bring back the FAT boys? What?! Yes…the Fat Boys that generated rap albums and movies…but rather than focusing on food, Pac Div focuses on being Fashionable Artistic Trendsetters (…get it? F.A.T. boys…)

Similar to Nas paying homage to the past groups that made hip-hop fun, exciting, and meaningful throughout the Hip-Hop is Dead LP, these young artists did something a lot of new rappers don’t do – research and study the past of hip-hop. It’s obvious in their excellent stage performance that Pacific Division practices a unique show while incorporating small, yet critical live performance techniques of the likes Jay-Z, KRS-One, Busta Rhymes, Kanye West, and yes – the FAT boys (they were fresh – we don’t give them enough props, but that’s why Pac Div is here!). These guys will not bore you like a Lloyd Banks on stage. I mean, Pac Div had everything from baseball bats to beach balls to dance steps, and then they gave away two paid of Nikes, and had the homies on stage!

Pacific Division - Grown Kid Syndrome (listen)

Now, things get interesting when it comes to their music. Real talk (listen Andre 3000) – I loved all their original songs performed on stage - Woman Problems (listen via MySpace), Act Like You’re Chillin’ (listen), Going Thru it, and Da Real (their mixtape has more fresh original Pac Div music!!!). Their original songs captivated the audience with their witty storytelling, funny skits, and giveaways along with the genuine, passionate, and humorous lyrics – whether it was getting caught on the low and you have to “act like your chillin” or its talking to your boys about your “woman problems.” Great original music – but err…where is the J Dilla song from “Jay Loves Japan”?! Pac Div is one of the few unsigned groups to get blessed with production from J Dilla – flaunt that like a woman flaunts her engagement ring!!!

While feeling the effect of my Courvoisier and Coke, I realized that it is tough for an unsigned act to perform all original songs and captivate a crowd, but Pacific Division’s music is so strong that their show didn’t require familiar beats with their freestyles. Honestly, 50 Cent changed the game when it comes to mixtapes and personally, I believe that you should not rock another artist’s beats unless it is (1) just as good (or better) than the original song and (2) it enhances the your original track (as they did with “Going Thru It.”) As a result, listening to Pacific Division rap over some of my favorite hip-hop beats with unfamiliar lyrics did not translate well.

Pacific Division - Definition Freestyle (listen)

Pacific Division is sealed for freshness with great original production, fun (and sometimes compelling) lyrics, and an entertaining show…I did leave with a couple of questions. Similar to when Little Brother (with 9th Wonder) first hit the scene, I was confused by their true identity. Yes – I get the clever F.A.T. slogan and I understand that Pac Div is the a reflection of fresh hip-hop from the golden era, but who is Pacific Division and what true message do they want to convey in their music? In other words, rather than criticizing the negatives of hip-hop, I am curious to see how Pacific Division will push the envelope of hip-hop to their vision, which is slightly unclear. Additionally, I cannot imagined how a seasoned producer (like a DJ Premiere, will.i.am, Kanye West, Prolyfic from Lupe’s camp, etc) can help accelerates Pac Div’s development – cuz real talk, they can’t lay a brick first time around.

Maybe it is a good thing that I left the show wanting more (Pac Div music and Courvoisier) because I am anxiously waiting for their blend tape (which we giving away to our readers so LEAVE A COMMENT to win one) and their debut album.

Props to Pacific Division, C.G., and Urban Dictionary

Pacific Division GIVEAWAY

What do you think of Pacific Division? What have you heard of them? Did you like the songs featured in the review? Leave a comment and 2 lucky commentors will win the “Sealed for Freshness” for FREE. One super-lucky commentor will win a SIGNED copy of “Sealed for Freshness.” Contest will end one week from today and winners will be randomly selected and notified by email. Winners must supply a mailing address to receive prizes. No cost to enter.

Posted by thehonorable