Who Is...

Pacific Division

As Hip Hop attempts to regain its definition, fans are likely to soon be checking the standings within the Pacific Division. Palmdale, California’s trio consisting of brothers Like and Mibbs, along with BeYoung have been together dating back to 2001, shortly after their high school days. Joining the workforce lacked appeal compared to the glossy dreams that the guys had vicariously lived through as Hip Hop fanatics – so they went for broke and chased destiny with microphones and exclusive sneaks.

Within its half decade, Pacific Division has caught on fast. While many new talents strayed towards microwave music that trades quantity for quality, the troop from just north of Los Angeles emulated their idols, such as Native Tongues, Hieroglyphics and even Thug Life in slow-crafted, conceptual music. In mid 2006, Pacific Division’s Blend Tape premiered, as a thematic mixtape combining mid-‘90s classic-inspired covers with newer works with producer Swiff-D (The Diplomats, Snoop Dogg, Nas). Songs chronicled day-jobs, trying to appeal to the fairer sex without fat pockets, restoring a Black presence in Hip Hop, and carefully coifed wardrobes amidst the pursuit of glory. The results were jarring, landing the unsigned group in Vapors, Skope and Urb along with a thorough Internet presence. Without any major backing, the Southern California trio earned themselves major looks. Besides simply making nostalgic rap music with a contemporary edge – and donning clothes to match, Pacific Division had plenty to talk about.

In the course of the group’s development, Hip Hop superstars had begun to take notice even before the media. Through Myspace love alone, Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes had reached out to affirm Pacific Division in making innovative, fun music. Soon after, a chance meeting with The Roots’ Questlove in a Los Angeles record store led to a passed demo – which shockingly led to the “Proceed” drummer personally calling the group to also extend support. Snoop Dogg even shouted out the Pacific party on his “My Peoples. Rather than crutch these endorsements on album covers and Myspace banners, the trio matter-of-factly reminded fans that this trio was no overnight success.

Like the golden era icons, Pacific Division, while quietly crafting their debut album, has focused on making sure their live show is well…live. Having performed in Seattle and San Francisco as well as consistent show openings in Los Angeles for (TK), this is a group that’s focusing on chemistry above the popular rap fanfare. In the meantime, the F.A.T. LP is sizing up to be a Chubb Rock-sized selection of tracks, assisted by producers such as Exile and DJ Khalil and the group’s longtime producer Swiff-D. The album delightfully forgets the tangents rap music has taken in the mainstream, and simply affirms that good music is timeless. Masses are ready with open arms, as new features with The Source and Scheme magazines prove.

California Hip Hop is restructuring in the second half of the ’00 decade. As styles, faces and crews may change, three brothers from Palmdale remind you that it is, was and forever will be the Pacific Division. (via pacdiv.com)


PAC DIV - F.A.T. Boys '08 (Pacific Division)


PAC DIV - Taste