CMJ: PacDiv showcase at S.O.B.'s

For a group such as L.A.'s PacDiv, who've built their fanbase via a 2-year-old free mixtape, tons of YouTube videos and years of rapping at any number of small SoCal clubs for free or pay-to-play, their CMJ showcase performance Wednesday night at S.O.B.'s in New York solidified for their Universal Motown backers that the group is having an impact on rap fans.

The set began with the popular "F.A.T Boys '08," the acronym standing for Fashionable Artistic Trendsetters and a simple enough song about everyday needs and wants -- sneakers and a pocket full of cash. PacDiv's energy began at a crescendo and never let up. The trio of Mibbs, Be Young and Like shared the stage in a vibrant way, choreographing shoulder-lean moves while passing off the rhyming duties with finesse.

The sparse Swiff D-produced beats punctuated the glory of the moment, keeping the ardent fans in the front nodding their heads. The audience was enthralled with the Los Angeles street flavor, mixed with efficient rhyming. Rapper Like addressed the audience, letting them know that the group is no gimmick. "Y'all might see us dressed up all nice but we've got rhymes."

One of the climaxes of the S.O.B.'s showcase -- which also featured L.A. duo Johnson & Johnson (rappers Blu and Mainframe),  rapper Shawn Jackson and N.Y. emcee Mickey Factz -- was when Cool Kids, Factz and others joined PacDiv onstage for "The Mayor," an election-minded song that features its own dance, where the performers dip down on the loud bass boom.

Now, how many L.A. rap groups still take the time to invent dances?

You can see video of PacDiv at their CMJ showcase up top.

-- Camilo Smith

Video Courtesy Missinfo.TV