J-Pros
“Pacific Central”
(Self)

Seattle’s hip-hop scene is something that’s oft overlooked, to the point where we’ve developed our own insular community that the rest of the world seems to be catching up on. With the popularity of the Massline roster, conscious rappers seem to be coming out of every which way, such as the case with DIY hip-hop duo, J-Pros.

Their latest full-length, “Pacific Central” is a relatively solid record. Songs like “Verbal Assault II,” “The Grudge,” and “Lingua Franca (Chop it Up)” are good examples of how emcees R’Senull and Mercury can weave through battle rhyming and a good narrative style.

There aren’t too many missteps on this record; even “Pac Man,” the unofficial theme for Pinoy boxer, Manny Paquiao, can border on cornball, but the beat is strong enough to make it on the level on a topical “Time 4 Sum Akshun.”

For an up and coming group, J-Pros do well with “Pacific Central.” They don’t rely too heavily on being Filipino rappers and instead rely on their raw talent – you know, like real artists.

— Ryan Pangilinan