Slowly but surely, West Coast rap is becoming relevant again and Pac Div is one of the main reasons why. They caught our attention a couple months ago with the banging mixtape Church League Champions and now they have a video for one of the tape’s nicest cuts. Their signature hybrid of cool-guy lyricism and fashion-forward styling is present in this video that should keep Pac Div fans pleased and probably even get non-believers to take notice. Whichever category you fall into, starting your day off with this jam isn’t a bad idea.
Tune in to Complex.com every morning at 8 AM for your daily “Wake N’ Watch” video.
WHY COMPLEX IS CO-SIGNING IT: Two reasons, really. First off, even with their freshly inked deal with Universal Motown and forthcoming production from some of the biggest producers in the industry, this LA based trio considers themselves to be underdogs in the rap game. And they’re right. At a time when most of raps fresh faces are endorsed by the industry’s major players (Jay, Kanye, Weezy), it’s hard to see how an artist—a rap group, no less!—who’s truly standing on their own two (or six), can break into the spotlight. That’s where the second reason comes into play: these dudes make really dope music…
(Left to right): Michael “Mibbs” Stevenson, Gabe “Like” Stevenson, and Bryan “BeYoung” Young
Today, Pac Div kicks off a nationwide tour alongside Asher Roth and Kid Cudi, which times nicely with the group’s sizzling free mixtape titled Church League Champions(download it here), which dropped last week. The 13-track collection is inspired by (but not bitten from) boom-bap and the flavor of the Golden Era. The trio—which consists of Like, 26, BeYoung, 24, and Mibbs, 24—developed a fan base over the last few years with a slew of eye-catching videos (”FAT Boys ‘08″; “Women Problems”) and head-nodding singles.
Pac Div stands out because it represents that perfect balance between so-called “hipster rap” and real rap—meaning, although they rock snapbacks and streetwear brands, the group still makes the kind of music that true hip-hop heads will appreciate. It offers the vibe that Souls of Mischief and Project Blowed used to put out—cool, Cali, fun lyrical raps. “Like anything, more quantity means less quality,” BeYoung claims. “In the end of the day, good food takes longer to cook.” While in NYC, Pac Div spoke with Complex about the new breed of West Coast rappers, their upcoming album, and several personal anecdotes (from break-ups to worst job experiences). Read on for the interview and check out their latest video along with key tracks off their new mixtape…
