Prima J

• Genre: Latin Pop

About

Mexican American cousins Jessica and Janelle Martinez are Prima J, a Latin-pop duo that master a mix of hip-hop, pop and R&B. As little girls they had an affinity for the spotlight (i.e. performing for their family, choreographing dance routines) and together they worked to make their dreams a reality. Discovered by Stefanie Ridel -- a former Wild Orchid bandmate of Fergie -- and signed to Geffen, Prima J hit the ground running with their 2007 breakthrough hit "Rock Star," originally recorded for the Bratz movie (before that, they worked the Disney circuit, appearing on the Jump In soundtrack). Jessica and Janelle -- or Jesse and Nelle -- even coined a word for themselves, "chilosa," which they use to describe girls that are sassy, feisty and independent. Their 2008 self-titled debut saw them follow up on their early success with a Spanglish cover of Alicia Keys' "No One" and "Corazon (You're Not Alone)."

- Angela Bruno