Prima J Keeping it in the Family

(andPOP) - Cousins Jessica and Janelle Martinez, known as Prima J, are set to release their self-titled debut album on June 17. And the 19-year-olds hope their family ties will set them apart from their contemporaries.

"Janelle and I have a very close bond because we've grown up as family. It's chemistry that not a lot of other groups have because it's so real," Jessica told andPOP. "We're never afraid to be ourselves, no matter how silly or goofy we act."

Hailing from Rosemead, California, Prima J (prima means cousins in Spanish) were discovered by Stefanie Ridel, former Wild Orchid band mate of everyone’s favourite Duchess, Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson of Black Eyed Peas. Prima J has enjoyed previous success with their song "Rock Star," the title track off last year's Bratz the Movie soundtrack. The Martinez cousins have also received the stamp of approval from blogger Perez Hilton, calling the duo’s new single, "Corazon (You’re Not Alone)," “nothing but sweet pop music. In its purest form.”

Describing their sound as “urban pop,” Prima J’s album is being released on Geffen Records, home to artists like Mary J. Blige and another hit girl group, Girlicious. And the duo is just fine with their major label record deal.

“You would think two girls from Rosemead wouldn’t have much say but they really talk to us and hear our opinions and keep us involved in our projects. We love our team,” Jessica said.

Appearing on the cover of Latina Magazine, Prima J hope to be role models for the Latin community.

“Growing up, we always wanted to look up to people like us [Latin Americans],” Jessica said. “It’s important for us to be that for people.”

Despite not being able to speak Spanish, the girls are proud of their culture.

“We live Latin every day of our life,” Janelle said.

The girl’s Latin roots can be found on songs like "Nadie," a cover of Alicia Key’s hit song "No One." The duo puts their Latin spin on the song, singing half in Spanish and half in English.

Being young and having teenage fans, coupled with questionable behaviour, can often turn out to be a recipe for a P.R. disaster in Hollywood these days (just ask Lindsay Lohan or Britney Spears), but Prima J says they’re no party girls.

“No matter what, we don’t need to do all that to have fun,” Janelle said.

“We keep each other in check too. We don’t need to escape from reality because we love our life and our families keep us grounded,” Jessica added.

The girls recently performed at Wango Tango, an annual concert in Los Angeles, and are set to begin a promotional tour this week, in support of the album. In the meantime, Prima J are enjoying the little time they have left before the album’s release.

“We know it’s going to get even crazier," Jessica said. "We’re ready for it.”