Frank N Dank

For certain hip-hoppers affiliated with J Dilla, making music without the legendary producer just isn't the same since he passed away. He helped a slew of average MCs get a rep, but his beats were so crisp and mind-boggling, it was easy to forget how pedestrian some of his friends were at the mic. Detroit rap veterans Frank N Dank were merely drug dealers before J Dilla got them out of the streets to pursue music, and they'll always be seen as a Dilla project whether they like it or not. But the duo's newest album, Xtended Play, does a good job of distancing itself from Dilla's sound and, in fairness, has an unexpected Caribbean vibe that's a welcome change. They've relocated to Toronto, and it's good to hear Canadian stalwarts Saukrates and Kardinal Offishall featured on the album as well. Still, it's no surprise that "Okay" is the best track here; not only did Dilla lace it with hard-hitting drums and signature claps but it's a hustler's anthem that Detroit and T-Dot can claim equally. While a bit of patois creeps out on some songs and Madlib's younger brother Oh No handles production for "My City," there's still a gritty Detroit sound here. "The Hustle" is all about chasing bread, and while it's not bling-bling, FND's affinity for flossing is prevalent throughout this project.

Related Content

• Celebrating the Life and Death of the Genius Jay Dee: J Dilla on His Birthday
  February 7, 2012
• Ghost Arm Brings Gritty Hip-Hop to Flaunt Thursday
  October 21, 2010
• Hip-Hop Isn't Dead, and Here Are the Year's Ten Best Albums
  December 31, 2009
• Discover Erykah Badu's Neo-Soul at American Airlines Arena
  April 8, 2010
• The Roots
  October 2, 2008

More About

• J Dilla
• Saukrates
• Kardinal Offishall
• Underground Hip-Hop
• Hip-Hop and Rap

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Music Newsletter: Keep your thumb on the local music scene with music features, additional online music listings and show picks. We'll also send special ticket offers and music promotions available only to our Music Newsletter subscribers.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue