48 Hours (Frank-n-Dank album)
Encyclopedia
48 Hrs is the debut album by rap duo Frank-n-Dank. It was unofficially released on August 5, 2003. The whole album was produced by J Dilla
.
audience, through their appearance on Welcome 2 Detroit
, as well as producing various 12"s released prior to the album. However, the making of the album, under MCA Records
, was plagued with setbacks as two subsequent versions of the album were rejected by the label. It received virtually no pre-release promotion indicating that the-then folding label had no serious intentions of releasing the album. J Dilla in an interview with Groove Attack:
Many fans believe that this largely sample-free version was recorded to appease MCA
, who were reluctant to clear the samples used on the original recording. That theory is somewhat supported by the fact that the 12"s released by the duo prior to 48 Hours all featured sampling, as do the songs on, Xtended Play
and Xtended Play Version 3.13
, the group's first official studio album.
's "Juicy Fruit". "I'll Bet You Will" was also changed to "Rite Bites" and no longer appeared over its salsa-esque beat.
's "I Got The Blues," (nicked by Jay-Z
and Eminem
for their respective "Streets Is Watching
" and "My Name Is
"), Mtume
's "Juicy Fruit
," (famously used by The Notorious B.I.G.
on "Juicy
"), and Curtis Mayfield
's oft-used "Give Me Your Love" from the Super Fly soundtrack, which were all put to tape for the project. It still remains partially unclear as to why this version was abandoned, the most likely reason being label politics, and/or questioning of the album's commercial viability using this somewhat esoteric sonic approach. It is also possible that, with the issue of sample clearances for the album yet to be handled, such a concept could have proved incredibly expensive.
Following the abandonment of the sample concept, Dilla re-built the sonic bed of the album, this time, logically enough, crafting exclusively live instrumentation-based, or "keyboard" beats. Samples still quietly slid their way into this version, albeit in strictly percussive or exclamatory roles. The sounds on 48 Hrs are largely based around sparse electronic
melodies, robotic drum patterns, rousing synth
stabs and other Moog
-based instruments.
These productions reflect both the changes/advancements in Hip hop production
at the time and Dilla's incorporation of these ideas, as well as the producer's absorption of (or one could argue 'being influenced by') other producer's styles who were greatly different from his, such as Dr. Dre
, Timbaland
, and most notably Pharrell, on the staccato clav-based "Take Dem clothes Off". Nevertheless the quirky attributes of J Dilla's productions remain present throughout the record, as can be heard on "Off Ya Chest", where a pounding build up leads to a spacious drum rhythm, complimented by sirens, whistles, blips, zaps, and female vocal snippets.
J Dilla
James Dewitt Yancey , better known by the stage names J Dilla and Jay Dee, was an American record producer who emerged from the mid-1990s underground hip hop scene in Detroit, Michigan...
.
Recording
48 Hrs can be seen as a collaboration between J Dilla and Frank-N-Dank, as the former not only produces the whole record but also played a large role in bringing the group to a larger undergroundUnderground hip hop
Underground hip hop is an umbrella term for hip hop music outside the general commercial canon. It is typically associated with independent artists, signed toindependent labels or no label at all....
audience, through their appearance on Welcome 2 Detroit
Welcome 2 Detroit
Welcome 2 Detroit is the 2001 debut solo album from Slum Village producer J Dilla . The album followed the group's critically acclaimed Fantastic, Vol. 2, and kicked off BBE's "Beat Generation" series...
, as well as producing various 12"s released prior to the album. However, the making of the album, under MCA Records
MCA Records
MCA Records was an American-based record company owned by MCA Inc., which later gave way to the larger MCA Music Entertainment Group , of which MCA Records was still part. MCA Records was absorbed by Geffen Records in 2003...
, was plagued with setbacks as two subsequent versions of the album were rejected by the label. It received virtually no pre-release promotion indicating that the-then folding label had no serious intentions of releasing the album. J Dilla in an interview with Groove Attack:
Many fans believe that this largely sample-free version was recorded to appease MCA
MCA Records
MCA Records was an American-based record company owned by MCA Inc., which later gave way to the larger MCA Music Entertainment Group , of which MCA Records was still part. MCA Records was absorbed by Geffen Records in 2003...
, who were reluctant to clear the samples used on the original recording. That theory is somewhat supported by the fact that the 12"s released by the duo prior to 48 Hours all featured sampling, as do the songs on, Xtended Play
Xtended Play
Xtended Play is Frank-N-Dank's first commercial release. Guest appearances include Brick & Lace, Kardinal Offishall, Saukrates and Lindo P. The album contains productions from Oh No, The 2 Swift Household, Kardinal Offishall, DJ Kemo, Buddah Brothas, Tone Mason, Saukrates, P. Cauz and J Dilla.-...
and Xtended Play Version 3.13
Xtended Play Version 3.13
Xtended Play Version 3.13 is Frank N Dank's first official release. It was on October 24, 2006. Guest appearances include Brick & Lace, Kardinal Offishall, Saukrates Lindo P and more...
, the group's first official studio album.
Release
Eventually a version of the shelved album surfaced on the market, with questionable packaging yet a professional quality of sound, and mastering. Two 12"s were released by independent label ABB in support of the album - "Take Dem Clothes Off" b/w "Off Ya Chest" in 2002, and "Ma Dukes" b/w "Pimp Strut" in 2003. None of the songs from the triple A-Side single "Push", "Where the Parties At?" and "I'll Bet You Will", were included on the available version The album version of "Where the Parties At?" differs greatly from the 12" version - featuring different lyrics and a beat that no longer includes a sample of MtumeMtume
Mtume was a funk and soul group that had several R&B hits in the 1980s. Its founder, percussionist James Mtume, previously played with Miles Davis in the 1970s. Other members of the group included Reggie Lucas and Tawatha Agee.-History:...
's "Juicy Fruit". "I'll Bet You Will" was also changed to "Rite Bites" and no longer appeared over its salsa-esque beat.
Production
Dilla's rumored initial strategy of sorts, was to re-visit numerous "breaks" that had already been used extensively, or notably, in other Hip-Hop songs. Therefore, intentionally or otherwise, highlighting his own skills as a sample-based producer. Among else, this is supported by reworks of Labi SiffreLabi Siffre
Labi Siffre is a British poet, songwriter, musician and singer most widely known as the writer and singer of " So Strong", "It Must Be Love" and "I Got The", the sampled rhythm track which provides the basis for a number of well-known hip hop tracks such as Eminem’s breakthrough hit single, "My...
's "I Got The Blues," (nicked by Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
and Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
for their respective "Streets Is Watching
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 is the second studio album by American rapper Jay-Z, released November 4, 1997 on Roc-A-Fella Records. Despite mixed criticism towards its more mainstream-oriented sound and lyrical substance, the album debuted at number 3 on the U.S...
" and "My Name Is
My Name Is
"My Name Is" is a song by Eminem released in 1999. It is the debut single overall from his major label debut album, The Slim Shady LP. The song was ranked at #26 on "VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 90's". "My Name Is" also was ranked #6 on Q Magazine's "1001 Best Songs Ever"...
"), Mtume
Mtume
Mtume was a funk and soul group that had several R&B hits in the 1980s. Its founder, percussionist James Mtume, previously played with Miles Davis in the 1970s. Other members of the group included Reggie Lucas and Tawatha Agee.-History:...
's "Juicy Fruit
Juicy Fruit
Juicy Fruit is a brand of chewing gum made by the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, a U.S. company that since 2008 has been a subsidiary of the privately-held Mars, Incorporated. It was introduced in 1893, and in the 21st century the brand name is recognized by 99 percent of Americans, with total sales in...
," (famously used by The Notorious B.I.G.
The Notorious B.I.G.
Christopher George Latore Wallace , best known as The Notorious B.I.G., was an American rapper. He was also known as Biggie Smalls , Big Poppa, and The Black Frank White .Wallace was raised in the Brooklyn borough...
on "Juicy
Juicy (The Notorious B.I.G. song)
"Juicy" is a song by hip hop artist The Notorious B.I.G. and his solo debut single from his 1994 debut album Ready to Die. It was produced by Poke of Trackmasters & Sean "Puffy" Combs. Its melody is sampled from Mtume's "Juicy Fruit", and has an alternative chorus sung by R&B girl group Total...
"), and Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Lee Mayfield was an American soul, R&B, and funk singer, songwriter, and record producer.He is best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and for composing the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Super Fly, Mayfield is highly...
's oft-used "Give Me Your Love" from the Super Fly soundtrack, which were all put to tape for the project. It still remains partially unclear as to why this version was abandoned, the most likely reason being label politics, and/or questioning of the album's commercial viability using this somewhat esoteric sonic approach. It is also possible that, with the issue of sample clearances for the album yet to be handled, such a concept could have proved incredibly expensive.
Following the abandonment of the sample concept, Dilla re-built the sonic bed of the album, this time, logically enough, crafting exclusively live instrumentation-based, or "keyboard" beats. Samples still quietly slid their way into this version, albeit in strictly percussive or exclamatory roles. The sounds on 48 Hrs are largely based around sparse electronic
Electronic music
Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology in its production. In general a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means and that produced using electronic technology. Examples of electromechanical sound...
melodies, robotic drum patterns, rousing synth
Synthesizer
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
stabs and other Moog
Moog synthesizer
Moog synthesizer may refer to any number of analog synthesizers designed by Dr. Robert Moog or manufactured by Moog Music, and is commonly used as a generic term for older-generation analog music synthesizers. The Moog company pioneered the commercial manufacture of modular voltage-controlled...
-based instruments.
These productions reflect both the changes/advancements in Hip hop production
Hip hop production
Hip hop production is the creation of hip hop music. Though the term encompasses all aspects of hip hop music, it's most commonly used to refer to the instrumental, non-lyrical aspects of hip hop. This means that hip hop producers are the instrumentalists involved in a work...
at the time and Dilla's incorporation of these ideas, as well as the producer's absorption of (or one could argue 'being influenced by') other producer's styles who were greatly different from his, such as Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
, Timbaland
Timbaland
Timothy Zachery Mosley , better known by his stage name Timbaland, is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper....
, and most notably Pharrell, on the staccato clav-based "Take Dem clothes Off". Nevertheless the quirky attributes of J Dilla's productions remain present throughout the record, as can be heard on "Off Ya Chest", where a pounding build up leads to a spacious drum rhythm, complimented by sirens, whistles, blips, zaps, and female vocal snippets.
Track listing
- "Intro"
- "Marajuana"
- "Rite Bites"
- "Street Life"
- "Pimp Strut"
- "Where the Parties at?"
- "Y'all Don't Want It"
- "Sex on the Beach"
- "All Seasons"
- "Alright"
- "Afterparty"
- "Ma Dukes" (feat. Tammy Lucas)
- "Keep It Coming"
- "Take Dem Clothes Off" (feat. J Dilla)
- "Off Ya Chest" (feat. J Dilla)
Performers
- Frank Bush – rap
- Derrick Harvey – rap
- James Yancey – rap, production
- Questlove – live drums ("Keep It Coming")
- Tammy Lucas – vocals ("Ma Dukes")