Underground mastermind MC Frank Nitt of Frank-n-Dank, has teamed up with L.A. rap dons for a six-track EP that transcends styles, proving that Frank Nitt holds the verbal dexterity to rock over any beat. The EP is being released by the legendary label, Delicious Vinyl, known for their classic releases from The Pharcyde, Masta Ace, Tone Loc, and many more. Frank Nitt’s Jewels in my Backpack hits virtual shelves this week.

The beauty of Jewels is in the organic chemistry of Terrace Martin and Frank Nitt’s fusion of sound and style. A highly accomplished producer, Martin has arranged tracks for such artists as Snoop, Talib Kweli, and Warren G to name a few. His highly developed musical technique provided a bright array of beats on which Nitt unwound his signature gritty prose. The EP is a blend of the artists’ two worlds. “He’s [Martin] much more glossy than where I come from. His production has a shinier sound, which are the jewels. And here I am as this underground artist, a backpack MC who can rock over these jewels” explains Nitt. The end result is a powerful hip-hop hybrid that seamlessly blends regional aesthetics of both their hometowns.

Having released four albums as the Detroit-based duo Frank-n-Dank with Dankery Harv, Frank Nitt is no stranger to the rap game. His previous works boast the production mastery of hip-hop legend J. Dilla, and command attention and respect across the globe. Breaching into the realm as a solo-artist, Nitt now has full control of his musical endeavors. “It’s all on me. Being solo raises the stakes but I’m confident in the music I make,” professes Nitt. The EP has guest appearances by Kurupt and DJ Quik, beefing up the credentials to this classic-in-the-making.

Frank Nitt’s Jewels In My Backpack EP boasts 6 songs that cover topics from partying n’ bullshit to girls to love to adjusting to the LA party scene and more. “Psychedelic Freaky Girls” is a technicolor steamer trunk of a track, bursting with Terrace Martin’s musicality and the randy croon of J. Black. The single, “Go Girl,” featuring The Problem pays homage to the ladies and delivers a deep riding bass that drives Frank’s true-to-life lyrics through the speakers.

Frank Nitt’s contribution to the future of hip-hop is available starting today on iTunes and Amazon while the vinyl version will be availbale soon.

Check out the video for “Go Girl” feat. The Problem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHrwGavCUz8

     It’s no secret that the masses have checked out Frank N Dank for the production involved. The subject matter is littered with growing up in the hood, gun talk, keeping it real, and ass shaking songs, but that doesn’t mean a wack album does it? Nah, actually the production that backs this talk sets many joints aflame. Frequent collaborator J Dilla will make the rumps shake with the heavy thump of “Let’s Go” and will ease the mental with the Slum Village-ish “Okay.” Madlib’s younger bro, Oh No, chips in with “The Hustle” as Frank N Dank rock the mic with talks about none other than hustling (surprise!). Subject matter is run of the mill, but it works. Say what you want but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.   

     When it was mentioned that FND made a Canadian connection with Needillworks it meant that Needillworks brought the whole damn country of Canada with them. And the results aren’t bad either. Kardinal Official flexes his production muscle on “Xotic Dancer” as FND work the many angles of the strip club, then Kardinal breaks down the beat and proceeds to terrorize the mic. Saukrates makes the biggest splash on the album with two radio friendly bangers. The first is the drunken stupor of “Ride With Us” where FND suggest to the ladies to do what the title says. The other is the ice water cool vibes of “Nice to Meet You” feat. Brick and Lace. The bounce of this track alone begs of radio and club play not to mention the catchy hook included.

     With Xtended Play, FND prove that you get what you get from them and nothing more. While it’s not a bad thing, the tired subject matter may cause many listeners to yearn for deeper topics. But the star of this album is the Canadian team of production who leave their fingerprints all over this album. Xtended Play does exactly what it aims to do giving the listener nothing more and nothing less. Fans of Frank n Dank won’t complain, so why should you?