Collaboration simply debunks the “too many cooks in the kitchen” cliche. Behind the boards of Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar’s “Family Ties” are 5 sonically-inclined chefs, whose production prowess serves up a cohesive dish with the perfect amount of seasoning.
Two of those chefs are Jasper Harris and Frankie Bash. The respective Los Angeles and St. Paul, MN natives realized their chemistry early on after only a few collaborative recording sessions. Unbeknownst to them at the time, their collaboration would result in the lead single to pgLang’s next project.
“The first time I heard the finish song – we were watching the video at the same time, so it was totally sensory overload,” says Frankie.
“That Kendrick verse was godly and Baby Keem held his own with the GOAT,” said Harris. “I think it’s hard to miss with the all-star lineup of Keem, Kendrick and Cardo.”
Bash was connected with “God’s Plan” producer and fellow Minnesota native, Cardo, with the help of his manager and The Revels Group co-founder, Jamil “Juice” Davis.
“Not many people from St. Paul (Minnesota) make it in the game (of music),” says Bash.
Timing could not have been any better as the hometown relation with Cardo would lead to the production behind “Family Ties.”
“I didn’t hear from him, but we sent him a (beat) pack with probably 20 loop idea from me and Jasper and that one was picked,” said Frankie.
Specifically, Keem’s transition into K.Dot’s verse is where Frankie and Jasper both shine.
For Bash, his production has landed tracks with Future, Gunna, Nav, NBA Youngboy, Juice Wrld and more. Upon arriving in LA, he would meet “Yes Indeed” producer, Wheezy.
“We were both sleeping on couches,” he says about him and Wheezy. His friendship with Wheezy would lead to his first placement with Future & Juice WRLD on “Realer n Realer.”
On the other hand, Jasper Harris’ orchestral background and training as a classical pianist has served him well, landing tracks with Roddy Ricch, DaBaby, Playboi Carti, Jack Harlow and more.
Before producing songs for multi-platinum artists, he attended Clive Davis’ School of Music at New York University. While in New York, he would befriend “Mo Bomba” producers Take It to Daytrip. Their mentorship helped to hone his abilities.
Eventually he would leave NYU, return to LA and land his first placement with late rapper, Juice WRLD as well on “Rich and Blind.”
Both Harris and Bash represent the inevitable evolution of Hip-Hop’s production palette. While “Family Ties” is only one example, their desire to duplicate their effort is sign for more excellence to come.
“I’m always thinking about what I could have done in my process to get better – like what I could have done to land one on DONDA or (Certified) Lover Boy,” said Jasper.
Harris has frequently collaborated with JetsonMade as well. You can expect the LA native’s signature sound on Lil Nas X’s upcoming debut album.
The hunger for constant improvement remains the key that drives the passion in Jasper Harris and Frankie Bash’s musical fiefdom.
