Friendzone (stylized FRIENDZONE) was an American instrumental hip hop duo based in the East Bay of California.[1] It consisted of producers James Laurence and Dylan Reznick.[2] On January 30, 2017, it was announced that James Laurence had died at the age of 27 from undisclosed circumstances.[3][4]
History
Friendzone produced Main Attrakionz' "Chuch" and "Perfect Skies", which were featured on the 2011 mixtape 808s & Dark Grapes II.[5] In 2012, the duo released Collection I, a compilation of rap instrumentals and original songs.[6]
In 2013, Friendzone landed their first major label placement, producing the song "Fashion Killa" for ASAP Rocky, which appeared on his debut album Long. Live. ASAP,[7] and also released the compilation Kuchibiru Network 3, which included contributions by several notable producers including Ryan Hemsworth, Skywlkr, DJ Kenn, and Jerome LOL.[8] In that year, the duo produced Yung Lean's "Solarflare", which was the final track on his mixtape Unknown Death 2002.[9]
On October 9, 2013, Friendzone released the debut album, DX.[10] On that day, Vice premiered the music video for "Poly".[11]
On February 16, 2015, Boiler Room released Upfront 014, which featured nearly an hour of unreleased music from the duo.[12] On May 27, Friendzone released a new EP, While U Wait.[13] Main Attrakionz released 808s & Dark Grapes III, produced by Friendzone in its entirety,[14] on Neil Young's Vapor Records on June 30, 2015.[15]
On January 30, 2017, James Laurence was reported dead at the age of 27.[3] The cause and date of death were not announced.[4] On February 6, Dylan Reznick shared a previously unreleased track, "Sweet Dream", as a tribute to Laurence. The duo had finished the song a few weeks prior to Laurence's death.[16]