Frenkie
Frenkie | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Adnan Hamidović |
| Also known as | Frenk the Tenk, Frenkoza, Frenkzilla, Charlie, Frenkie Veličanstveni |
| Born | 31 May 1982 Bijeljina, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, SFR Yugoslavia |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, songwriter, author |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Labels | FMJam, Menart Records, Hayat Production, Universal Music Group |
| Website | Official website |
Adnan Hamidović (born 31 May 1982), known professionally as Frenkie, is a Bosnian rapper, songwriter, and author. One of the most prominent figures in Balkan hip hop, he is recognized for his socially and politically conscious lyrics, addressing corruption, nationalism, and post-war realities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.[1][2]
Early life
[edit]Frenkie was born in Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, then part of Yugoslavia. During the Bosnian War, his family moved to Nuremberg, Germany, where he was introduced to hip-hop music and graffiti culture.[3] After returning to Bosnia in 1998, he settled in Tuzla, where he became active in the local underground hip-hop scene.
Career
[edit]Beginnings and FM Jam
[edit]In 1999, Frenkie co-founded the hip-hop collective FMJam, a platform for independent artists based in Tuzla. He became part of the group Disciplinska komisija, along with notable regional rappers including Edo Maajka.[4]
He initially collaborated with Edo Maajka on early projects, gaining recognition for his energetic delivery and lyrics addressing post-war Bosnian identity and social injustice.
Solo career
[edit]Frenkie released his debut solo album, Odličan CD, in 2005. The following year, his politically charged album DOSTA! featured the controversial track "Mr. Policeman", criticizing police corruption. The song attracted significant media attention and led to Radio Sarajevo being fined for broadcasting it.[5]
In 2007, he released Povratak Cigana (Return of the Gypsies), followed by Protuotrov (2009), and Troyanac (2012), albums that further solidified his reputation as a socially engaged artist.
His song "Soundtrack" was featured in the 2008 Marvel film The Incredible Hulk.[6]
Collaborations and experimentation
[edit]In 2016, Frenkie collaborated with Bosnian rapper Kontra and producer Indigo on the album Putanja, blending hip hop with electronic influences. The trio gained international exposure and performed across Europe.[7]
In 2017, the group released Egzil, recorded in Tokyo, Japan, through the Red Bull Music Studios, reflecting themes of displacement and cultural exchange.[8]
Recent work
[edit]To commemorate the 20th anniversary of FM Jam, Frenkie released 20/20 in 2019. The album was recorded at Red Bull Studios in Los Angeles and received critical acclaim in the regional press.[9]
That same year, Frenkie published two books: Koraci, a memoir of his career in music, and Lack - Made in Bosnia, a book documenting his work and travels as a graffiti artist.[10]
Artistic style and themes
[edit]Frenkie’s lyrics often focus on political corruption, post-war recovery, youth disillusionment, and freedom of expression. He is also known for addressing controversial topics such as police brutality and ethnic divisions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.[2]
He has also integrated elements of graffiti and street art into his artistic identity, and is considered one of the earliest hip-hop artists in the region to bridge rap music and visual urban culture.
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]- Odličan CD (2005)
- DOSTA! (2006)
- Povratak Cigana (2007)
- Protuotrov (2009)
- Troyanac (2012)
- Egzil (2017, with Kontra and Indigo)
- 20/20 (2019)
Collaborative albums
[edit]- Putanja (2016, with Kontra and Indigo)
Bibliography
[edit]- Koraci (2019)
- Lack – Made in Bosnia (2019)
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Balkan rappers speak out on peace and justice". Reuters. 24 November 2006.
- ^ a b "Bosnians say 'enough' to politics". BBC News. 4 June 2006.
- ^ "Frenkie". Discogs.
- ^ "Historia bosanskog hip hopa: Od Prljavih anđela do Disciplinske komisije". BH Reporter. 15 March 2019.
- ^ "Protest in Bosnia!". Ultras-Tifo.
- ^ "The Incredible Hulk (2008) Soundtrack". IMDb.
- ^ "Frenkie, Kontra i Indigo objavili album "Putanja"". Klix.ba. 23 June 2016.
- ^ "Frenkie, Kontra i Indigo u Tokiju snimili novi album "Egzil"". Klix.ba. 14 March 2017.
- ^ "Kako je Fm Jam od "kućne varijante" stigao do studija u Los Angelesu". 18 October 2019.
- ^ "Dokumfest 2019 u znaku Zenica Bluesa, Orgazma, Kreslina i Indexa". Glas.ba. 3 September 2019.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
