We might be going out on a limb here, but it feels like 2011 was the first time hip-hop producers started being considered “artists” in their own right. That is, not just as producers, but as actual musicians. For decades hip-hop instrumentalists have played behind the scenes roles in the creation of rap songs, resulting in the rapper gaining all the praise. This past year though, producers have stepped out from behind their laptops and into the limelight. Artists like Clams Casino, Lex Luger, and Araabmuzik have changed the way people view rap music in general, sticking to a specific style and building off it relentlessly. Producers have always been essential parts in the creation of good hip-hop songs, it’s just that they never really attained the gratitude they deserved until this past year. There’s now a lane open for hip-hop producers to strive out and become their own entities, as well as gain recognition/fame for their beats without the need of an MC.

With that said, one of our absolute favorite hip-hop producers to pop up in 2011 was without a doubt Friendzone. This Bay Area duo consisting of James Laurence and Dylan Reznick made major waves early last year with the release of their Perfect Skies EP, a collaboration project with fellow Oakland-ites, rap group Main Attrakionz. On the EP, James and Dylan lace together ambient piano melodies with blissed-out synhts and air harp plucks, creating the perfect canvas for Squadda and Modre’s light-footed flows to flourish in. Friendzone’s instrumental work is instantly captivating, each song built off a visceral, raw emotion that is felt rather than heard.

Since then, Friendzone has continued to impress, releasing a grip load of one-off production pieces on their Soundcloud pageas well as curating a beat tape entitled Kuchibiru Network 2 that garnered nods from bigwigs such as The Fader, Mishka Bloglin, and Nah Right. Recently, we got in touch with the duo and talked to them about everything from their musical upbringing, to they’re thoughts on the Bay Area music scene, to what they make of hip-hop’s newfound love for producers. The dudes were also kind enough to put together a little mixtape for us featuring songs that have had an influence on the creation of Friendzone over the years. Check out the mix and interview right after the jump.

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