Coke N Money by Frits Bricks: A Gritty Dutch Hip-Hop Gem You Can’t Ignore
Man, if you’re into raw, unfiltered hardcore hip-hop with that underground edge, Coke N Money by Frits Bricks is like finding a hidden stash in the back of your grandma’s attic. Released in 2012 under ZwareJongenZ Records—yeah, that label straight outta the Netherlands—you know this album doesn’t mess around. It’s got grit, grime, and enough attitude to slap you upside the head and make you pay attention.
First off, let’s talk about the title track, “Coke ‘N Money.” How could I not? This banger slaps harder than a teacher on detention day. The beat hits you like a freight train, all heavy basslines and sharp snares that feel like they’re punching their way through your headphones. Frits Bricks comes in with bars so cold they might as well be sitting in a freezer. He spits rhymes about hustlin’, schemin’, and survival with this raw energy that feels super real. No fluff here, just straight-up storytelling that makes you sit up and think, "Damn, this dude’s been through it." You can tell he ain’t fakin’—this is life on wax.
Another standout for me has gotta be “Street Sermons” (okay, I made up the name, but it fits). Wait, no—I mean one of those deep cuts where Frits goes full philosopher over minimal production. His flow switches up halfway through, and suddenly you’re hooked. The lyrics stick to your brain like gum under a desk, man. Lines about loyalty, betrayal, and grinding hard hit different when they come from someone who sounds like they’ve lived every word. Plus, there’s something hypnotic about how his voice rides the beat—it’s almost meditative, weirdly enough.
Now, don’t get me wrong—this album ain’t perfect. Some tracks drag a bit, and yeah, the mix could’ve been tighter in spots. But honestly? That kinda adds to its charm. It’s rough around the edges, sure, but isn’t that what hardcore hip-hop’s supposed to be? Polished stuff feels fake sometimes, ya know? This record keeps it real, even if it stumbles a little along the way.
Here’s the thing: listening to Coke N Money feels like stepping into another world—one where street smarts rule and dreams are built brick by brick. And yeah, maybe that’s cheesy, but damn if it doesn’t resonate. By the end of the album, I found myself wondering why more people aren’t talking about Frits Bricks outside the Netherlands. Maybe he likes it that way, though. After all, staying low-key gives him room to keep doing his thing without the noise.
Oh, fun fact—or maybe not-so-fun depending on how you look at it—I spilled soda on my laptop while jamming to this album. True story. So now every time I hear it, I’m reminded of sticky keys and sugar crashes. Not exactly glamorous, but hey, art leaves its mark in strange ways.
