The “Friday (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” stands as the musical accompaniment to F. Gary Gray’s iconic 1995 stoner film, “Friday.” This soundtrack, released on April 11, 1995, via Priority Records, is an amalgamation of hip-hop and R&B melodies.
The recording sessions took place across renowned studios including Street Knowledge Recording Studio, Dre’s Crib, Digital Shack, Larrabee Sound Studios, Image Recording Studios, and Yo Mama’s House in Los Angeles.
The sessions extended to Digital Services in Houston, Firehouse Studios in New York, the Archive in Oakland, the Plant Studios in California, Luke Recording Studio in Liberty City, and Ocean 11 Suite 7. Noteworthy producers, such as Ice Cube, DJ Pooh, DJ Muggs, the 2 Live Crew, Angela Winbush, Bootsy Collins, Dr. Dre, E-A-Ski & CMT, E-Swift, N.O. Joe, Ralph tha Funky Mexican, Rashad Coes, Roger Troutman, and Ronald Isley, collaborated to bring this project to life.
The lead single, “Keep Their Heads Ringin’,” was co-produced by Sam Sneed, with Patricia Charbonnet and Toby Emmerich serving as executive producers.
This album features remarkable appearances by Ice Cube, Bernie Worrell, Bootsy Collins, CJ Mac, Cypress Hill, Dr. Dre, E-A-Ski, Funkdoobiest, Mack 10, Nancy Fletcher, Rick James, Roger Troutman, Rose Royce, Scarface, Tha Alkaholiks, The Isley Brothers, Threat, and the 2 Live Crew.
“Friday (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” achieved remarkable success, claiming the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart for 2 consecutive weeks and reigning over the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for an impressive 6 weeks. Among its accomplishments was the triumphant rise of Dr. Dre’s single “Keep Their Heads Ringin’,” reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing the top spot on the Hot Rap Tracks chart.
Notably, the album received the esteemed double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America on June 4, 1996. Music videos accompanied the tracks “Friday” and “Keep Their Heads Ringin’.”
The title track of the soundtrack was not without controversy. A feud ignited with the hip hop group Cypress Hill, alleging that Ice Cube sought permission to use their track “Throw Your Set in the Air.” Their claim was that Cube subsequently produced a strikingly similar track after being denied permission.
In the realm of critical reception, the “Friday (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” garnered praise. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic noted how the record encapsulated the vibrant urban radio scene of the era. He commended the fusion of G-funk by Dr. Dre, classic soul, contemporary R&B, and gangsta rap, likening it to a “Best of the ’90s” compilation.
James Bernard from Entertainment Weekly recognized the familiarity and fun in the listening experience, as the album masterfully intertwined Dr. Dre’s grooves, Ice Cube’s fervor, Cypress Hill’s distinct style, and E-A-Ski’s bold “Blast If I Have To.” With classic contributions from Rick James and Isley Brothers, Rolling Stone’s review hailed the “Friday” soundtrack as a righteous collection, perfectly complementing the film created by Ice Cube and D.J. Pooh.
