Passionfruit – Drake (Analysis)

Music Lesson: Playing "Passion Fruit" by Drake

Overview
In this lesson, we'll focus on the hip hop track "Passion Fruit" by Drake. The original recording features programmed drum parts, but we will explore how Adrian Bent performs it live. Make sure to check out different versions of the track and practice along, both with and without the click.

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Introduction

• Listening To The Track:

  • Try to hear different versions of "Passion Fruit."
  • Practice along with the track: both with the click and without.

• Understanding the Arrangement:

  • The song has an unusual beginning with offbeat eighth notes.
  • It's crucial to internalize these offbeats; drummers often count in on downbeats, but in this track, it's definite:
    1, 2, 3.

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Key Elements to Focus On

Offbeat Eighth Notes

• Hi-hat on all offbeat eighth notes.
• Bass drum comes in on 1 & 3.

Transition from A to B Section

• Important transition to a straight eighth note feel.
• Focus on maintaining internal time when switching from offbeats to eighth notes.

Dynamic Feel

• Aim for a machine-like precision with big backbeats and rim shots.
• Incorporate dynamics on the hi-hat.
• Maintain a consistent dynamic feel throughout the track.

The Flam

• Coming out of the B section, set up with bass drum and snare in unison with the hi-hat.
• Introduce the first flam of the piece, make this note thick and crisp.
• Power Flam: Both hands playing an accented note, rim shot to enhance the effect.
  Example: 1, 2, 3.

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C Section

• Four on the Floor Feel:
  • Backbeats on beat four.
  • Use dynamic variation on the right cymbal to avoid monotony.
  • When playing the bass drum, consider using the technique of leaving the beater in the head.

Practice Exercise

• Alternate between a 2 and 4 backbeat, leading to a unison with the bass drum and hi-hat.

Tips for Technique

• Unisons should be tight.
• Flams need to be distinct and thick.

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Final Touches

Last Two Bars

• Maintain a tight hi-hat feel.
• Incorporate a linear eighth note fill, leading to the bass drum.

Ending Fill:

• Utilize positivity and conviction, flow from high tom, mid tom, low tom to bass drum, finishing with a big flam.

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Conclusion

• Focus on time flow, energy, conviction, and consistency.
• Balance between organic feel and machine precision is essential.
• "Passion Fruit" is a rewarding track with a lot of elements to explore, offbeats, onbeats, flams, open hi-hats, and a big fill at the end.

Have fun with "Passion Fruit"!
It's a great tune with lots to learn. Enjoy your practice, and see you soon!