Frankie Cutlass
born January 16, 1971
Did you know this about the Latin Freestyle Legend?
Frankie Javiel Malave, aka Frankie Cutlass, is just about one of the most multi-faceted musicians around. Apart from being a platinum producer, he has had a hand in everything from songwriting to remixing, rapping, and of course, spinning decks as one of the hottest DJs.
The American-born Puerto Rican was raised in New York Spanish Harlem in the same housing development as Marc Anthony. It's a small world indeed.
Cutlass was born for the limelight and began his DJ career at the tender age of 12. By the age of 15, he had hit the club scene and left school to pursue his music career.
Even at his age, he made waves working with freestyle artists like The Cover Girls, George Lamond, and TKA, among others, under his label, Hoody Records.
His first record was Puerto Rico Ho, which, together with his next single, Boriquas on the Set, were among some of the hottest underground hits.
He used his record label to produce The Franky Cutlass Show, which led to the success of his first hit.
Cutlass's idol was none other than Marley Marl, and like Marl, Cutlass worked hard to get MCs and vocalists under one umbrella, which he managed as producer.
Boriquas on the Set featured artists like Fat Joe and Doo-Wop and landed Cutlass a recording deal with Relativity Records.
His multiple talents led to him joining the Flip Squad, and his was the name in shining lights at special events.
Needless to say, Frankie's incredible passion had him spinning decks for New York City's Hot 97 WQHT radio station, and we could say that the rest is history, but there is more.
Frankie clearly demonstrated why he deserved his Platinum Producers Award. Having worked with artists such as Notorious B.I.G, Shaggy and Rayvon was no small feat for a young Puerto Rican with big dreams. His Latino roots were strong throughout the process, and collaboration with artists like Tito Nieves resulted in his second album, Politics, and Bullshit, in 1997.
If there is one thing that Frankie doesn't get enough credit for, it's his ability to network and make connections. He once again proved himself to be the top dog in the hood with his 1997 tribute to old school rap featuring names like Busta Rhymes, the Lost Boyz, and M.O.P.
Even with all his name dropping, it was the classic movie "Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Juice in your Hood" that was Frankie's break into mainstream music when one of his tracks, Freak it Out by Doug E Fresh, was included in the soundtrack.
It seems that almost everything he touched turned to gold, from Jennifer Lowe's "Let's Get Loud" to Fatboy Slims "Yo Mama," featured on the Charlie's Angels 1 soundtrack, which was certified triple platinum-selling in the year 2000.
Frankie's latest achievements include another platinum plaque for his collaboration with DJ Khaled on the gold single "For Free," featuring Drake. He is still hyperactive on social media and promotes and participates in several events.