Crookers

Crookers is an electronic music project led by Italian DJ and producer Francesco "Phra" Barbaglia. Originally composed of Barbaglia and Andrea “Bot” Fratangelo, the duo was formed in 2003 and began remixing tracks for Berlin’s Man Recordings before releasing the EPs Knobbers, Mad Kidz, and E.P.istola in 2008. Crookers' music was also featured on the soundtrack of several video game franchises such as Need for Speed, Grand Theft Auto, and Midnight Club. Their big breakthrough arrived in 2009, when they teamed up with American rapper Kid Cudi on the track “Day n' Nite,” which peaked at Number 2 on the UK charts. After signing with Interscope Records in 2010, they released the LP Tons of Friends, followed by 2011’s Dr. Gonzo, an alternative dance music record that featured guest spots by Hudson Mohawke, Neoteric, Savage Skulls, and Wax Motif. Following Fratangelo’s departure from the group in 2012, Barbaglia continued to use the moniker for his solo endeavors. Preceded by the single “I Just Can’t” featuring R&B vocalist Jeremih, Sixteen Chapel saw the light in 2015 via Ciao Recs. In 2021, Crookers was involved in the production of rapper Massimo Pericolo’s sophomore effort, Solo Tutto, which reached the top of the Italian charts thanks to the hit single “Cazzo Culo.”