Mantronix: The Album

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
To the uninitiated, the electro-whoosh and drum-box theatrics of Mantronik and MC Tee's 1986 debut may sound a bit dated. Yet this pioneering hip-hop album introduced a style and sound which blesses nearly all of today's beat-centered music, from the massive, head-knock electronics of "big beat" artists such as the Chemical Brothers to the 808-obsessed minimalism of the Cash Money clique. Mantronix's production and programming introduced synths, drum machines, and electro aesthetics to the young hip-hop nation. Bouncy, bass-heavy, and decidedly "electronic," The Album radically expanded the possibilities of electronic programming in hip-hop and dance music. Though overshadowed by Mantronix's production, MC Tee's brash and simple party-starter rhymes echo along brilliantly on the thundering (and appropriately titled) "Bassline." With classic b-boy jams "Needle to the Groove," "Fresh Is the Word," and the scratch-heavy "Hardcore Hip-Hop" also anchoring the album, it's safe to say countless careers were inspired by this modestly titled volume. --Hua Hsu

Mantronix: The Album,Mantronix,Warlock Records,Club/Dance,Electro,Golden Age,Hip-Hop,Old School Rap,Pop,Popular Music,Rap,Rap & Hip-Hop,United States of America

Tracks:

Bassline
Needle To The Groove
Mega-Mix
Hardcore Hip-Hop
Ladies
Get Stupid 'Fresh' Part I
Fresh Is The Word

Amazon.com

To the uninitiated, the electro-whoosh and drum-box theatrics of Mantronik and MC Tee's 1986 debut may sound a bit dated. Yet this pioneering hip-hop album introduced a style and sound which blesses nearly all of today's beat-centered music, from the massive, head-knock electronics of "big beat" artists such as the Chemical Brothers to the 808-obsessed minimalism of the Cash Money clique. Mantronix's production and programming introduced synths, drum machines, and electro aesthetics to the young hip-hop nation. Bouncy, bass-heavy, and decidedly "electronic," The Album radically expanded the possibilities of electronic programming in hip-hop and dance music. Though overshadowed by Mantronix's production, MC Tee's brash and simple party-starter rhymes echo along brilliantly on the thundering (and appropriately titled) "Bassline." With classic b-boy jams "Needle to the Groove," "Fresh Is the Word," and the scratch-heavy "Hardcore Hip-Hop" also anchoring the album, it's safe to say countless careers were inspired by this modestly titled volume. --Hua Hsu

Customer Reviews:

Paul "Tonic" Thompson.......2006-01-17

This album was dubbed for me on a cassette when i was stationed in Japan. The music was ahead of its time and the production was next level in 1985-86. Kurtis Mantronik could rock beats today for some lucky eemcee! MCTEE was a nice rhymer and was sorely missed when he broke out. Hip-Hop was young then not much radio play or video. This album was the meaning of underground Hip-Hop.

Worth fighting for.......2005-12-17

I almost got into a fight arguing whether this Mantronix joint was better than Ultramagnetic. LOL I did say almost but this joint was worth fighting for.

Classic Hip-Hop at it's finest, get it.

I dig in the crates so you don't have to.

Ahead of its time.......2004-07-16

This album is the roots of Dance music of the modern era and also of modern rap music where the beats are the focus point of the rap albums this has had influence overmany people and you should see the Beatnuts or Cashmoney for having strong beats.Kurtis Mantronic was really ahead of his time back and 1985 and MC Tee sounds very 85 has that same style which I am a fan of has the Early LL and Run DMC sound.Bump this music now
Lyrics 8/10 Production 10/10 X Factor 8/10 Classic 7/10 Me 9/10

Overall=42/50 which is an 84 are a 4 Mic release also get a
8 out of 10 Fingers as the Chris rating

Also recommended-Beatnuts,Cashmoney,Marley Marl,LL,Run DMC

Criminally Underrated Hip Hop (4.5 Stars).......2004-07-02

This CD came out when I was 9 years old and I still jam to it now like it was brand new. I've been listening to hip hop since I was 7 years old (thanks to my dad) and I haven't really heard a better dance album since this one came out. You can't really consider yourself a hip hop head if you don't know about Kurtis Mantronik. Him and MC Tee had one of the hottest joints in '85. Classics like "Bassline", "Fresh Is The Word", and "Needle To The Groove" make this album a must have for any hip hop head. And if that's not enough, "Mega Mix" is a mix of the aforementioned songs. If you throw "Bassline" on at any 80's party, the people will lose their minds. They even have it featured on Grand Theft Auto: Vice City on PS2. It's amazing that Kurtis Mantronik isn't mentioned in the same breath as other legendary hip hop DJs / producers. He's the one that put EPMD on, so obviously he knows a thing or two about hip hop. This album is a perfect blend of bass heavy tracks and slick lyricism (courtesy of MC Tee). This LP may have come out in 1985, but it sounds just as hot now as it did then. It may sound dated but, in my mind, that's a good thing because they just don't make them like this anymore. Go ahead and get this if you haven't heard it already. You'll love it.

Standout Tracks: Bassline, Hardcore Hip Hop, Fresh Is The Word, & Mega Mix (My Favorite)

Genuine Hip Hop.......2004-02-21

I first heard Mantronix after purchasing a collection of random cds from a flea market. All of the other cds were just garbage, except for a disc with "MANTRONIX" in capital bold letters written across it. After listening, I was amazed. It was a great juxtaposition of hardcore rap lyrics and complex turntable programming. After doing some research, I had become a die hard Mantronix fan. Although this music came from before my time, I believe Kurtis Mantronix is one of the best in hip hop production of all time, and definitely the most underrated. He's still around doing breakbeat music, but it is not the same without MC Tee, who appears to have completly disappeared. It's rumored he enlisted with the air force or something. I'm not exactly sure. Anyways, Mantronix is genuinely timeless hip hop music. The self-titled album is the best. It includes jams such as "Bassline", "Needle to the Groove", and "Hardcore Hip Hop." Not to mention a "Mega-Mix" of all of the tracks by the turntable virtuoso. Great for any space age sound system. It's definitely an album you have to buy.

Average customer rating:

Mantronix: The Album
Mantronix
Manufacturer: Sleeping Bag
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Old School | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
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Music Madness

ASIN: B0009UBSJS
Release Date: 2006-02-07

Tracks:

Bassline
Needle To The Groove
Mega Mix
Hardcore Hip-Hop
Ladies
Get Stupid Fresh Part 1
Fresh Is The Word
Ladies (Revived)
Bassline (Stretched)
Hardcore Hip-Hop (Nme Mix)
Ladies (Dub)
Ladies (Instrumental)

Album Description

Formed by now legendary New York producer Kurtis Mantronik and MC Tee, Mantronix are still known as one of the best and most innovative groups from hip-hops golden age. Mantronix were probably the first group to popularise samples as pop hooks, although their music actually crossed the boundaries of hardcore rap, electro, techno and house, their music has inspired artists around the world. Their first single; Fresh Is The Word, hit the streets of New York in 1985 courtesy of Sleeping Bag Records. The track had the streets and clubs of New York pumping with its raw beats and East Coast rapping that draws comparisons to Run DMC and LL Cool J. Their second single, Ladies, featured a smoother vocal sound than Fresh Is The Word, and the third single followed just a few months later, Bassline, is another slice of typical mid-80's hip-hop with it's raw beats and energetic rapping, and reached the UK top 40 in May 1986. With its futuristic production Mantronix: The Album was way ahead of it's time when released in 1985 and featured all of their hit singles and some of the rawest hip hop ever released. Now the album has been remastered and features 5 extra tracks - different versions of three of their key tracks. This album is Mantronix best and an essential album for any hip hop fan. EMI. 2006.

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