[.ca] Mantronix: The Album

From 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

One Of Hip Hop's Best!!:
I remember the first time I heard "Fresh Is The Word." I was in the back of a Ford Granada, with those shiny spoke rims. You know the kind that were two piece. You can take the spokes off and just ride on the rims. That was what "sitting on chrome" meant back then. Two 10 inch woofers were pounding my brain with Radio Shack tweeters positioned on the dash. Yes I had on a Kangol and a polyester Adidas sweatsuit with matching shelltoes. Those were my B-Boy days and Sleeping Bag Records ruled!! Remember the Koala Bear. This is a must have for any old head hip hopster like myself. There was more cutting and scratching on this album than at a DJ Qbert concert. Ironically, DJ Qbert sampled "Hip Hop Hardcore" in the movie "Scratch." If you want to hear the real "Mantronix," this is the album to get. (Mantronik and MC Tee). I'm not knocking Bryce because he evolved into Groove Theory w/Amel Larrieux and she evolved into an excellent artist of her own right. This album is the real essence of what Mantronix meant. This is a CLASSIC and I can't believe that soon it will be 20 years since the introduction of this album.

Genuine Hip Hop:
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.

Fresh Is This Album:
When this cd came out back in 1985 it was so ahead of its time, so people that werent into rap hated Mantronix. The only place you would here there songs would be in clubs because Mantronix have a Electro, Dance Rap style, and with very hard drum beats and Hard Bass lines. Also having Amazing rapping skills for the mid 80's. Good songs like "Bassline," "Fresh Is The World," "Ladies," and "Needle To The Groove," show what old school rap really was. The group had the 1st man machine Kurtis Mantronik, who was a turn table master who incorporated synthesizers and samplers into rhythmatic mix. MC Tee's Skills and rhymes also make this album that much better.

Criminally Underrated Hip Hop (4.5 Stars):
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)

Ahead of its time:
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

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