Track Listing

1. Bassline
2. Needle To The Groove
3. Mega-Mix
4. Hardcore Hip-Hop
5. Ladies
6. Get Stupid 'Fresh' Part I
7. Fresh Is The Word

Product Details

• Released on: 1999-05-04
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

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

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.