ALBUM THE
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   Format: Audio CD
{"Product Dimensions": "5.62 x 4.92 x 0.33 inches; 3.84 Ounces", "Manufacturer": "Warlock Records", "Item model number": "1988026", "Original Release Date": "1999", "Run time": "37 minutes", "Date First Available": "July 26, 2006", "Label": "Warlock Records", "Number of discs": "1"}