* En anglais uniquement
DJ Manny's tracks are slightly less frenetic, but no less energetic, than the work of some of his peers in Chicago's juke/footwork scene. Focusing on heavy bass and incorporating minimal samples, synth lines, and occasional breakbeats, his tracks are primed for the scene's legendary dance battles, but more restrained and reflective. A frequent collaborator of fellow Teklife affiliates such as
DJ Spinn,
DJ Earl, and the late
DJ Rashad, his discography includes numerous digital releases and EPs, as well as the LPs
Greenlight (2017) and
Signals in My Head (2021).
Manuel Gaines entered the scene as a dancer himself, and was associated with the Ghettoteknitianz crew along with producers such as
DJ Rashad,
DJ Spinn, and
Traxman. This evolved into Teklife, and
Manny appeared on releases by crew affiliates such as
DJ Earl and
DJ Taye, in addition to numerous digital solo releases on labels such as Ghettophiles, Hoko Sounds, and
TAR.
Manny's proper debut full-length,
Greenlight, was released by Teklife in 2017. He continued issuing digital releases at a prolific rate, and contributed to
DJ Taye's
Hyperdub-issued 2018 full-length
Still Trippin'. In 2021, he surfaced on longtime footwork supporter
Planet Mu with
Signals in My Head, a full-length heavily influenced by smooth R&B as well as house and drum'n'bass. ~ Paul Simpson