DJ Manny

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