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, Rovi