Forgotten Treasure: Mantronix “Bassline” (1986, Sleeping Bag Records)

I’ve always considered myself very lucky to have lived part of my teens in the golden age of hip-hop music. But then when I listen to a record like Mantronix‘s “Bassline” I can only imagine how special the energy must have been in the mid 80’s when rap and house music where both taking baby steps.

The second single from legendary Electro Funk duo Mantronix released in 1986 on Sleeping Bag Records wasn’t their biggest hit commercially but it certainly was the most influential on dance floors as well as the streets. One could even argue that “Bassline” set the foundation for the huge (but short-lived) trend to follow in the late 80’s / early 90’s called Hip-House.

Although Electro (and many other contemporary music) would never have been the same without the signature sound of the Roland 808 Drum Machine, “Bassline” was created by the younger brother of the 808, the TR909 which is more present in the history of Detroit Techno and Chicago House.

With Kurtis Mantronik on beats and and MC Tee on the Mic, Mantronix went on to become a pretty big act signing one of Rap / Electro’s first big record deals on Capitol. Kurtis Mantronik also went on to produce beats for a lot of other dope eighties hip hop cats including T La Rock and Just-Ice.

Also always loved the use of the “Bassline” sample by England’s Ragga Twins on “Wipe The Needle” (use of the sample stars at 1:20)

and now on to the glorious video!

Lexis

Montreal-based DJ and the founder MusicIsMySanctuary.com (2007) and 24 Hours of Vinyl (2011).