Kurtis Mantronik

Kurtis Mantronik is a pioneering hip hop and electronic musician, DJ, and producer recognized for his foundational work in electro-funk and his significant influence on genres like Southern hip hop and trap music. After forming the influential hip hop and electro-funk group Mantronix with MC Tee in 1984, Kurtis Mantronik signed with William Socolov’s Sleeping Bag Records and released their debut single ‘Fresh Is The Word’ in 1985. The track became a club hit, reaching No. 16 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Singles Sales chart.

His versatile production skills were highlighted by his remix of Steve Reich’s ‘Drumming’ for ‘Reich Remixed’ (1999), followed by a remix of Shirley Bassey’s ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ in 2000. Mantronik released his solo EP ‘How Did You Know’ in 2003 and the full-length solo album ‘Journey to Utopia’ in 2014. In 2023, Mantronik reformed Mantronix, collaborating with Bronx rapper Bruse Wane, marking a significant return to the group’s hip-hop origins. This partnership yielded three new tracks: ‘Money Talks’ and ‘Era of the AI,’ both released in 2023, followed by ‘When the Doves Fly’ in 2024.

Kurtis Mantronik remains an influential figure in hip hop and electronic music, with his pioneering production techniques continuing to leave an indelible mark on contemporary genres.