Manuel Gaines is without doubt one of the best dancers on the scene, harnessing control, grace and power in every movement. So when he steps into the studio, he knows instinctively how to create tracks that make you want to move your feet. Instead of relying on chopped up samples, DJ Manny is more inclined to pick up the microphone himself, and this gives his tracks an original and individual personality.

While less frenetic than his peers in the Chicago scene, DJ Manny’s tracks are laced with heavy bass and studded with the occasional breakbeat, perfect for the legendary footwork/juke battles that have become synonymous with the sound. Surrounded by the Ghettoteknitianz crew along with producers such as DJ Rashad, DJ Spinn, and Traxman, the formation of Teklife began. 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 Moveltraxx, Ghettophiles, Hoko Sounds, and TAR. Manny's proper debut full-length, Greenlight, was released by Teklife in 2017. He’s been nothing but consistent since, following up with several EP’s and the acclaimed ‘Signals in My Head’ on Planet Mu, evolving with every release.