Mannie Fresh
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mannie Fresh | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Byron O. Thomas |
| Also known as | Fresh, Chubby Boy, Freshly Snipes, Mannie Glover, Mannie The Great, Mannie Pendergass, The Super Producer, Lovely, Lovable Lovely, Manuela the Great, Elvis Freshly |
| Origin | New Orleans |
| Genre(s) | Hip-hop, Bounce |
| Occupation(s) | Emcee, record producer |
| Instrument(s) | keyboard synthesizer Roland TR-808 MPC2000 bass guitar |
| Years active | 1991 - present |
| Label(s) | RCA/BMG Records Ca$h Money/Universal Records Def Jam South/IDJMG/Universal Records |
| Associated acts | Big Tymers Lil Wayne, B.G., Jay-Z, Dre, T.I., Young Jeezy, Nelly, The Game, Eminem, Juvenile, Rick Ross |
Byron O. Thomas in New Orleans, Louisiana), better known by his stage name Mannie Fresh, is currently an artist and hip-hop producer who records for Def Jam South. During 1993-2005 he was the in-house producer for Cash Money Records.
Contents |
[edit] Biography
Mannie Fresh, born Byron O. Thomas was born and raised in the 7th ward of New Orleans. He got his start in music at a young age when he learned how to play the keyboard. He later became a DJ in 1984 with the hip hop group New York Inc. He started to DJ at legendary parties and soon got the attention of emcee William Shatner, who had released a single as part of the S my D Troop in Florida. The duo started a group and debuted with a Miami Bass album entitled Throw up in 1987 on D&D Records. By 1992, they signed with a major label and released the album The Real Deal or No Deal on RCA/BMG Records. It was very successful in New Orleans, but it didn't gain very much attention outside the south. The group split up afterward because the way RCA handled the album.
Thomas went on to meet Bryan "Baby" Williams who gave him an opportunity to become in-house producer for his record label Cash Money Records. With his help, he made chart-topping albums for the Hot Boys, which was comprised of Lil Wayne, B.G., Juvenile, and Turk, producing all of the groups’ singles. He also produced all tracks on their solo works as well.[1] Later, Thomas formed the Big Tymers along with Williams and, together, they released four albums.[2] In 2004, he released his own debut album The Mind of Mannie Fresh, which consisted of 30 tracks and featured the single “Real Big,” which failed to top the charts.[3] In 2005, he split from Cash Money for financial reasons, and later joined Def Jam South, to which he is currently signed.[4]
As a producer, Mannie Fresh is credited with helping to create the form of hip hop music formerly known as bounce, using a unique combination of energetic drums and synthesizers. He's also most notable for originating the snare rolls and 808 drops. Considered by many to be one of the best hip-hop producers, Mannie Fresh played a dramatic role in shaping the style and direction of hip-hop during the late 1990s. Much of Cash Money Records' success can be attributed to Mannie's style, which borrows heavily from the pioneering Kurtis Mantronik.
On Wednesday, November 28, 2007, Mannie Fresh's sister Angela Bryant was found dead in her Algiers, New Orleans, home. Bryant's two children, ages 2 and 7, were found tied up inside the home but neither were injured.[5]
[edit] Solo Discography
- The Mind of Mannie Fresh (2004)
- Untitled (2008)[6]
[edit] Singles
[edit] References
- ^ “Set to Put New Orleans Rap Back on Top” by Kelefa Sanneh. New York Times, December 6, 2005.
- ^ “Loving, Rapping, Snuggling, And...” by Kelefa Sanneh. New York Times, January 3, 2005.
- ^ “Mannie Fresh” by Ken Capobianco. Boston Globe. December 31, 2005.
- ^ “Gangsta Gumbo” by Kelefa Sanneh. New York Times, p. C2, April 23, 2006.
- ^ “Sister of Producer Mannie Fresh Slain inside Her Home" by Natalie Guevara. Vibe Magazine Online. November 30, 2007.
- ^ "Upcoming Album From Fresh!" [1] by B. Thomas. Myspace.com Blogs. January 24, 2008
