Artists

Peanut Butter Wolf

As a young kid growing up in San Jose, Chris Manak soon realized he needed an escape from the realities of suburbian life in the Silicon Valley. The age of nine was a big one for him. That year, he discovered sports, video games, girls, and hip hop. By 13, he got his first turntables and mixer and was making mix tapes for everyone in his high school. So much for homework or after school activities.

He took on the PBW nickname when he was 19 thanks to his MC partner Charizma, who dared him to make that his DJ name. Charizma and PBW began recording demos and within a couple years, the duo signed a contract with Hollywood Basic (Disney) alongside DJ Shadow, another up and coming Bay Area producer/DJ who shared the same manager. Charizma and PBW were riding high, traveling to Europe, getting coverage in Billboard Magazine, interviewed on national radio by Sway, and performing live with Nas and The Pharcyde. Then, in December of 1993, Charizma tragically lost his life. Stunned, Wolf temporarily gave up on music.

After taking a break, Wolf began releasing tracks for different compilations and DJing parties like Future Primitive in SF. Through an instrumental LP he produced called Peanut Butter Breaks, he met other DJs/producers like Q-bert, Mix Master Mike, Cut Chemist, the Beat Junkies, Rob Swift, and Jay Dee. After this release, PB found himself busy as a producer, working with people as varied as Kool Keith, Ozomatli, and The Beastie Boys. At the same time, he wanted an outlet to release other artists who he believed in. In 1996, PB started Stones Throw Records, named after a saying him mom used to use. Charizma's posthumous "My World Premiere" was the single to launch the label. Through the years, Stones Throw has become more than just a hobby, as the label has released over 100 records in several genres (most rooted in hip hop).

Lately, PB Wolf has moved away from producing to travel the world as a DJ while continuing to build the Stones Throw label. His gigs have been as varied as Usher's Grammy after party, the Montreax Jazz Festival, and a private party for Bill Clinton. At the same time, he has overseen the release of albums by Quasimoto, Breakestra, Madvillain, Dudley Perkins, Yesterdays New Quintet, Wildchild, Madlib, Rob Swift, Koushik, and Jaylib.

"As someone who's used vinyl for over 20 years, I was a skeptic until I tried it for myself. It gives you so much more freedom. It obviously makes traveling much less of a pain, but I even prefer it for the local gigs. Even some of my harshest critic DJ friends have been converted."

For more info on Peanut Butter Wolf check out his label's website:
www.stonesthrow.com