ChiCityUnderground

NN4AJAM APRIL EDITION!!!!!!!

2011-04-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

So I threw in a little oldie but goodie archive mix.....Part two coming soon.

Live mix with Rahaan and Sean Sounds pt 1 by RimeAhson

Okay So I Know It's Been Used Before But.......March Madness

2011-03-09T18:32:00.000-08:00

It's been such a long time since I've posted music onto this blog. And I do apologize for the long hiatus. But after a lengthy period of focusing on what this music means to me. I have decided as always to continue to tie the music of today with the cuts from times past. We live in a world of sampling,recycling, reusing, and rebooting. So as a special treat, I will be presenting to you some of the very best producers and their craft right here on the Underground Review.

This month the Underground Review will be beginning of a long series of comparisons between hip-hop, rare grooves, and electronic music. Along with our biweekly post of the NICE NIGHT 4 A JAM PODCAST.

So I hope you enjoy this musical expedition that has so inspired me over the years.

STRIVINGFORANAME by RimeAhson

Music Music Music Coming Soon

2011-01-20T18:26:00.000-08:00

Been along time since my last post. So Imma make sure the music is well worth the wait.

NICE NIGHT 4 A JAM PODCAST

2010-09-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

New Mix by Chris Ray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

2010-07-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

Patience Is A Virtue by RimeAhson

More "NICE NIGHT 4 A JAM" vids

2010-07-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

NICE NIGHT 4 A JAM

2010-04-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

Updating the video's posted on www.stickam.com/noshaluv for "Nice Night 4 A Jam"
Hope you enjoy :-)

NICE NIGHT 4 A JAM

2010-03-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

I have been blessed with a show that features a guest DJ every week playing what we call here in the "Chi" tunes. "NICE NIGHT 4 A JAM" presents local DJs from all over Chicago. We have so much talent here that I thought it would be a great idea to create a forum where these different talents can come and get loose.

So every week from 7pm-11pm Thursday evening, I get to share the musical geniuses with all the world through an online steaming website.

You can find us at http://www.stickam.com/noshaluv

So if you haven't checked us out yet, I've put a few live streamed videos on here for you to see........Enjoy :-)

Another Year Another Resolution

2010-01-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

This year lets all be better human beings! Love your fellow man. Don't get run over by bullshit! And keep your head up! Live life to the fullest!

Be blessed musiq fans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time For The New Year

2009-12-05T20:18:00.000-08:00

Well here's another addition to the site......Hope you like :-)

Tryin to keep it on Music!

2009-09-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

Question....Aren't you tired of letting Wastington politics play games with your life? My modo.... Just get er done!
Tryin my best to stay focused on the music. So here's a few jammy jams for you to groove with. :-)

Boogie Session

2009-08-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

Just Because I Can...........

Klassique - Somebody's Lovin' You

One Way feturing Al Hudson - Music

Serge - Out In The Night

Peoples Choice

Gwem McCrae - All This Love Im Givin'

Joe Coleman - Get It Off The Ground

Firefly - Love (Is Gonna Be On Your Side)

Education Rock - Community People

Magnifique - (Charisma) - Magnifique

Joe Bataan- The Bottle

Incognioto - Shine One

Dayton - Eyes On You

Ohio Players - You And Me

Jan Akkerman - Streetwalker

Dexter Wansel - You Can be What you Wanna Be

Who Sampled ? ........

Go to .........
http://www.whosampled.com/sample/view/1021/Method%20Man%20and%20Redman-Maaad%20Crew_David%20Matthews-Dune%20Part%20II:%20Sandworms/

Who Sampled?

Go to..........
http://www.whosampled.com/sample/view/1075/Memphis%20Bleek%20feat.%20Jay-Z-Dear%20Summer_Weldon%20Irvine-Morning%20Sunrise/

Who Sampled?

Go To.........

http://www.4080records.com/2008/04/24/sample-sourcing-the-lafayette-afro-rock-bands-darkest-light/

Brick - Living From The Mind

A Two-fer........ Chicago Reflection and Political Shut-Down

2009-08-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

Recently during a broadcast on Chicago House Radio's "The Deep Dis" , I opened a discussion about admiration and the current "house music" scene in Chicago. I asked the question... What draws you to the parties in Chicago?

Gift Of Dreams

Most times I believe a lot of us are truly chasing the past. Harping on the nostalgia of how parties from Chicago's hay-day used to be. But then there are those that just love the culture. I figure there should be a healthy respect for all individuals involved in this scene. Whether you be the one chasing or the one that just loves the music or chasing nostalgia for the love of the music.
Either way your means are justified, just stay true to them. My main concern is the lack of unity in the community. The Chicago house music culture is just as much split and segregated as the city we live in.

All type of clicks and crews, sects and organizations, that seem to have a problem merging for one common alliance which is music. We have even gotten to the point where we won't associate the music some play with house music anymore.
It gets to be a bit confusing when you stop and think of the humble beginnings of this culture. Ask yourself what made me come to those parties back in the dayz? Now ask yourself what makes me come to the events nowadayz?

Ndugu & The Chocolate Jam Co. - Take Some Time

Since a lot of people from the humble beginnings are pushing 40 and over another question comes to mind.....What are we showing future generations about this culture and the music we love so much Chicago?

We used to have radio pushing the tunes we loved hearing at the parties but of course corporate is trying very successfully to make that a thing of the past. The very few and far between radio stations that actually give listeners some variation of music, are being threatened by a performance tax. This tax right now is being pushed by record companies and some artist to have radio stations pay royalties for the music they play on the stations. This same free promotion that helps them the companies and artist connect with their listener.
Check out this link........ http://www.noperformancetax.org/newsroom.asp

Side Effect - Private World

Brain Storm - Positive Thinking

But I digress.............

Here's another question..... what's really stopping djs, promoters, members from one "click" or another from truly coming together and throwing a party? Example a Chosen Few/Bring The Heat party, or better yet all the websites that have something to do with house music of course focusing on Chicago and having some type of event. It could be a walk for AIDS and a party afterwards to raise awareness. I'm just throwing out ideas but the bottom line is whats is stopping us?

Are we that caught up on ego's that we can't come together for one cause. I have all the best of hopes for the house community in Chicago. I bring no ill will to anyone trying to do their thing in this scene. But sometimes I think we need to step back and look at our purpose. Ask yourself is what you're doing really worth the effort you're putting into it?
Am I going to get the necessary response in order to make a difference?
And then ask yourself , what can I do to make this change? Or ask yourself do you wanna make this change?
Are you happy with the house music culture in Chicago?

Sun - They're Callin' For More

Pleasure- Nothing To It

Tribute to Bloggers and Diggers

2009-07-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

I put this post up to specifically give recognition to the all those bloggers, and websites that make it possible for me and others to have access to wonderful music. I don't think we pay enough homage to these individuals that truly bless us with musical gems.....much respect to (in no specific order) Funk Classic Master, SoulFunkLifeStyles, CoolSpirito, Ebony Cuts, The Trance, CTI Never Sleeps, Soul Strut, BlogSportSoul, Funk Soul Heaven, weGOfunk, Les Princes DeLa Funk, Soul Of Sydney, Lafunkanosjours, Paridise Drive, Milk Crate Breaks, Cear Boogie Blog Killer!!!.

Okay okay there are so many to name and I am sure that you will be able to stumble as well as I have on the variety of blogs dedicated to good music :-)

Happy Hunting
And don't forget about your local record stores they are the true originators of the "Dig"

All Things In Time

2009-07-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

Everyody wants to feel wanted in some way form or fashion. My visit to New York showed me a lot of things about people. To the point where it really made me appreciate and value good relationships. So I will dedicated this post to life and relationships.....Respectively

Also I would like to send a shot out to DJ Rahaan....First times are not always a charm in NY but they will come around.
This Talented DJ was not fully recognized due to a promoter issue.....For shame.....:-( But Hopefully this will not sour the people of NY to come check this flavor out the next time he's in town.

For full details on how it went down at the party check out this link
http://stickam.com/viewMedia.do?mId=184786922

The Fatback Band - I Found Love

Keni Burke - Risin' To The Top

Odessey - Inside Out

Blue Feather - It's Love

Kellee Patterson - All The Things You Are..So In Tuned With You

Oxyegen - Party Lets Party Pt.1

C-Brand - Wired For Games

Tom Brown - Thighs High (Grip Your Hips And Move)

Instant Funk - It's Cool

Splendor - Special Lady

Greg Henderson - Dreamin'

Circle City Band - Magic

Fever - -Don't You Want Me

Chaka Khan - Pain

Minnie Riperton - Can't You Feel What I'm Saying

Cause I'm Feeling Groovy

2009-06-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

I.N.D. - Sweet Sweet

Aurra - Make Up Your Mind

D Train - Music

Cherelle - I Didn't Mean To Turn You On

Secret Weapon - Must Be The Music

Powerline - Double Journey

Soul Makossa - Manu Dibango

Lonnie liston Smith - Expansions

Geoffrey Stoner - Bend Your Head Low

Music Mania

2009-05-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

T - Ski Valley = Catch The Beat

Risco Connection - I'm Caught Up

The Kay-Gees - You've Got To Keep On Bumpin

Earth Wind and Fire - Mighty Mighty

BlackByrds - Rock Creek Park

Jan Leslie Holmes - I'm Your Superman

Ju Par Universal Orchestra - Funky Music

Underrated Dj's

2009-05-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

As some of you know I do a weekly radio show on Chicago House Radio. Our live stickam show broadcast on chicagohouseradio.com, bringtheheat.com, and housemusicscene.com. This week I'll be talking about underrated dj's that just don't get enough pub here in the chi. Many times we forget to pay hommage to those that bring a different flavor to the house music community and just the music community in general.

So to those that bring the heat, play the durties, beat the boxx, and make me and other music lovers dance........Thank you I appreciate you :)

Ode to the Moms

2009-05-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

I always say music is the gift that keeps on giving. On this mothers day (well Literally everyday should be mothers day and fathers day.....)I wanted to put together a couple of songs that make my day..... being a mom......Some cool video's and all around good jokes.

We have to keep our spirit and our mind on focus.
We go through everyday life not really noticing the opportunities we let pass. Because we are not focused.
Everyday you should be asking yourself what is my goal in life. And then ask yourself have I done what I needed to today to get me closer to that goal.

Have you done that lately?

From Mother to child....... Aunt to niece.......Father to son........Elder to young
Take heed to experience
Learn from past occurrences
and be respectful to yourself
love somebody
even if it's you!

Happy Mothers Day:)

Undisputed Truth - Ma

Brick - Ain't Gone Hurt No Body

Grace Jones - Slave To The Rhythm

The Intruders - I'll Always love My Mama :)

Queen Yahna - Ain't It Time

Third World - African Woman

Milton Wright - Keep It Up

Total Experience - Contradiction

Rozza & Wine - Disco Boogie Woman

AW SHUKKIE NOW!

2009-05-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

Tryin my best to stay on top of this blog. So please forgive me for not updating it as much as I should. These last few weeks have been hectic. Got a few cutz I wanna share with you........Just going through youtube as usual....... findin these songs that make me wanna groove.

Special love hug for the birthday bro's on Bring The Heat......Taurus's in tha house! Happy Birthday to Mr. Chris Ray DJ and my bornday will be comin pretty soon........Sean Sounds just celebrated his birthday on April 22nd.....And what fun it's been celebrating with these fellas;)

The new thing I'm trying to figure out in this music game is the various "Titles" that keep poppin up. Now instead of calling those grimy songs just "Cutz", we have started calling them "Durties".....Go figure whateva terminology you wanna label this music with, for me it will always be "Good Music"

M'Lady - Sweet Honey

Sho Nuff - It's Alright

Kool and The Gang - Steppin' Out

Alton McClain & Destiny - It Must Be Love

Invisible Man's Band - All Night Thing

Fatback Band - Do The Boogie Woogie

Hiroshima - Shinto

Hiroshima - Warriors

Jimmy Bo Horne - Is It In

Plastic Bertrand - Stop Encore

Beggar & Co - Somebody Help Me Out

Lowrell - Mellow Mellow Right On

MY REVELATION

2009-04-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

Realization of self becomes apparent when faced with adversity. Life is a journey taking you in one direction or another. Sometimes we compromise the expedition by going down the wrong path. But when realizing that you've lost yourself on a road to nowhere ostensible decisions need to be made.
So never let anyone get you down and always stay true to yourself............Stay on the road to truth and you'll never be lost.

Caroline Crawford - Coming On Strong

Cissy Houston - Think It Over

Dexter Wansel - I'll Never Forget

Young And Company - Yes It Is Good!

High Inergy - Shoulda Gone Dancin

Laura Greene - Let Me Blow Your Whistle

Rinder and Lewis - Lust

Esther Williams - I'll Be Your Pleasure

Brainstorm - Journey To The Light

Patti Jo - Aint No love lost

Sho Nuff - I'ts Alright

Convertion - Lets Do It

RECOVERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

I would like to give a special thanks to the staff members at The HouseSpot for throwing one of the best parties I've been to in a while. I would also like to give special thanks and a big Bornday Wish to Mr. Rahaan!

He beat it down so hard that my body is still recovering.
Shall I say MFBD(Musical Fucking Beat Down)!!!!!!
So I decided to put up a few songs to bring me back down off my musical high ;)

THE MAIN INGREIDENT - DON'T YOU WORRY 'BOUT A THING

FATBACK BAND - DO THE BUS STOP

JOHHNY GUITAR WATSON - AIN'T THAT A BITCH

BOOTSY COLLINS - I'D RATHER BE WITH YOU

THE BRIDES OF FRANKENSTEIN - NEVER BUY TEXAS FROM A COWBOY

KIMIKO KASAI - TELL ME A BED TIME STORY

March Madness

2009-03-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hello peeps had a hell of a wonderful last week and looking forward to this one. Like today I will be going to show my support at the Lava lounge. Dj's Terry James, Chris Ray, and resident DJ Darryn will all be there bangin the box.

Then on Saturday the House Spot will have Rahaan spinnin all night!!!!!!!!! Yippie time to dance folks........... Hope to see everyone out supporting the local djs.

So to get you in tune with the music here's a couple of songs I hope you'll like. :)

Cameron - Get It Off

Wayne St. John - Somethings Up (Love me like the first time)

Skyy - First Time Around

BT Express - Do You Like It

Cat Stephens - Was a Dog a Doughnut

Brenda Harris - Making Love Keeps You Fit

Davis Import - I'm Glad You're Mine

TC James & Fist -O-Funk Orchestra - Bumpsie's Whipping Cream

Roundtree - Get On Down

For The Love of Music Part II

2009-03-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

Just call me a youtube whore.....Love finding songs to put here on my blog hope you enjoy;)

Hot Chocolate - Heavens in the backseat of my Cadillac

Hot Chocolate - Mindless Boogie

M'lady - Sweet Honey

The George Bussey Experience - Disco Extravaganza

Brand New Heavies - Dream Come True

Brand New Heavies - Boogie

Deee-Lite - GoodBeat (LIVE!)

Skyy - Let's Celebrate

12"

The Strikers - Inch By Inch

Weeks and Company - Go With The Flow

Redd Hott - Ecstasy

Peter Jacques Band - Is It It?

Jimmy James and The Vagabonds - I Am Somebody

Bobby Patterson - I Got A Suspicion

Maxx Traxx - Don't Touch It

George Duke - Brazilian Love Affair 12"

Ronnie Laws - Young Child 12"

Surface Noise - The Scratch

Just Holdin' On

2009-02-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

With all that's going on in the world today, I thought this song would be fitting for the time.

Right now we're dealing with economic troubles. Jobless situations are popping up everywhere. House less plights are more apparent than ever because people cant afford their homes anymore. And on top of all this we still have those that prey off the weak spreading their iniquitous morals all over the world.

More and more of us are becoming separated from each other.

Trying to distance ourselves and ignore the blatant problems.
You know division between the haves and the have nots .

And these complaints without resolutions.

Here's one lets understand that we're all humans living on this planet together. The trials and tribulations for one will in some way directly or indirectly effect you. So we need to be conscious of the decisions that we make.
Always remembering that what goes around comes around.

Right now is the time. We can all learn from our mistakes and try to LIVE for the better.

Ernie Watts - Just Holdin On

Temper - No Favors

2009-02-13T19:34:00.000-08:00

Air Power - Welcome To The Disco

2009-02-13T19:32:00.001-08:00

Jo Boyer - Isabelle and The Rain

2009-02-13T19:19:00.000-08:00

Edwin Star - Contact

2009-02-13T19:07:00.000-08:00

The Real Thing - Can you Feel the Force

2009-02-13T18:39:00.000-08:00

Tommy Mcgee - Now That I have You

2009-01-25T18:59:00.001-08:00

Cheri - Star Struck

2009-01-25T18:55:00.001-08:00

Cheri - Murphy's Law

2009-01-25T18:53:00.000-08:00

Erica Rose - Rosegarden

2009-01-11T09:18:00.000-08:00

Yolanda Johnson - Change

2009-01-11T08:59:00.000-08:00

Edwin Birdsong - Cola Bottle Baby

2009-01-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

Little River Band - Reminiscing

2009-01-10T11:45:00.000-08:00

Some songs just make me feel happy here are a few .......................

24-Carat Black - Ghetto Misfortunes Wealth

2009-01-10T11:06:00.001-08:00

High Voltage - Rock Spank Freak

2009-01-10T10:50:00.001-08:00

Linx - You're Lying

2009-01-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

Laura Greene- Manhattan

2009-01-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

Ethell Beatty - It's Your Love

2009-01-10T10:16:00.001-08:00

Tom Browne - Throw Down

2009-01-09T10:21:00.001-08:00

Creme De Coco - Disco Strut

2009-01-09T09:54:00.001-08:00

Johnny Hammond - Tell Me What To Do

2009-01-09T09:46:00.001-08:00

MTUME - Love Lock

2009-01-09T09:43:00.000-08:00

James Mason- Free

2009-01-09T09:42:00.001-08:00

Sun - They're Calling For More

2009-01-09T09:40:00.000-08:00

Underground - Doin' It

2009-01-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

Funk Fusion Band - Can You Feel It

2009-01-06T09:23:00.000-08:00

Heiruspecs - 5ves

2009-01-02T19:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T19:02:00.001-08:00

Up and Coming Retro Rush Tapes ................

Jo Boyer - Isabelle And The Rain

2008-11-30T16:57:00.000-08:00

MSFB- Love Has No Time Or Place

2008-11-26T14:49:00.000-08:00

Barak Obama brings unity?

2008-11-15T05:44:00.000-08:00

With the excitement of electing a new African-American President and the great accomplishment that went into unifying people of all races, religious beliefs, genders and ages at least for that day. Us here in America made it blatantly clear that we want change. Well at least 52.7 percent of the nation wants "Obama" change. And majority rules at least when it comes to this election. But as I try to make a transition to what this means for house music, or the community that surrounds the culture, I wonder if that exuberant amount of unity will spill over into a changing of the politics in Chicago.

Now don't get me wrong I agree with others that I've talked to. We here in the "Chi" are totally spoiled. We have some of the best djs. We put out some of the best music and edits. We have soundmen; some have connects with clubs and hookups on licensing. And I guess if everyone pitched in you know a community effort the money wouldn't be that hard to find.

So what’s stopping Chicago from throwing the ultimate party or a series of head-bangin parties? You know something worth attracting people from all over to. Call me optimistic but I would hope petty politics and egos could be pushed aside to give everyone a taste of music with no boundaries. Let the djs play Hmmmmmmm. There's a concept.

Osulande-Soninsikart

2008-09-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

Fresh Band - Come Back Lover

2008-09-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

Laura Greene - Manhattan 7"

2008-09-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

Rotary Connection- I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun

2008-09-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

Falling into Autumn ;)

2008-09-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

Well its been a long time Ladies and Gents. Kinda been taking a little hiatus from the Internet. Summers just about over and I have been to so many functions this season. Found a new nite I can really get into on Monday at the Lava Lounge. They play rare groves lets just leave it at that. But really the djs I've seen come into lava can really get open, doing they're thing and sometimes I think we need places like that. You know..... flex your dj muscles if you will.

Recently my radio show the DEEP DISH heard on www.chicagohouseradio.com every Tuesday betweeen 7pm and 10pm(shameless plug) Me and co-host Mike Hott were talking about, the 300- meaning the 300 people left in Chicago that want to hear those old disco cuts. I believe that's a real misconception even thou on average the places I've visited have been frequented by similar faces. But that's neither here nor there. The 85%'s which are the so called stuck individuals that are lead musically by the 10% of those promoting the same people, places and music. And the 5% that are trying to free those 85%'s from listening to the same ole same ole and open their minds to all musical explorations when it comes to house music.

We also hit on "What a promoter is". That turned into a three parter of course.

Well as a result of these wonderful conversations, I started to venture past Roosevelt road in Chicago and see what the hype was at the spots up north. Just recently I went to see Mr. Ali featuring Carla Prather, Leroy Burgess and Donna McGhee performing at Alhambra Palace in Chicago for the Soul in the Hole presents Disco Legends event. Great performances by each of the talented artist on stage. Soul in the Hole is known for their parties and stepping into the live performance arena proved to be a successful endeavor by this funky group of djs.

Most recently I checked out the musical compilation of Sonny Daze and Osulande at Lumin a Good For The Party production this past Friday September 5th. If dancing on the tables was ever thought of as a faux pas then this social environment didn't acknowledge the rules.

With very limited space for dancing and loads of seating with ample wide length tables. Us patrons resorted to getting on top of the tables to let our boogie out.

So continuing on this musical journey I will leave you with this ............

June to Independence

2008-07-07T00:13:00.000-07:00

Boy what a interesting month we've had here in Chicago. Since the weather broke it gave way to various cookouts, parties, and more parties.
With Leo's Den always jumpin on Friday nights and The Shop doing the after set, there's always a place to party on the south-side.
But that Friday just happened to be a busy night........ Erica Kane had a birthday bash at the Checker Board with Dj Darryn and Dave Maze on the tables. Lots of seating and a make way dance floor created the atmosphere for a great party I hope..... as we didn't stay long to experience what club hopping was like.
That same night Project Art with Rahaan and Dj Spree brought us the musical selections for the art on display. And when art and music comes together your bound to have a good time right? Wrong! Over priced drinks matched with a missed set from Rahaan and a poorly done job by the hip-hop dj made the night at the Victor hotel boring. But the outside shenanigans with friends made up for lost time.
D'vine One entertainment held their Father's Day picnic and what a beautiful day it turned out to be. Nine dj on the line up , great sound system, BBQ's smoking all around with good friends and great conversation. The fun had to end at sundown thanks to the park districts strict demands.
Saturday night was sure to make up for any boring times I had the previous night. At least I thought it would.
Thirteen Ghost first in a series of many parties to come in the following weeks started June 14th 2008. With a vast dj line up who'd of thunk this night would end on such a slow note.

Boogienite was on the tables when Chris Ray and I arrived, he would be spinnin that night as well. Boogie had the energy going playin those "Chuckbrother" edits and melodic disco. JrJam played right into tempo keepin the crowd on hot fire with their dancin shoes. But then the most unfortunate thing happened. Mark Ridgeway got onto the tables and pretty much doused the fire playin songs with a BPM of 108, when the music previously being played was at a BPM 128. Total slow down. Now don't get me wrong he was playin cuts, but at 2:30 in the morning the last thing needed is a slow down. I truly had to get some coffee just to stay up for his set.
Well this unfortunate occurrence left much work for the djs that had to play after him. Trying to fix a blown up balloon with puncture holes and all you have are your fingers gets to be pretty hard.
By the end of Ridgeways set 3/4th of the partiers left and Chris Ray and Sean Sounds were left to pick up the pieces. Great sets by both of them excellent music selection. Especially the Sarr Band Edit .

Well I will leave you on this note. More to come.....Keep the music alive.

Redefing House in 2008

2008-06-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

With all the wonderful events that have happened in the month of June, some may ask why there is still a stigma about “Chicago Sucking” when it comes to the house music scene. This opinion comes from the lingering experiences of yesteryear and the current experience some go through now in Chicago. I've been keeping my ears to the ground and gathering different views on why people feel this way.

Recently I posted a topic on www.bringtheheat.com titled “Redefining House Music." Some stimulating comments were made in regard to the current state and the days of old.

BTH member Whispers0268 had this to say,
“Defining house: all of the above the music changed, the people changed the venues changed....we got the new heads and we got the old heads which isn’t too many left...the new heads are into the commercial house wish is something like bad luck, Annie Mae, brothers gonna work it out...the old heads like stuff like pleasure principle, sweet lucy, my first mistake, spread love, energy to burn, real thing, thanks for the memories and anything Teddy...The venues changed because u don’t feel or see the atmosphere..The darkness the lights, the special effects..Like Ron had at the box..The Dj's changed because some aren’t as deep anymore…There are few that is they play for the younger crowd now...to many remixes and not enough originals and tracks.”

So do we allow the minority to dictate the majority of people that are just coming or been on the scene. I mean in regard to the music that's being played. Or can there be a common ground so that everyone can enjoy.
I am the first one to admit that it is what it is. But also I am not one for sitting down and accepting what's given to me, that is why I try and support different events that appeal to me.
But my topic is redefining House Music. Are we "Redefining House Music" or accepting what it has become?
Or maybe the question should be are we satisfied with the current state here in the chi??????

BTH’s Rod Mason said,
“I don't think that anyone who truly loves the House culture can be happy with what's going on in the Chi. The few who want to keep House in its infant stage, (while it seems like they are the majority)can't be allowed to dictate its course.
I guess in my mind redefining this thing we love, means knowing when to let go. If there are sooo many varying views on what House is, where does the new fit in.”

Some here are doing a great job of exposing Djs, introducing new and old music and putting together some wonderful events.
I guess this topic has been done to death but I really haven't seen the monumental change that some people want. That's why I asked if we were satisfied with the current state of house music here in the city.
So what can we do to solve this current situation? If the solution has been presented why are we not acting on it?
Could the city be a lot further than it currently is? Have we done enough to communicate, organize, and stay positive throughout it all?

BTH member Lost n205 said,
“ I'm not sure we've truly established what the problem is therefore there is no solution...I mean, we have so many great DJ's right here putting music out & most of the time we have quality Battles. With radio shows, blogs, and there's still more than one party every week being promoted, etc., I think what can be done is being done.
In this day and age it's just not realistic to expect what we once had. I grew up on a block where everyone knew everyone and today after two years, I don't know the people across the street. The mid 80s thru early 90s was our generation puttin' it down and we're a hard act to follow...”

BTH’s Marcel Vogel from Switzerland gave us his musical timeline,
“Kind of how I experience House Music even if I know that the artists produced before and after that... just what I was feeling biggest when...
House Music in the 80ties: Electro Funk, Disco, Boogie, Traxx Records, Hip House, Lil Louis
House Music in 1993: Todd Terry, Nick Holder
House Music in 1996: Cajual Records, Disco-House
in 2000: Osunlade, KDJ
in 2002: Theo Parrish, Metro Area
in 2008: Peven Everett”
To see the entire thread check out http://www.bringtheheat.com/bthforum/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3859

Been Gone For A While

2008-06-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

Hey fellow music lovers.....Been gone for a while but I am back in full effect ready to update you on the latest things going on in the House community.

Be sure to check me out every Tuesday 7:45pm to 8pm CST at www.Chicaghouseradio.com (Live 365 Station) for Chicago House Radio's "Deep Dish" featuring myself Noshaluv and Mike Hott. We give the latest news on the parties, the music and the community.

We look forward to having you tune in with us.

Also new articles coming soon with interviews with Patrick Adams, Lloyd Dev, Sadar and many more.

10 Underground Disco Selections Pt. 1

2008-04-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Ray/Round Up/1-1-1-1
"It’s not over between you and me." I got a "Love Hangover" and I need "Dr. Love to come and give me a "Love Injection." Songs like these were played in dimly lit warehouses and smoky lounges, these parties were furnished with 6-foot Cerwin Vega W-18 bass bend speakers that made your heart skip a beat if you stood to close. For the most part of the early eighties, dedicated B-siders a.k.a. disco-heads have been saturated with these songs, which were played at various clubs and lounges. But for those underground disco music lovers these songs have become commercialized and played out. Many have been placed in the "house music" retirement home without chance of release.
Deejays have even gone so far as to categorize songs like "Bad Luck" by Herald Melvin and The Blue Notes and "Baby I’m scared of you" by Womack and Womack as "sing along" songs. Chuck Brother member Cee White explains, "A ‘sing along’ song is like something you’ll hear two or three times a week if you go to the house spots, but these songs are retro." Many deejays agree that their collections would not be complete without certain albums.
With help from four of Chicago’s underground Deejays representing a more acute vision of what house music is and where it’s going, here are 10 must have musical selections for your listening pleasure.

❏ Artist/Name of album: The Crown Heights Affair/Foxy Lady
❏ Year/ Record Label: 1975/ De-Lite Records
❏ Staple songs: Dreaming a Dream (Disco), Foxy Lady
"Crown Heights is like a New York disco joint, said Cee White, "Coming up from 83 to now this song is synonymous with the records in my collection."

❏ Artist/ Name of album Roy Ayers/ Let’s Do It
❏ Year/Record company: 1978/ Polydor Incorporated
❏ Staple song: Sweet Tears, Lets Do It

DJ Gold-D admires Roy Ayers, saying, "‘Let’s Do It’ by Roy Ayers is influential. He’s a veteran and is still consistent to this day."
"Roy Ayres can do no wrong ‘Sweet Tears’ is a beautiful song," said Chris Calloway

❏ Artist/Name of Album: Bill Withers/ Just As I Am
❏ Year/Record Label: 1971/Sussex Records
❏ Staple Song: Harlem

Chris Calloway said, "You can play the classics up to the hot classics and if it’s a song they don’t know you can lose the crowd. I call these hot classics. It will give it (the party) the energy that it needs to turn it into a whole new party."

❏ Artist/Name: Brass Construction/Now Is Tomorrow
❏ Year/Record Label: 1976/United Artists Records
❏ Staple Song: Now Is Tomorrow

"It’s smooth and you can dance real nice to it," said DJ Gold-D. "You feel like your flying but your dancing and it has a wonderful break in the middle of the song. Gold-D continues, "It’s an underground standard cut, in fact it’s a super-cut. The album has more than one song on it that’s why it’s a staple."

❏ Artist/Name of Album: Mille Jackson/ A Taste of Mille
❏ Year/Record Label: 1979/ Polydor Incorporated
❏ Staple Song: Give It Up

Cee White said, "It’s a beater. She talkin shit. Give it up got damn. Give it up! Yeah, that stays in rotation." Rahaan agrees, "Give it up got damn isn’t a ‘sing along’."

❏ Artist/Name of Album: TomTom Club/ Tom Tom Club
❏ Year/Record Label: 1981/Sire Records
❏ Staple Song: Wordy Rappinghood

"Wordy Rappinghood brings a different atmosphere because it has a story to it," said Chris Calloway. Nobody really understands that song. Nobody really remembers it. It’s a deep song."

❏ Artist/Name of Album: The Police/Zenyatta Mondatta
❏ Year/ Record Label: 1980/A&M records Inc.
❏ Staple Song: When the World Is Running Down

"The song can make the party," Chris Calloway explains. Like ‘When the World Is Running Down’, or ‘Harlem,’ it will turn the party upside down inside out and will give the party the burst or injection that it needs.

❏ Artist/Name of Album: The O’Jays/Message In The Music
❏ Year/Record Label: 1976/Philadelphia International Records
❏ Staple Song: Message In Our Music

Cee White said, "Message in our music is a staple song within itself because it goes with everything you play. It puts me back in the standing of Ron Hardy at the ‘Muzik Box’." Interestingly enough Rahaan thinks this song is typical. "It’s a good song and I’ll play it. But the better version is by the Staple Singers."

❏ Artist/Name of Album: Rose Royce/Strikes Again
❏ Year/Record Label: 1978/Whitfield Records
❏ Staple Song: That’s What’s Wrong with me

Rahaan said he gets frustrated because he can’t play what he’d like to. "It’s like the matrix out here."He believes most songs being played that are considered underground are typical. "But I’ll play Rose Royce."

❏ Artist/Name of Album: Chantal Curtis/Get Another Love
❏ Year/Record Label: 1979/Keylock Records
❏ Staple Song: Get Another Love
"‘Get Another Love’ is a classic," said DJ Gold-D. "It brings sensuality." Cee White adds, "It’s a light sassy disco song. It’s got that rhythm that keeps you going."

Why Is No Music Being Played In Chicago Pt.1

2008-04-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

During the month of February I posted a topic on www.deephousepage.com. I will be the first to admit the initial post was harsh and abrasive. “Why is no music being played in Chicago!” this was my topic, I continued in the post stating......... “Of all the venues playin house in Chicago NOBODY PLAYS WITH TUNES!(Real music).
I hear techno-salsa Denfriendlies and these old azz slow jams turned into club music.
I hear more music being played at home listening to mixes on BringTheHeat, Deephousepage and ChuckBrothers.com than I have heard at any venue!!!!!!

And I can't even turn on my radio and XM radio is some bullsh!t too!!!!

What the hell is up Brothers, Sistahs can't play music no more!

This is some bullsh!t!!!!!!!!!!”

This is very harsh and very abrasive I know. We are a city that is supposed to represent house music to the fullest but I see so much disharmony with the community and the type of music that is being played. The rigmarole certain djs go thru to play at venues in this city and the fragile egos that make it hard to even communicate, perpetuates the discord in Chicago's house scence.

The replys to post started coming in with different people plugging there parties and some letting me know that music is being played.

Jamie 3:26 from www.deephousepage.com started by saying, “Now how you gone come in here starting something like that?

Hey lady. I think you need to clarify a little bit more in your topic.

You have to remember, this is not just a Chicago board, so everyone is not gonna pick up on the local lingo and things.
To break it down...she wants a deep, bangin ass disco party.

She doesn't dig the new shit, she prefers music with live musicianship.”

Terry James said, “U gots to be kidding...last week was disco city in this mofo...Rahaan at PEs, Erica K at the Studio, The Shop, Party at 720 (Some Disco), Family Den....Celeb w/DJ Reg. Dating Game w/Emmanuel...pahleaze!!!!!”

I agreed that was a great weekend for house music in Chicago but in regards to consistency, you will find that parties with such a variety are slim here in the city of Chicago.

Physicalheat-The MusicMaster said, “I'm glad you cleared that up, I had no idea what she was trying to say. But I will say Chicago has and plays it all, from obscure tunes, rare disco, new shit, and shit that’s not out yet. Just seek and you will find. – JMO.”
Däp added, “Last I heard this was a disco city.”

If by “Disco city” you mean repeater sets for the mainstream lounge participants then yes. There are still very few venues with every week stability for the obscure, rare, disco and new music to be played and enjoyed.

Jamie 3:26 agreed with my topic, “Ain't no tunes being played...”

Däp also agreed, “Well that's true.” As he used the rolling eyes symbol to animate his reply.

DHP member Ish replied stating , “I was about to start a thread on the opposite end of the spectrum...

If you want dope rare disco, funk, soul, Chicago is the shit.

If you want Dancetracks top ten, Chicago is the shit.

If you want forward thinking Dance music....

:sleep:

Not that jocks don’t buy it or want to play it, but I am lucky if once in 2 months there's a party where I can hear at least 1 hour of solid new releases, and I dont want to hear the arguement that "nothing is coming out..."

Just listen to the radio shows of some DHP members, tons of heat out there, its an exciting time for this music IMO. But you gotta stray from the same 2 producers...”

DHP member Candles said, “Yes...Yes...Yes....all you have to do is follow the right DJ's bottom line.....”

Very true but this statement is also contingent on what venue this particular dj happens to play for. There are certain places here in the city where the DJ will have constraints pertaining to the type of music they are allowed to play.

Terry James continued to give me examples of various parties, “JR was at Leos, Elvis was at Visions and Craig has a Friday spot...”

He said Elvis’s set was raw and uncut.... not for the mainstream but he beat it.

Chuck P that has now started doing a regular set every Monday night at Jun bar said, “Classics sets are not hard to find...I love the classic stuff, but the new music is hot to death as well.......”

RaHaAn81 said, “You need to come to the UK. That Northern Disco is sick and new shit is on fire in the UK , Spain and Japan. I always love imports. I think she's saying everybody playing the same stuff in Chicago, but I don't know...”

But as the comments continued some members of DHP became more agitated and pugnacious even inciting that my knowledge of the house scene may not be valid. Some even began using humoring rhetoric to dismiss my claims.

DJ Celeste Alexander said, “****in grandma's voice***,”

“Babeeee, Where yous been partyin at, You just be needin a good night out @ a Real Party. Check the CHICAGO Party Page Erry Nows and thens, They will tells ya where to go okay? :therethere:
G-MAN! You done left the door open again didnt ya!!? What I done told ya bout that! Lettin dem damn Nubis run round here all willy nilly postin dis crazy stuff!”

Angeet654 said; “B more specific. What Venues have you visited? What do you call "Real music" Better yet!! You throw the party and teach us.”

I responded, “All I've seen through this entire thread is Ima newbie.... where you been....blah blah blah
And If I did come to the many parties that's been posted on this thread I would hope that I'd hear some cutz but what's the likelihood of that?”

Jamie said it plain as day earlier.
"To break it down...she wants a deep, bangin ass disco party.

She doesn't dig the new shit, she prefers music with live musicianship."

Also my brothers on BTH said it well too!!!!
Quote taken from www.bringtheheat.com by Rahaan:
"I so agree with you. I can play in a far away land and play cutz , but when I'm here in Chicago most all parties I do I can only play
The sing-along and den friendly's. Then people say want you play some cutz, but
when I do I clear the floor.
I think people here are just stuck. Then you got these djs that don't care they just want other djs to know they have cutz. So what! Chicago only like the songs that are played time and time again. It sucks.....

Here’s another one....
Quote taken from BTH by Zernell:
Chicago’s stuck in the remember when syndrome.
Remember when Ronnie played that.
Remember when Frankie played this.
There are a few cats out here that try to push the envelope but like Rahaan said no one dances.
You would think in a city with a 1000 dj's you should be able to hear all kinds of cuts any given night but that’s not the case. Most of the older well known dj's are playing underground or the same records they had 20 years ago. And a lot of the new cats are being spoon feed the same records and aren't digging for heat. And now what we've been reduced to is the lounge (tavern) disco party. I remember when...

And Celeste I haven't forgotten about you.....
“****In grandma's voice***
Babeeee, Where yous been partyin at,You just be needin a good night out @ a Real Party. Check the CHICAGO Party Page Erry Nows and thens, They will tells ya where to go okay?
G-MAN! You done left the door open again didnt ya!!? What I done told ya bout that! Lettin dem damn Nubis run round here all willy,nilly postin dis crazy stuff!”

Just because ima newbie don't mean I'm new on the scene....
All I'm sayin is play some Cutz not the same ole same ole.”

Terry James said, “I hear ya, peep the chucks at the shop. I admit I've only been there once but I know how they roll. The new MIA partys with Darryn, he's brining the hotness, real sick disco sh*t. Several cats mentioned like Craig and Rahaan also but you have to consider the venue. Ultimately the crowd will dictate the music. If you want your funk raw and uncut, holla at the promoter. In most cases it comes down to business.”

I replied to him stating I missed parties that resonated that sound like Sadar Bahar or Lee Collins plays with at their sets and there should be a regular place to go where that sound could be experienced.

Djroc2u said, “I miss sadar, lee, russoul and richierich(rich, give a brother a pm every once in awhile huh-lol). i miss hearing rahaan and craig as well(both them brothers as well as c. white and the chuck got me back listening to northern soul and disco) plus my girl Erica doin her thang with Dave Maze.

Met Rahaan and some other folks at family den last year (couldnt stay after listening to aint no need by skye for the 2,000,000th time) and decided to hang up partyin for good and stick to picnics and the Chosen Few Celebration.”

Noshaluv, brand new and old music is being played here in chicago all the time, you just gotta find the right dj that suits you.
Peace”

I responded to the understanding eyes reading my frustration that,

“Thanks djroc.......Sincerely......But I have found a dj that suits me. That's not the problem......Politics, egos and plain old haters get in the way instead of letting these brothers be themselves and play music......And going to the DEN to hear Rahaan play in constraints makes me go insane (LET THAT BROTHER PLAY MUSIC)....I always check out the chucks so I'm never disappointed with them...Craig can beat the sh!t out some music too... Nate be down at the shop beatin some tunes..... but I don't want to break my neck or crack my skull tryin to snap-off......but for the most part I've heard the same ole same ole and I hit parties where reputable djs play not all but most play.........well you know what I'm gone say.

Its kinda makin me do what you said earlier and stay at home, listen to my baby beat tunes or go to homies parties at they crib/backyard or picnics.(I got winter blues)

but because I love the music, the community, and dancing in a wide open area........ it draws me back to theses venues. So I have to tune out and plugin to the matrix........”

The voice of reason, Shannon Harris, stepped in helping to sort out the chaos this thread had started.
“Well I see different topics of discussion here..

I would like to address a couple of them:

New music versus old music: Does something being new eliminate the notion of live musicianship and soul from a recording because it's current? I can play 6 records I made and bet you couldn't tell the time period. In fact Rahaan and I have played my records in Chicago, London, Japan and abroad with a welcoming response from the audience because they maintained the live musicianship. There is tons of new music being made with that musicianship you are seeking. Now the question is who are playing those records with a mixture of everything else.

The new music problem (I think you are referencing) that exists is revolved around a pop trendy sound (formula) in songs that everyone seems to gravitate towards playing. If it’s moving their floors then that’s why they are playing them. I would ignore those events and try to broaden your exposure to others that are open to music not categories or a sound.

Disco parties are great but a party where the DJ is able to play "music" without discrimination in which you have based this thread off of is important. New or old the DJ/Programmer should have an ear for what will work for their event. So if the thread is about music then good music to me is timeless.. If the thread is about disco then there are also disco records being made today.
Another issue I see here is Chicago's nature of dissing successful positive events that are either different from what one is exposed to or geared towards a different listening/dancing audience. Every event isn't for everyone. Nor for every DJ. It's arrogant to walk into a event that’s not geared towards a person or scene and see a packed place with people enjoying themselves and complain. If the event is successful from what they have built it upon then acknowledge that and move on.

Personally I like the variety of Chicago and know where to go to get my fix for what I want to hear. I also can produce and play music with that sound as well.

We don't have to like what everybody else is doing. But we must respect it if it’s respectable. New music, different genres and whatever. If it’s a successful scene and night then it is what it is. Let's stop finding something wrong in things and look for something right.
To have many jocks here embrace disco and expose new music to the people in the city is a great thing. An obscure disco record is still new music to a person who have never heard it before. In fact most of these "obscure" DJ's rotate those same known obscure records making them pop songs to their people. That's how you break music. Those songs are now sing-a-longs.

I can personally say I am proud to see everyone doing there thing here. What I am not proud of is the misconception of certain jocks, producers and certain patron DJ groupies who take the low road to always trying to shine light on themselves and what their comfort zone is. Who cares if someone doesn't sound like so and so. Or they are not playing what so and so plays. Let people have their own identity and if they are Ronnie clones let them be that as well. Seek out the good things in the city and don't even waste energy on something thats not catered towards ones taste. That's the blessing behind having options and alternatives. Use them. Support them!!”

I responded trying to further explain my intentions.

“For anybody that didn’t understand..... Have variety Chicago... and play some cutz that’s it.
I don't expect everyone to understand where I'm coming from because everyone doesn’t have the same appreciation for music. But damnnnn its people that do and they don't have a venue for it or I should say there's no consistency.
I support I haven't been a complacent complainer. But like my girl said last night when we were discussing this topic alot of djs don't know they suck!

This thread is meant to inspire someone to dig a little deeper in their crates.
And for one I like new stuff ‘Kinetic Energy’, ‘Keep on Reachin’, as well as that ‘Sky Is Cryin’ and others..... There a list of names, titles I can give each and every dj on the scene.

But I am only expressing the frustration I have heard from other well known djs and patrons to these events in the city of chi. (That's why alot of them leave......HMMM)

Quote from Shannon, "Another issue I see here is Chicago's nature of dissing successful positive events that are either different from what one is exposed to or geared towards a different listening/dancing audience. Every event isn't for everyone. Nor for every DJ. It's arrogant to walk into a event thats not geared towards a person or scene and see a packed place with people enjoying themselves and complain. If the event is successful from what they have built it upon then acknowledge that and move on."

Your right Shannon ! And the one thing I try not to do is bad mouth a successful event. Not me Not my style.

Like I said play them cutz, play them cutz, play them cutz..... if you haven't got that by now then then you'll never get it.

I immediately came under attack behind this comment. With a name like “Fred Da Warrior”, I knew I was in trouble.

He said, “Why don't you name names of the DJs that suck and then you can bless them with your vast (egotistical?) appreciation of music and give THEM a list of the cutz.....shit, as far as I'm concerned you can start with the radio jocks......”

“You came on here with a sweeping indictment of all things Chicago, so I'm not sure if you are being a hater either, so if you clarify yourself as to who EXACTLY amongst the unwashed masses of Chicago DJs that need the benefit of your appreciation of music and the list of cutz, then we can all understand what you mean.....”

I then offered to keep it cordial on a more personal myspace interaction with Fox The Warrior but he insisted that I put all of Chicago’s business on front. Claiming that I should give everyone a playlist and blast the dj’s I’m talkin about .

Däp: “We are a diverse city with tons of talent. to each his own. if there's a void with a true demand, fil the gap.”
Fred Da Warrior: “Why not do it here? You brought it up here....”

My response: “You know what. I'm done. I can't even have a this conversation anymore....To many _ _ _ _ _ _ _ in the midst!

You want a playlist......
Find out how I really feel send me a message on myspace.
I don't believe in putin people on blast!
Just tryin to make a point and my point was made.”

Fred Da Warrior continued his rants, being aggressive in his comments and confrontational in his approach.
“How is it that you can call others egotistical when you just anointed yourself the possessor of the playlist of the cutz to make Chicago DJs better AND the spokesperson of dissatisfied patrons searching for venues for the DJs that do possess said cutz and you won't put nobody on blast?”

See there, confrontation.
Hmmmmmm… and people wonder why there’s no so-called unity in the city of chi…………

Fred Da Warrior continued, “If you can name the DJs that do play them, why can't you name those who don't play them? What's this REALLY about?”

Shannon the voice of reason on this site of haters responded answering some of the comments I’d posted.

Noshaluv said, "But damnnnn its people that do and they don't have a venue for it or I should say there's no consistency."

Shannon: “I suggest you meeting with places or talk to promoters who are professional (key here is professional) in creating a spot for them. Don't shoot for a main night that already has a successful event on the bill. Since you are presenting an alternative then you will probably get a alternate night as well. For instance a week night.

Noshaluv:"I support I haven't been a complacent complainer. But like my girl said last night when we were discussing this topic alot of djs don't know they suck!"

Shannon: “Well the best way for a DJ to know they are not bringing it as they assume they are is to not patron them. The numbers and feedback from that is worth more than anything. A negative opinion about a DJ who seems wack to one person but has a following or crowded venue isn't going to convince them otherwise. Hell they can be playing in their bedroom and have one fan and still think they are doing what others can't. I have seen these types walk into a crowded event and complain as well.”

Another thing I have notice that works is someone from the dancing audience make a suggestion and the DJ who wasn't to arrogant to play it would bring it next time and drop it. I've had women who come to me and ask what that song is and then I knew that that vibe catered to them.”

Noshaluv : "This thread is meant to inspire someone to dig a little deeper in they crates. And for one I like new stuff "kinetic Energy" "Keep on reachin" as well as that "sky is cryin" and others..... There a list of names, titles I can give each and every dj on the scene.”

But I am only expressing the frustration I have heard from other well known djs and patrons to these events in the city of chi. (That's why alot of them leave......HMMM) "

Shannon: “Thanks for the mention and compliments on "Keep On Reachin" and "Kinetic Energy". :) The digging deeper in the crates thing is a perception to DJ's. One may think playing a new unreleased Quentin jam is digging while another jock may see playing an obscure disco record is as well.
I think in both cases it's the quality of the content that matters. We have to remember that. All disco wasn't hot. All new jams are not either. Hot being the perception to the crowd and fans who are responding to it. That's were the focus is to be put upon. The people not the DJ. You being a sample of the "people" I honor this thread speaking up about what you and your friend are wanting to hear more.
I think it kind of throws stones at us as a city because every week we receive messages here stating that a famous guy isn't getting props.. People are having parties on the same night as another one. Chicago House Music wars on whom started it first and taught who what. How we have no good flyer designs/designers. How Chicago doesn't give Detroit props. How everyone is either LATE or too underground here. How Frankies party sucks every year. Chicago has no unity. And the list continues. This makes the people who express themselves from here seem as if they speak for the majority of people in the city and their experiences sum up everyone’s here. We have to remember that many people read this board. So when some say "Chicago" in the title of a thread it is a reflection of the entire city and culture. Not a particular incident or experience shared by that particular person.

You’d think after such an insightful and positive post the madness, the hate, the uninformed, and the bellicose comments would stop but they continued on

Fred Da Warrior: “Brother, you are being FAR too diplomatic......”

Noshaluv: “Shannon the voice of reason as always........Nothing more needs to be said.....Fred the warrior be peaceful and stay true.”

Terry James: “Anybody else wanna sh*t on Chicago while we're here?”

Däp: “ya damned if you do, damned if ya don't...Shannon is on point and constructive with his comments. but on the real, they go in one ear and out of the other to someone who comes on the dhp to complain about the "scene" and the music. The phrase ‘deeper than thou’ suddenly comes to mind.”[/QUOTE]

DHP member Cordell: “People like her think that new music with live musicianship is techno...Go figure”

Fred Da Warrior: “I tried to get that out here, but I gotta head over to myspace for this valuable information......you better head over there too, so the next time you play at your own party n shit, you won't be deficient”

But to my rescue and angel appeared …….Mizzmeme: “Dude you are trying to start some sh*t! I know exactly what she is talking about and you guys do too. There are some DJ's that at every set or every other set, they play the same songs in their mix every time damn near. Every time you go and hear one of these Dj's you already know what they are going to play before he starts because its always the same songs every set. Like those songs is a comfort zone or something. PLAY SOME DIFFERENT SH*T SOMETIME, DANG! Add some different tunes to your set instead of playing the same songs every set I go too. That’s it and that’s all.”

Fred Da Warrior: “WHO ARE THE DJs? Please pass along this valuable public service HERE.”

Terry James: “If the SAME jocks are playing the SAME songs, then check out DIFFERENT jocks that play DIFFERENT songs holla at the promoter or throw your own party.”

These rants went back and forth for the next seven pages of people giving their opinion of why I shouldn’t have come on DHP, why my opinion isn’t valid, there were few out of the masses that agreed.

Mizzmeme: “Why you trying to start some Sh*t! First of all I’m sure you understood exactly what was said. You dont need a list of names because if you party in this city you know what’s up. You don’t need all that. There is no PUBLIC SERVICE going on here. I don’t know maybe it’s you that plays the same sh*t every set, I don’t know but don’t go there dude. It’s not worth it. I’m done. Poke me with a fork because I’m done. You need to stop trying to start chaos and educate, and teach.”

Fred Da Warrior: “Your girl starts a bullshit passive aggressive thread and I'm starting shit? I understood EXACTLY what was said, and I asked her to clarify who EXACTLY she was talking about because as mentioned before Chicago IS a diverse city, so her coming on here and generalizing Chicago needs to be called out, or SHE needs to get out more.....If I did play the same shit every week, she in all her infinite wisdom should be able to call me out on THIS forum and not on myspace in double dark secret......She is the one who is supposed to be educating us and teaching us about her vast knowledge in music, right? Isn't that what SHE said?”

Actually No I just want djs to expand their playlist and give variety in their sets……..

Fred continues , “As far as going there, we can play passive aggressive double dutch as long as you want to with the "double handed" talk.......who's next?”

Terry James: “The topic is " Why is no music being played in Chicago!" this accusation is false and unsupported. Shouldn't there be some level of scrutiny for such a general claim. Ya gotta explain that sh*t cuz I'm out here and I see what's happening.”

HMMMM wasn’t clarification made about what I meant 3 pages ago .........

And so I post a plugger on the thread since I was told to put a playlist out throw my own party as well as other things I gave the invitation to anyone that wanted this playlist to come to me and get it personally.

All of a sudden......

Terry James: “...just contradicted your own topic...lol”

Fred Da Warrior: “Well, it took 5 pages to get a plugger posted......y'all couldn't just ask dap to post the plugger without all the generalizations?”

Terry James: “Chicago is worth sacrificing .....Obviously”

Housewithme: “Oh my, reminds me of when I complimented a nice club I had gone to, everyone thought I was plugging, but really I was just saying how beautiful the club was, wow!”

Fred Da Warrior: “I'm taking my passive aggressive jump rope and going in the house now.....the street lights are on, i.e., the agenda has been exposed”

Orlando Vaughn: Greeting peace and blessings.....
I think what my wonder twin is tryin to say here..... there's different levels of music. We have folks that play that other level of music and those who don't. So don't get upset with someone because you’re afraid to play music.

It’s not her fault that you guys suck!
She just is tryin to find some venues that are playin some real music.

Now for all you club djs she wasn't talkin to you cause yall don't play music anyway!

And Fred the Warrior..... you talkin about being deceptive you must be dj with your feelings on your sleeve,
Who won’t use his real name or I should say dj name.
So until you’re ready to be real honest shut up!
Now for those who play DEN Licious music, This reply is not meant for you !!!!!!!!!!

Stop fakin the funk and get it together.

Peace and Blessings OV1”

now back on subject .........

Pang: “I'll be the first to bite. . . . . What is "That other Level" and Real music is subjective . . don't you think?”

Fred Da Warrior: “I'm not a DJ, so what my name and occupation is to you ain't worth a squirt of ant piss to me.....now, when are you gonna post your plugger and your mix, since this is what all this bullshit is about......

Kats kill me, peace and blessing out of one side of their mouth, and bullshit out of the other side.

"Scorched Earth" promotion at its finest......

After trashing the city where potential customers reside (especially supposed DJs that suck and dancers)? Especially when cats are reaching from the same limited pool? If someone on here lurking was an owner of a venue, would they want to work with someone who pulled this kind of promotional tactic?”

Tina Johnson: “Wow TJ, Good looking out. We try. You have mentioned everyone else but yo self. You know you be beating it too.

Although I am a Disco Head I like the variety, sometimes I am glad to know if I want to hear a song I like, I know where/who to go to.

Further, it depends on my mood and the place. New Music sounds soooo good in a more trendier setting (that is if it is played all night) Jun Bar, Sonoteque etc.

I like old/classic music Like Leo's, Pleasure dome etc.

Variety @ G-spot

Raw Disco....M.I.A Parties

Internet-chicago House Radio be bringing it also

Check out the Forum this Saturday Feb 23rd at the Urban League. All this will be discussed....OH, and the M.I.A. party

Either way, I like it all...”

After pages and pages of verbal beat downs and peripheral babble I gave my final response.

Noshaluv: “For the record this wasn't a plot to plug (goofeys) if that was the case I would have done it a long time ago. Maybe what..... when everyone eles was doing it on the first and second page.

But see this goes to prove my point that some and I do mean some of these people on this site are petty sh!t starters. With nothing better to do. My whole reasoning behind the post was to get opinions and to incite music to be played that was it.
But no! We want to hate.... call me a hater..... I'm trashing chicago..... now you want a playlist...... I don't support..... Blah blah blah......

Again a bunch of whiners up in here. Yes I said it.
Don't blame me cause I called you out.
And don't blame me cause I said come at me where I'm gone be. (the invite to come and get your playlist with the plugger) I thought it be easier to address me face to face cause it seems some of yall got gums to pop!
I'm not scared nor am I afraid to speak my mind!
So shoot me for not sugar-coting Sh!t for you.

I don't have to prove anything to anybody get that through your heads.

Now this doesn't apply to anyone that’s doing what they need to do. You know who you are.

There were more comments posted pages after my last. Some thoughtful and profound some giving props to the thread. Even though the rants and pompous remarks continued to be made the thread went on for fifteen pages and to my surprise for three days. I was truly impressed by the level of commitment the house-heads in Chicago vested in such a menial topic like this. It just goes to show if we really put our minds to something it can make a difference.

For a full view of the entire thread please visit http://deephousepage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155770

How do DJs gain respect.........

2008-04-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

I recently attended the Chicago Town “House” Meeting on February 23rd , where I heard someone mention there’s 1000 djs in the Chicago area all tryin’ to get on. An exaggeration I’m sure but what does it really take for a house music dj to gain respect in a city that’s so judgmental?

I live on Chicago’s south-side but this may apply to any city. How do djs gain respect? Does traveling overseas gain you the props to fill venues or do dj’s just need a local following?
What if the dj is playin’ good music but few come out to hear him /her? Or maybe a dj is playing the same music each and every set he/she does and it continues to fill their venues because of name recognition.

Sadar Bahar a well known dj in the house music community and member of Soul In The Hole said “DJs gain respect from Internet hype and because of this you have a lot of djs playin’ and you got people that’s serious .....and Chicago is so full of both that it’s hard to work ....”
So how is respect gained when it comes to being a house music dj?
I recently posted a thread similar to these question on both www.bringtheheat.com and www.deephouspage.com.
I received short sweet comments from various DJs from www.deephousepage.com and www.bringtheheat.com.

DJJM3.COM from deephousepage.com said, “You have to go away from home to be appreciated at home..."
Another DHP member named Doug said , “ Work hard and be humble.”
DHP member J C-Los said, “ The moment a stranger tells you "hey you rocked on the tables" then you’ve pretty much gained respect.”

DHP member Nege added, “Respect?..........by being good at what you do and know what you are doing OVER a period of time with the experience of displaying this to people....demand (travelling etc...) is another thing...altogether.”

As more and more djs responded the comments became more in-depth and expressive.

V-ROD from www.bringtheheat.com said, “It all starts with one person. If they like what they hear, they’re gonna look for ya as long as your consistent. I've been on the internet for a few years but I'm still in the same boat. Then again, I haven't gone out and done anything to back up my internet persona. So it has its pros and cons. It all depends on your own personal achievement. As far as the thing having recognition here or outside of here, we have to go back as to how far you’re willing to go in this business.

Let's take for instance the popular DJs that are out now. Gene Hunt, Mike Dunn, Jamie 326, hell even Rahaan, they have all gone out networked, hired an agent/promoter something to get themselves out there. They've might have done a record or 2 to gain notoriety in their own right. As far as respect, well that all depends on the person. Chicago is pretty picky when it comes down to who and what they like. Everywhere else, it’s all love.
Jes saying.”

OV1 from BTH said “Well twin, that's Chicago I mean a lot of djs play real nice music and people act like they have something personal against especially when they have a favorite dj. Then you have those who's just used to the norm, programmed or something! The way I see it is like people have to get familiar with how you play, if you play cutz! Real muzik listeners will like your style. One would have to get out and play!!!!!!!!!”

RAS 420 from BTH also added, “I used to spin years ago in my "Mendel Days" and I stepped away for a while, but now I'm back. The whole scene has changed. IMO the wrong people are gettin' too much hype. I've known DJ's for years (20+) that have been puttin' in SERIOUS WORK and beatin' SERIOUS HEAT and still not gettin' the much respect they deserve.
Respect is earned, and I respect anyone who goes against the grain of this "sing-a-long society" when it comes to playin GOOD music. I grew up listening to GOOD music, that’s all I know, and when I got back into my music and found other DJ's still bringing the HEAT. I knew this is what I wanted to be a part of.
As far as gaining respect as a DJ, it's being yourself, playin' your own style(s) and stickin' to it. Of course I wouldn't mind making money in the process but [b]STAY TRUE TO WHAT YOU DO[/b].”

Fox 50 from BTH responded saying, “I can't say much more then RAS on this one, but WORD.”

“Interesting thing about internet fame, I heard about Rahaan and Jamie 3:26 from straight up word of mouth. Now that's old school. Matter of fact, I was like let me see what this dude Rahaan is all about, and I found BTH.”

Dj Peace from BTH said,
“I would say that it involves music selection, interpersonal skills, networking, supporting other deejays in their endeavors and realizing that just because a person buys some equipment and downloads a bunch of music from traxsource or beatport does not make you a dj. I have been extremely blessed and fortunate to have earned respect in this industry and a good, loyal following around the globe. But I have also been very careful to not alienate anyone in the business and to always try to show love and support to other deejays. Finally, I play a variety of genres of EDM -anyone that knows me knows that I can and do play deep disco, soulful house, or if the crowd is a more progressive crowd, then that is what I play. For example, I do a weekly radio broadcast that allows me to experiment with neo-soul, acid jazz and other down tempo styles which are 180 degrees from my weekly mix show program in Belgium. I have been doing this for over 20 years and this is what I have learned along the way -be you and don't try to be or sound like the next person. My dos centavos.”

Shannon Harris a native of Chicago programmer of music for over 24 years and coined as the modern day Quincy Jones gave his humble views on this topic. “Consistency+dedication+exposure+dues+accomplishments=respect.”
"How do DJs gain respect in a city that's so judgmental?"

He said dj’s gain respect from fans and not other djs .
“The number of happy patrons should do the talking. Someone track record dictates there worth. If a dj wants to gain respect from other DJ's (who most of the time are in competition or opposition) then he/she is not making the right moves to begin with. Be about the people not the other DJ's.”

“Playing overseas doesn't fill venues but looks great from a international appeal perspective. Chicago dynamics are setup in a way if you are known or respected elsewhere then colleagues/promoters here will question why and become interested just from curiosity.”

He said when it comes to filling venues the promoter needs to find a marketing approach and get people in attendance.
“If it's good music then people will gravitate towards it.”
But ultimately he said names bring people.
“Those people may gather to hear what one may consider bullshit or loungy but if the number of patrons and supporters are huge then the perception of what’s bullshit versus what are people wanting to hear comes into play. What works for one person doesn't work for the next.”

“Internet hype is there but it’s another marketing strategy that's useful in today’s world.. Maybe internet perceptions can be blown out of proportion but also perceptions from word of mouth as well. I think a person who somehow capitalizes off of the internet hype could possibly bring more people to their venue/event. So I wouldn't view it as a downfall but a personal gain that needs to be tapped into. Use it don't refuse it.”

"……And because of this you got DJs out here playin' and you got people that's serious...."

If you were to take a poll every DJ would say they are serious. That's a perception as well. It takes more to judge how serious one is. Which is the formula I posted above: Consistency+dedication+exposure+dues+accomplishments=respect.”

Then he/she needs to find a marketing approach and get people in attendance. If it's good music then people will gravitate towards it. It's a matter of letting them know you exist and you are playing it. :)

"……Or maybe a DJ plays with bullsh!t and the house is full ....."

Bullshit is a perception. Names help bring people. Those people may gather to hear what one may consider bullshit or loungy but if the number of patrons and supporters are huge then the perception of what’s bullshit versus what are people wanting to hear comes into play. What works for one person doesn't work for the next.
"I've been told "DJs gain respect from Internet hype...."

Internet hype is there but it’s another marketing strategy that's useful in today’s world. Maybe internet perceptions can be blown out of proportion but also perceptions from word of mouth as well. I think a person who somehow capitalizes off of the internet hype could possibly bring more people to their venue/event. So I wouldn't view it as a downfall but a personal gain that needs to be tapped into. Use it don't refuse it. :)

"And because of this you got DJs out here playin' and you got people that's serious...."

If you were to take a poll every DJ would say they are serious. That's a perception as well. It takes more to judge how serious one is. Which is the formula I posted above: Consistency+dedication+exposure+dues+accomplishments=respect.

House Party Recap

2008-04-16T04:57:00.000-07:00

Artesian Productions teamed with Diamond Corp kicking off 2008 with a party featuring three soulful performances of neo soul. Headlining this event were Khari Lemuel , Ugochi and the SJS Trio, plus Liz Toussaint. It would have seemed to be a great prelude to a soulful evening of house and disco with Chicago dj’s, Brian Reeves , Rahaan and Sean Smith Thursday January, 10 at Bettys Blue Star Lounge.

The live acts filled the venue with lively instrumentals and powerful vocals. During these performances DJ Rush out of Germany and Local Dj Craig Alexander made an appearance to the show support. But eventually the flow of the evening seemed to be interrupted by organizational time consumption and drawn out sets. Leaving little time for the featured djs to do their thing.
The nostalgia of reuniting with old friends could not erase the time constraints placed upon the featured djs.

At 1:45 am Sean Smith finally began his set giving him 30 minutes to play leaving Reeves and Rahaan to tag team the tables for 11/2 hours .This brutal attempt to have two different dj styles play three songs back and forth like a laid back basement evening at home, seemed to confuse the listeners and mess with the rhythmic flow of the two djs
But fortunately this would not prove to be an introduction to next evening’s event at Zentra.

Friday Jan11, 2008 began what many in Chicago called a night to remember with DJ Rush Craig Alexander and Gene Hunt on the line-up for Jack Fridays at Zentra Night Club.
This affair was the official birthday party for Rush and Rick Ally Soul. And what a birthday it was. Zentra provided two floors of dancing, vibrant personnel, and a sound system that filled the venue like air in vacant space .Even during the early hours of the party Gene Hunt had the floor filled with ecstatic faces and energetic dancers. Hunt beat the box with club, and heavy traxx and Alexander followed up behind him with cosmic disco and track laden soulful house music. But eventually the house was brought down by Rush giving the new and old house heads a well deserved educational disco beat-down. The night flowed like a much needed house reunion. And the energy was off the meter. A night like this could not be replicated even though it was tried.

On the following Wednesday of that month flyers were posted and emails were sent out to promote the second coming of Rush for this year at the Blue note on Milwaukee Ave. The night started off slow with the over animated knob twisting styles of Dj Staxx who seemed to be enjoying his set more than the patrons that had come out to enjoy the music. This early pantomime incited various people to the dance floor. Which consisted of a mixed crowd of young adults new to this house music adventure.

Eventually Gene Hunt showed and started his set. He played to the crowd giving them snippets of disco and plenty of new music which was heard over a booming sound system that beat throughout the night. As the night progressed and many more people showed a surprising lights out spectacle took place on the main stage where the djs were positioned. Could this have been a technical difficulty or a smoke screen to the many expecting to hear Rush that evening.......
It was later revealed that Rush did make an appearance to the Note but only stayed for a brief moment.

Speculation remains as to why he did not play that night. Some seem to think it was because he was under the weather. (Rush could not be reached for comments.) As the night continued on Hunt beat the box with old time classic disco, remixes, edits and new music. Hunt displayed the energy of a true veteran. Craig Alexander lent a hand on the ones and twos during brief moments throughout the night but it was Hunt who played the majority of the evening and kept it rolling. Overall the night was a success even without the djing presence of Rush.

January seemed to wrap up with an eventful weekend. Saturday the 26th would prove to be a busy night for the south side. The Mixing In Action party was hosted by Tina Johnson and Larissa J. The djs for that night were Craig Alexander, Lloyd Dev DJ Darryn and Johnnie Mo The Attic held there party that evening with Big Will, Gene Hunt and resident Dj Emanuel. Also hosting a party that night was myself Emir “Noshaluv” Ray and Ms. Holidae at The Shop, featuring Nate with residents Cee White and OV-1. These Three cats enthusiastically played hard hitting disco, obscure soul, and mind blowing edits. Besides the absence of the crowd this oldskool basement environment brought back the memories of underground house parties in the city of Chi’.

The momentum continued in February with Urbancitys party at Brando. Sean Alverez Shannon Harris, Rahaan, and Leeann entertained us with a variety in musical selections.
Alverez and Harris warmed us up with mellifluous, Brazilian , transient tunes. Rahaan closed the evening with funky, soulful cuts and hard beating disco. The music of course played like a score setting the mood in this quaint and intimate environment. The night at Brando’s came to an end but the evening continued at the Shop. This underground basement party is held every Friday serving part goers an after-set.

February 23rd marked the first Chicago House Radio “Town House Meeting”. The topic of the meeting “House music culture: Is the art lost?” This event was moderated by Llyod Dev and hosted by Tina Johnson and Tonya Fortier. CHR attempted to cover and discuss topics on Vinyl vs. CD’s and MP3's, Music Distribution, Promotion 101, and Club Hopping, What was meant as a way for collective individuals meeting to discuss current events and occurrences in the house community turned into a lecture and commenting forum for all that had grips and issues to address. The meetings positive aspect gave djs, promoters, patrons and plain old house-heads a chance to meet, mingle and network.

Disco Business started a three part series of funky-soul and networking. Mzz MeMe hosted their first after-work party February 27th at Phyllis’s Musical Inn. Gene Hunt headlined alongside DJ Goldie both giving us much deserved service from their vinyl selections. Phyllis’s provided us with retro surroundings, abstract skateboard art, funky murals and antiquated sounds. Disco Business’ February intro was a great prelude to the up and coming shows in the spring months ahead.