DJ Funk, a Chicago-born musician and producer who coined the “ghetto house,” has died at age 54.
Funk, whose actual title was Charles Chambers, had been “bravely” battling stage 4 most cancers earlier than his demise, a family-organized GoFundMe web page mentioned.
“RIP DJ FUNK 😔” his pal and former collaborator DJ Slugo wrote alongside an Instagram reel of him listening to Funk’s music within the automobile.
“He was one of the pioneers of the sound we call ghetto house music in Chicago,” he instructed Folks. “We love and miss you my brother, and I won’t let our sound die.”
Within the fundraising itemizing, his family members requested for donations to assist cowl funeral prices as Funk was nearing the tip of his most cancers battle.
“DJ Funk, a talented artist who has brought so much joy and inspiration to so many through his music, is now facing the heartbreaking reality of planning for his final farewell,” the publish learn.
“He has been bravely battling stage 4 cancer and now doesn’t have much longer left. We are raising $10,000 to cover funeral arrangements and give him the tribute he deserves.”
“This is a challenging time for the family and any support you can provide whether through donations or sharing this post would mean the world to us. Thank you,” they concluded.
Funk’s catalog boasted tracks akin to “Pump It,” “Run” and “Work Dat Body,” in addition to a collection of EPs, together with “The Original Video Clash,” “House Trax II” and “House The Groove.”
He kickstarted his music profession within the Nineteen Nineties as a DJ at underground raves and events, earlier than collaborating with fellow musicians, together with DJ Slugo, DJ Deeon and Traxman.
In 2006, he launched his document label, Funk Data, by which he launched a number of singles, mixtapes and EPs.
His work obtained recognition by Daft Punk on their 1997 monitor “Teachers,” on which he and fellow Chicago performer Paul Johnson have been credited alongside Dr. Dre.
“I just decided that I just needed to be more real and more like myself. I decided, if I go one route, I’m a sound like everybody else,” Funk instructed Crimson Bull Music Academy in 2005.
“If I take it this route and make something like P–y Ride, that’s something that’ll shock a motherf–ker.”
Following the information of his demise, fellow musicians and collaborators took to social media to pay their respects.
DJ Unhealthy Boy wrote, “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend DJ Funk. One of the best producers and DJs out of Chicago, his energy and iconic vocals could light up any dance floor.”
