Chicago House Music Artists You Need to Know
From the underground to the mainstream, these are the artists carrying on the Chicago house music tradition.
DJ Premier
DJ Premier, born Christopher Edward Martin, is a hip-hop producer and DJ who is widely considered one of the greatest DJs of all time. He is best known for his work with the legendary rap group Gang Starr, but has also produced tracks for some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Nas, Jay-Z, and Notorious B.I.G.
Premier got his start working as a DJ in clubs around New York City before teaming up with Guru to form Gang Starr in 1987. The duo released six studio albums between 1989 and 2003, cementing their place as one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time. Premier has also released several solo albums and mix tapes, and is currently a member of the supergroup PRhyme along with rapper Royce da 5’9″.
The Chicago Shags
The Chicago Shags are a duo made up of house music producers and DJ’s Aaron “Shag” Shepard and Gary “G” Coleman. The two have been making music together since the early 1990s and have released several EPs and mix CDs. They are best known for their dancefloor-friendly tracks that incorporate elements of funk, soul, and disco.
Roy Davis Jr.
Roy Davis Jr. is a house music producer and DJ from Chicago, Illinois. He is best known for his track “Gabriel”, which was released on M-Plant in 1996. Davis has also released tracks on labels such as Relief, Defected, and Classic Music Company.
Derrick Carter
Derrick Carter is a Chicago house music legend. He’s been DJing and producing music for over 30 years, and his influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary house artists. Carter is known for his long, mixing sets that keep dancers moving all night long. If you’re looking for a taste of classic Chicago house, Derrick Carter is a must-hear.
Gene Farris
Equal parts DJ, producer, and musician, Gene Farris is a Chicago house music icon. He got his start in the 80s as a DJ at the famous Music Box club, and he’s been going strong ever since. Over the years, Gene has released several groundbreaking tracks and albums, including his 2017 album Connecting The Dots. He’s also a regular headliner at some of the biggest clubs and festivals around the world. If you’re a fan of Chicago house music, you need to know Gene Farris.
