DJ Funk, a pioneering force in the Chicago house music scene and a key architect of the “ghetto house” genre, has died at the age of 54. His passing was confirmed by longtime friend and collaborator DJ Slugo, who shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram. DJ Funk, whose real name was Charles Chambers, had been in hospice care while battling stage 4 cancer.
A Legacy in Chicago’s Underground Music Scene
DJ Funk was a defining figure in house music, known for his fast, raw, and bass-heavy production style. His tracks, characterized by high-energy beats and infectious, party-driven lyrics, became club staples throughout the Midwest and beyond. With hits like “Work Dat Body,” “Pump It,” and “Run,” he helped shape the ghetto house movement, a subgenre also referred to as booty house.
Emerging in the 1990s, DJ Funk made a name for himself on influential labels such as Dance Mania (which he later owned) and Pro-Jex. He, along with contemporaries like DJ Deeon, DJ Assault, and DJ Houzman, blended the raw energy of Miami bass with the deep grooves of Chicago house, ensuring the genre’s longevity.
Family Seeks Support for Funeral Expenses
Chambers’ family recently launched a fundraising campaign to help cover his medical and funeral costs. Following his passing, a GoFundMe page set up in his honor has raised approximately R608,000 of its R654,000 goal. Fans and fellow artists have been rallying to support the cause, highlighting DJ Funk’s profound influence on the global music scene.
Remembering a House Music Legend
DJ Funk’s impact on electronic dance music and club culture is undeniable. His sound, energy, and pioneering spirit will live on through his music and the countless DJs and producers he inspired. As the house music community mourns his loss, his legacy continues to thrive on dance floors around the world.
