Musician DJ Funk has died at the age of 54 following a battle with stage four cancer.
‘He was one of the pioneers of the sound we call ghetto house music in Chicago,’ his friend DJ Slugo told People Thursday in an email. ‘We love and miss you my brother, and I won’t let our sound die.’
A GoFundMe account had been posted by DJ Funk family’s to help the ailing musician, whose real name was Charles Chambers, detailing his health woes.
‘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,’ a statement on the page read. ‘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.
The statement continued: ‘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.’
Musician DJ Funk has died at the age of 54 following a battle with stage four cancer
Funk’s catalog – an eclectic mic of beats, vocals and bass – included songs such as Pump It, Run and Work Dat Body, the magazine reported.
He rose through the musical ranks in honing his craft in the 1990s at underground parties, according to the outlet, and had worked on music with fellow performers such as Slugo, DJ Deeon and Traxman.
His catalog boasted EPs such The Original Video Clash, House Trax II and House The Groove.
Funk in 2006 began presiding over a record label named Funk Records in which he worked with fellow artists such as Jeff Mills, Houz’mon, Deeon.
Funk told Red Bull Music Academy in 2005 about how he decided to purse his creative passions.
‘I just decided that I just needed to be more real and more like myself.
He added: ‘I decided, if I go one route, I’m a sound like everybody else.
‘If I take it this route and make something like P**** Ride, that’s something that’ll shock a motherf****r.’
Funk’s catalog – an eclectic mic of beats, vocals and bass – included songs such as Pump It, Run and Work Dat Body
His friend DJ Slugo said, ‘He was one of the pioneers of the sound we call ghetto house music in Chicago’
The DJ was fondly remembered by fans and colleagues as news of his passing spread.
The DJ was fondly remembered by fans and colleagues as news of his passing spread.
DJ Bad Boy Bill said: ‘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.
‘My thoughts and condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. There is a GoFundMe to help with his final costs.’
A user under the handle @DorkSirjur said, ‘We lost an absolute icon of a house sub-genre yesterday, so here is a mixtape, from 26 years ago: This is the incredible DJ Funk (RIP) – I Love Ghetto : ”Live” in Chicago 1999
‘Absolute pioneer of Ghetto House, there isn’t more to say. A legend lost way too early.’
