11.6.07

Some of the most influential people in the history of house music come together on “Chicago’s Finest: The Chicago LP” — the long-awaited offering from S (and) S Records.

The DVD documentary accompanies a double-disc CD featuring all new tracks from the top players in the genre. From the first track on disc 1 of the CD to the final track on disc 2, a history lesson on house music unfolds. And you may not even realize this until you watch the DVD. Some names you will know, others you may not, but you’ve probably shaken your ass to their records plenty of times.

Presented by DJ Skip and Steve “Silk” Hurley, the two-disc DVD hosted by DJ Skip tells the real stories of these artists, DJs and producers right from their own mouths. Some of the biggest names in house music today like Ron Carroll, CZR, Fast Eddie, Bad Boy Bill and DJ Pierre are featured on the compilation, as well as a laundry list of others.

You find yourself engulfed with their stories of rising through the ranks of bedroom DJs and producers to, for some, Grammy-winning artists and for others, remixers and world-renowned DJs.

It gives you the sense that you’ve known them all your life. Everybody’s story is different but ultimately the same.

Their story is personal – from where they grew up to how their love for house music still drives them to this day. It’s not just about the glamour and packed clubs full of screaming people that comes along with their craft. It digs deeper to the very core of house music — the people, the culture and why they say it will never die.

Chicago’s rich history of house music and its influential players is illustrated in "The Chicago LP" and shows why four on the floor belongs in the windy city.

A project with this much soul has been long overdue.

"The Chicago LP," released July 31, 2007, is available at http://www.101d.com/cd/chicagolp.

"History of House Music Chicago LP/DVD Concert" was held Sept. 15, 2007, at Congress Theatre featuring 30 of the top Chicago house artists.