DJ Funk, a Chicago-born musician and producer who coined the “ghetto house,” has died at age 54.
Funk, whose real name was Charles Chambers, had been “bravely” battling stage 4 cancer before his death, a family-organized GoFundMe page said.
“RIP DJ FUNK 😔” his pal and former collaborator DJ Slugo wrote alongside an Instagram reel of him listening to Funk’s music in the car.
“He was one of the pioneers of the sound we call ghetto house music in Chicago,” he told People. “We love and miss you my brother, and I won’t let our sound die.”
In the fundraising listing, his loved ones asked for donations to help cover funeral costs as Funk was nearing the end of his cancer 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 post 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.”
“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 such as “Pump It,” “Run” and “Work Dat Body,” as well as a series of EPs, including “The Original Video Clash,” “House Trax II” and “House The Groove.”
He kickstarted his music career in the 1990s as a DJ at underground raves and parties, before collaborating with fellow musicians, including DJ Slugo, DJ Deeon and Traxman.
In 2006, he launched his record label, Funk Records, through which he released several singles, mixtapes and EPs.
His work received recognition by Daft Punk on their 1997 track “Teachers,” on which he and fellow Chicago performer Paul Johnson were 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 told Red 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 news of his death, fellow musicians and collaborators took to social media to pay their respects.
DJ Bad 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.”
