teklife

Teklife: The Groovy History of Chicago Footwork

From the dance floors to the global stage, Teklife has carved a unique path in electronic music. Born in the late 90s on the streets of Chicago, Teklife emerged as a vibrant movement, fusing the raw energy of footwork with the cutting-edge experimentation of electronic music.

The Birth of a Sound: Footwork’s roots lie in the dance battles of the 1980s. These battles saw Chicago’s youth using intricate footwork moves to the pulsating rhythms of house music. Teklife’s founders, DJ Rashad and DJ Spinn, took these raw rhythms, adding a new layer of sonic sophistication. They incorporated breakbeats, industrial sounds, and abstract textures, creating a sound that was both danceable and challenging.

Teklife’s Leading Figures: The scene was fueled by a core group of talented producers and DJs.

• DJ Rashad: Rashad was the visionary behind Teklife. He possessed a unique ability to blend the aggression of footwork with intricate melodic patterns, creating music that was both raw and soulful.
• DJ Spinn: Spinn was the master of the turntable. His intricate scratching, beat juggling, and complex musical transitions are legendary.
• RP Boo: A true pioneer of footwork, Boo was the first to develop the iconic “footstep” sound – a distinctive clicking and thumping rhythm that has become synonymous with the genre.
• DJ Earl: Earl brought a soulful and melodic touch to Teklife. His tracks often featured samples of classic soul and funk music, giving Teklife a unique human dimension.

Teklife’s Evolution: The Teklife movement went beyond music, evolving into a community of passionate artists, DJs, and dancers. They established a strong presence at festivals like Pitchfork and Sonar, sharing their music and culture with the world. The movement also gave rise to a new generation of talented producers, including Traxman, DJ Manny, and DJ Gant who continue to push the boundaries of footwork.

Fun Facts:

• Teklife’s early days were a whirlwind of late-night parties and underground dance battles. These battles were intense, with dancers pushing their limits and improvising on the fly. It’s said that some dancers would even wear steel-toe boots to add an extra “kick” to their moves.
• DJ Spinn’s turntable skills were legendary. He was known for his “Scrambled Egg” technique, a complex DJing technique that involves manipulating the sound of records to create new rhythms and textures. He could also scratch a record back and forth at an astonishing speed, making it sound like a broken record.
• RP Boo’s music was often inspired by his love of comic books. He would use samples from superhero movies and cartoons in his tracks, adding a playful and humorous dimension to the music.

Teklife’s Legacy: The Teklife movement has left an indelible mark on the world of electronic music. It has inspired countless artists and helped shape the future of underground dance culture. The movement’s spirit of innovation and its raw energy continue to resonate with listeners around the world. So next time you hear that thumping rhythm and the intricate melodies of footwork, remember the story of Teklife, a movement that brought the sound of the streets to the world.