What was the real name of DJ Funk? Everything about the 'ghetto house' innovator as he dies at 54

Beloved hip-hop artist and the term-coiner of "ghetto house", DJ Funk has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 54 years old.

The tragic news comes days after his family reportedly set up a GoFundMe to cover his funeral costs as they announced that he is reaching the end of his battle with stage 4 cancer.

DJ Funk, aka Charles Chambers, was a ghetto house producer. His passing was confirmed via an email sent to People Magazine by his fellow collaborator, DJ Slugo, who wrote:

"He was one of the pioneers of the sound we call ghetto house music in Chicago. We love and miss you my brother, and I won’t let our sound die."

"The GoFundMe set up by the DJ's family read: "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."

"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."

It concluded: "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 ."

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The story of DJ Funk

DJ Funk, who was born Charles Chambers in 1971, was instrumental in creating the ghetto house subgenre. His upbeat style, which influenced the rave scenes in Detroit and Chicago, included quick rhythms, bass, and vocalists with obscene lyrics.

Funk gained popularity because of songs like Pump It, Run, and Work Dat Body. In the 1990s, he became well-known in underground music circles by playing at warehouse parties and working with musicians like Traxman, DJ Slugo, and DJ Deeon.

Funk discussed his approach to music in a Red Bull Music Academy interview from 2005.

He said: "I just decided that I just needed to be more real and more like myself," he said at the time. "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---er."

DJ Funk released several significant EPs over his career, such as The Original Video Clash, House Trax II, and House The Groove. He started his record label, Funk Records, in 2006 and collaborated with DJ Deeon, Houz'mon, and Jeff Mills.

Daft Punk even took notice of his work and featured him among other well-known Chicago house musicians Paul Johnson and Lil Louis on their 1997 song, Teachers. Additionally, in 2006, he remixed Waters of Nazareth with Justice.