DJ Slugo confirmed his death on Instagram.
Photo credit: DJ Funk – Facebook
The electronic music community is mourning the loss of Charles Chambers, known professionally as DJ Funk, who passed away at age 54 after battling cancer. His death was confirmed by longtime collaborator DJ Slugo via Instagram.
A pioneering force in electronic music since the early 1990s, DJ Funk helped shape the sound of ghetto house, a genre that influenced the later evolution of juke and footwork. His distinctive style blended hip-hop energy with Miami bass and traditional house music rhythms.
His legacy is most closely associated with Dance Mania label, where he released influential works like ‘House The Groove’ and ‘Trax From The Dark Side.’ Albums such as ‘Pumpin The Trax’ and ‘Booty House’ became cornerstones of the genre.
DJ Funk’s influence extended to European electronic artists, leading to collaborations with Justice and earning recognition from Daft Punk. In 2006, he launched Funk Records, further cementing his place in dance music history.
Artists worldwide are paying tribute to his innovative techniques, while a GoFundMe campaign for funeral expenses has raised $32,000.
