Still Music Chicago is thrilled to announce the reissue of Jiraffe's "Out'A The Box," a legendary dance record from New York City. Originally released in 1988 on Goldqwest Records, this track emerged from the collaboration between Richie Weeks and Al Smith. This limited 12" release includes a full sleeve with a never-before-seen picture of Richie Weeks with Vaughan Mason at Vaughan home studio and a story of "Out'A The Box". Richie Weeks, known for his work with The Jammers and Weeks & Co, founded Goldqwest Records after Salsoul Records closed. Inspired by his friend Vaughan Mason, Richie ventured into house music production, recording demos that caught the attention of Reynald "Crazy Frenchman" Deschamps of M.T.I Exports. A generous supporter funded Goldqwest's third release, leading to Richie and Al Smith creating "Out'A The Box" at Al's home studio in Philadelphia. The track blended post-disco, dance, latin, and proto-house elements, achieving cult status among DJs worldwide. More

In the midst of House music's burgeoning scene in 1986 Chicago, a young local DJ named Jonathan Gilbert, known as Scrappy, seized a golden opportunity to showcase his skills at the renowned Medusa's Club's video room. It was in 1987, one fateful night, when the main DJ failed to show up, that Gilbert stepped in, securing a residency at one of the city's hottest spots. As the year progressed, Gilbert ventured into music production, teaming up with The Boxx Boys--Jim Marcus and Van Christie, notable for their later formation of the iconic group Die Warzau. Their collaboration birthed the legendary acid house anthem from Chicago, "Freeze," which Gilbert released under his Zap Records label in 1988, solidifying his place in Chicago's music history. The track became a timeless favorite, and is often featured in Jerome Derradji's sets. With Scrappy's gracious consent, we have the privilege of reissuing this seminal track, along with delving into his archives to uncover previously unreleased gems and alternate versions from his Atlantic Records era around 1990. For a brief period, Scrappy rode the waves of Chicago's house scene with his distinctive flair before bidding farewell to pursue new horizons in California. Presented for the first time on Still Music, "Acid House + Medusa's - Chicago, 1987-1992" invites listeners on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of late-eighties Chicago House. DJing, indulgence, romance, and the pulsating beats of acid house defined Scrappy's era, and fortunately, he left behind a legacy of unforgettable house tunes, emblematic of the city's unparalleled musical spirit. This limited edition DLP release, accompanied by an insert detailing the captivating tale of one of Chicago's unsung talents, ensures that Scrappy's story and his contribution to the era remain etched in musical history.

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After some big collaborative tunes with In Flagranti that made big waves a while back, vocalist Natalie Smash is back and in fine form. This new acid-tinged EP for Chicago's Still Music is killer, with San Francisco's very own Loose Control Band (aka DJ Spun and Jonah Sharp in tow. 'New Start' comes in three different but equally vital versions with edgy acid and old school house vibes to spare. The one and only Mystic Bill steps up to remix and as always does so with aplomb and plenty of energy. More