House

Jackin' House

Jackin' House is a subgenre of House music characterized by its heavy use of sampling, especially from old-school Chicago House tracks, and upbeat, percussive rhythms.

Cat. no. H-020 · 31 genres in this family

History

Jackin' House, also known as Jacking House, is a sub-genre of House music that emerged from Chicago in the 1980s. It is characterized by a raw and energetic sound that combines elements of Disco, Funk, and Chicago House. The genre's name is derived from the term "jackin'", which means to dance and move rhythmically. The origins of Jackin' House can be traced back to early House music parties in Chicago during the 1980s. DJs and producers experimented with different sounds and techniques to create a new genre of music that would revitalize Chicago's House scene. One of the pioneers of Jackin' House was the DJ and producer Frankie Knuckles, who is often referred to as the "Godfather of House Music." Knuckles, along with other DJs such as Marshall Jefferson, Phuture, and Farley Jackmaster Funk, developed a sound that borrowed elements from Disco, Funk, and Soul music and mixed them with the electronic beats of House music. The early Jackin' House tracks were characterized by a fast tempo, hard-hitting drums, and sample-heavy production. The tracks often featured vocal samples from classic Soul and Funk records that were chopped and looped to create a new sound. The lyrics of the songs were typically uplifting and positive, emphasizing the power of music to bring people together and create a sense of community. Dancefloors across Chicago were filled with people who were drawn to the infectious rhythms and joyful spirit of Jackin' House. Over time, the sound of Jackin' House evolved and expanded to include elements from other genres such as Hip Hop, Techno, and Acid House. The tempo of the music slowed down, and the production techniques became more sophisticated. However, the essence of Jackin' House remained the same - a celebration of dance music and the power of rhythm to connect people. In the 1990s, Jackin' House began to gain popularity among DJs and music fans outside of Chicago. The genre spread to Europe and other parts of the world, where it influenced the development of other House sub-genres such as UK Garage and Speed Garage. Jackin' House also became an important part of the underground club scene in cities such as New York and London. Today, Jackin' House continues to thrive and evolve, with new producers and DJs building on the legacy of the genre's pioneers. The sound of Jackin' House can be heard in clubs, festivals, and parties around the world, and its influence can be felt in many different genres of dance music.

Notable artists

DJ Sneak: Known for his Chicago house roots, DJ Sneak's jackin' house productions are a staple in the scene. His tracks are characterized by their infectious grooves, pounding basslines, and soulful samples. Junior Jack: A mainstay in the house music world, Junior Jack has been producing jackin' house tracks for over two decades. He is known for his ability to seamlessly blend different styles and create tracks that are both catchy and dancefloor-ready. Derrick Carter: A true legend in the house music world, Derrick Carter's music has influenced generations of producers and DJs. His jackin' house sound is characterized by its funky basslines and infectious hooks. Mark Farina: Another Chicago house veteran, Mark Farina has been a force in the jackin' house scene since the 90s. His tracks are known for their jazzy samples and laid-back grooves. T-Total: Hailing from the UK, T-Total has been producing jackin' house tracks since the early 2000s. His tracks often feature samples of classic funk and soul tunes, giving them a retro feel. Johnny Fiasco: A prolific producer with over 400 tracks to his name, Johnny Fiasco's jackin' house tracks are characterized by their deep grooves and funky basslines. His tracks often have a retro vibe, with samples of classic disco and funk tunes. Cajmere: Another Chicago house veteran, Cajmere (also known as Green Velvet) is known for his tongue-in-cheek lyrics and funky jackin' house beats. His tracks never fail to get the dancefloor moving. Inland Knights: Hailing from the UK, Inland Knights have been producing jackin' house tracks since the late 90s. Their tracks often feature chopped-up vocal samples and funky basslines, creating a vibe that is both retro and modern. DJ Mes: Based in San Francisco, DJ Mes is known for his funky jackin' house tracks that never fail to get people moving. His tracks often have a retro feel, with samples of classic disco and funk tunes. Joey Chicago: This up-and-coming producer from the Netherlands has been making waves in the jackin' house scene with his funky, disco-infused tracks. His tracks are characterized by their catchy hooks and infectious grooves.

Where to start

1. "My Love" by Low Steppa 2. "Brighter Days" by Cajmere ft. Dajae 3. "Finally" by Kings of Tomorrow ft. Julie McKnight 4. "Something Going On" by Todd Terry ft. Martha Wash & Jocelyn Brown 5. "Make 'Em Dance" by CamelPhat 6. "Horny" by Mousse T. vs. Hot ‘n’ Juicy 7. "Music Is the Answer" by Danny Tenaglia 8. "Needin' U" by David Morales ft. The Face 9. "Deep Inside" by Hardrive 10. "Alright" by Red Carpet 11. "Pushing On" by Oliver $ & Jimi Jules 12. "Feel My Needs" by Weiss (UK) 13. "Sambuca" by Wideboys ft. Dennis G 14. "Freak Like Me" by DJ Deeon 15. "Brighter Days" by DJ S.K.T ft. Rae 16. "Beautiful People" by Barbara Tucker 17. "Soul Heaven (Bini & Martini Mix)" by The Goodfellas 18. "Shackles" by Ruff Driverz presents Arrola 19. "The Bomb! (These Sounds Fall into My Mind)" by The Bucketheads 20. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Inner City 21. "Pianoman" by Blurred Vision 22. "Fired Up!" by Funky Green Dogs 23. "Mr. Vain" by Culture Beat 24. "Magic Carpet Ride" by Mighty Dub Katz 25. "Big Love" by Pete Heller's Big Love

Broader context

One of the most notable books on jackin’ House is "The Art of Jackin': Lessons in the Chicago Underground." Written by DJ and producer, Phil Weeks, the book provides an in-depth exploration of the origins of jackin’ House and how it has influenced House music in general. Weeks notes that the genre "embraces its rough edges, its rawness, and its soulfulness,” making it a truly unique form of House music. He also points out that the jackin’ sound has evolved over the years, with new artists adding their own spin on the classic style. Another influential book in the world of jackin’ House is "The House That Jackin’ Built" by Philip Sherburne. Sherburne provides a comprehensive history of the genre, focusing on the groundbreaking work of artists like Armando, Steve "Silk" Hurley, and Farley "Jackmaster" Funk. Sherburne praises the genre's "relentlessly funky, percussion-driven grooves,” that have been a key influence on House music since the genre's early days. He also notes how the sound has been adapted by artists across the globe, leading to a truly global community of jackin’ House fans. Notable quotes about jackin’ House can be found in a number of music publications and online forums. In a review of Phil Week's album, "Raw Instrumental," Resident Advisor noted that the sound is "straight-up, unpretentious House music that revels in its jackin’ rhythms and its raw, stripped-down sound." Another review of a recent Jackin’ House compilation in Mixmag praised the genre, stating that "There's no mistaking the classic House sound - the frenetic percussion, the uplifting melodies, the soulful vocals - it's all there, in its full jackin’ glory."
The social context of Jackin' House is rooted in the history of House music. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, black, Latino, and queer communities in Chicago created house music as a response to the disco backlash and in defiance of the conservative politics of the Reagan era. They sought to create a new kind of dance music that was inclusive, uplifting, and unapologetically queer. This led to the creation of a vibrant club scene in Chicago, which gave rise to House's first wave. Fast forward to the early 2000s, and there was a nostalgic yearning for the sound of classic House music, and this sentiment was reflected in the emergence of Jackin' House. The genre's sound was representative of a group of DJs who sought to pay tribute to the pioneers of House music, while infusing it with contemporary sounds and production techniques. One of the key players in Jackin' House was record label "Cajual Records," which was founded by Green Velvet in 1991. The label, which is now defunct, was instrumental in promoting the early career of artists such as Derrick Carter and DJ Sneak, who were key players in the emergence of Jackin' House. Other notable labels that helped shape the sound of Jackin' House include Dusty Records, Robsoul Recordings, and Guesthouse Music. These labels shared a vision of House music that was stripped back, raw, and unpretentious. They were more concerned with creating a vibe on the dance floor than with creating elaborate productions. Journalists such as Bill Brewster were also instrumental in raising the profile of Jackin' House. Brewster was a music journalist who wrote for magazines such as DJ Magazine and The Face. He championed the sound of Jackin' House and helped expose it to a wider audience. He also wrote a seminal book on Chicago House music, "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life," which inspired a new generation of DJs and producers. Technology has also played a significant role in the emergence of Jackin' House. Advances in software and sampling techniques allowed DJs and producers to create tracks that were more complex and layered than ever before. The rise of digital music platforms such as Beatport and Traxsource gave emerging producers a platform to showcase their work, helping to facilitate the proliferation of the Jackin' House sound.
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