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Benji Espinoza (pictured left), co-founder of legendary Chicago home label DJ International Records and its distributor Quantum, has died, based on a report from 5Mag. A reason behind dying has not but been made public.
Benji Espinoza based the seminal imprint alongside Rocky Jones in 1985 within the early levels of the home music motion that originated in Chicago, turning into one of many first labels devoted the sound alongside Trax.
In a recent interview with Mixmag, he described 1986 in Chicago saying: “it was a scene. I might stroll right into a report retailer, and there can be journalists digging for home information they’d heard within the membership the evening earlier than.
DJ Worldwide Data launched quite a few classics of the style over time, together with the primary ever home LP 1986 compilation ‘The House Sound of Chicago’ that featured Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley*’s ‘Jack Your Physique’, Fingers Inc.’s ‘Thriller Of Love’ and Marshall Jefferson’s ‘Transfer Your Physique’.
Different notable releases embody Farley ‘Jackmaster’ Funk & Jessie Saunders ‘Love Cannot Flip Round ‘, Sterling Void & Paris Brightledge ‘It’s All Proper and, Joe Easy Inc. that includes Anthony Thomas ‘Promised Land’.
A highway in Chicago, Honorary DJ International Way, is called after the label.
Benji remained a devoted home music lover by means of the previous 35 years. In a Facebook post earlier month, he described listening to ‘Promised Land’ for the primary time in 1988, writing: “I used to be blown away, telling each Rocky & Joe that is an anthem and shall be huge across the globe!”.
One other post from Benji in February describes his first assembly with Larry Heard that resulted in Mr. Fingers signing to DJ Worldwide.
Joe Easy paid tribute to Benji on Facebook, writing: “R.I.P. to one of many vital individuals behind the worldwide progress of “Home Music” and an incredible man!”
On Joe’s submit, Tyree Cooper, who launched a number of information by means of DJ Worldwide, wrote: “I’ve no phrases to say. Each interview that I’ve given I’ve at all times talked about him as my pal and mentor. He actually took me underneath his wing to show me in regards to the different aspect of Home Music Enterprise . I’ll absolutely miss him!”
Justin Strauss additionally paid tribute to Benji on Facebook, writing: “I’ve by no means heard anybody say a foul phrase about him and he was at all times beautiful and supportive. He doesn’t get the credit score he deserves for serving to home music turn into the phenomenon it turned. He was an vital a part of it . I’ll miss his by no means ending enthusiasm for the music he so beloved and that nice smile.”
Patrick Hinton is Mixmag’s Digital Options Editor, observe him on Twitter
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