D.I.U. (Deep In Underground) (DA Rebels)

• acid-house
• house
• DA Rebels

As we delve into the depths of electronic music history, we often come across records that carry the essence of an era and the spirit of the underground. D.I.U. (Deep In Underground), released in 1989 by the Chicago-based duo Da Rebels, is one such gem that, even today, shines with the vibrancy of the past while echoing the innovations of the present. Comprised of the legendary Curtis Alan Jones, who later became known as Cajmere and then Green Velvet, and Liddell Townsell, who made groundbreaking acid house records for Trax, this collaboration resulted in an EP that remains an essential piece of dance music history.

The D.I.U. EP, originally released on the Clubhouse label and later licensed by Ugly Music in 1997, features four tracks that encapsulate the essence of the late 1980s Chicago house scene. Each of these tracks bears a distinct quality that, even today, can still excite and inspire listeners. From the hypnotic grooves of “D.I.U. (Deep In Underground)” to the anthemic “House Nation Under A Groove,” the EP offers a timeless and versatile collection of house music that has aged like a fine wine. It’s worth noting that “House Nation Under A Groove” was later remixed by several Ugly Music artists, including Harvey and Future Monument, further expanding the reach of this classic record.

In the vast discographies of both Jones and Townsell, D.I.U. stands out as a testament to their chemistry as collaborators and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of electronic music. At a time when the Chicago house scene was blossoming, this EP showcased the potential of the genre, merging infectious rhythms, soulful melodies, and innovative sampling techniques into a sonic tapestry that would go on to influence generations of producers.

The record’s opening track, “D.I.U. (Deep In Underground),” is a captivating dive into the subterranean world of house music. With its pulsating bassline, hypnotic drum patterns, and swirling synths, it transports listeners to a realm where the dancefloor and the mind become one. A realm where the repetitive nature of the groove becomes a mantra, a meditation on the power of rhythm and movement.

“House Nation Under A Groove,” the second track, builds on the energy of the opening song with an anthemic quality that encapsulates the spirit of unity within the house music community. With its uplifting piano chords, gospel-inspired vocals, and infectious rhythm, this track speaks to the power of music to bring people together. A power that transcends the boundaries of race, class, and geography, uniting us all under the banner of a shared groove.

As we arrive at the third track, “It’s Time To Jack The House,” we are greeted with an unrelenting, pounding rhythm that urges us to jack our bodies to the beat. The relentless energy of this song is a testament to the origins of house music as a genre born from the need to escape the confines of daily life and embrace the freedom of movement. A genre that, in its purest form, encourages us to let go of our inhibitions and surrender to the rhythm.

Finally, “Manamada” closes out the EP with a journey into the deeper realms of electronic music. With its hypnotic synth lines, tribal percussion, and mesmerizing vocal samples, this track offers a fitting conclusion to an EP that has taken us on a journey through the history and evolution of house music.

Throughout the record, we can hear the influence of artists such as Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, and Larry Heard, who laid the groundwork for the Chicago house sound. Yet, Da Rebels also showcase their own unique approach to the genre, infusing their tracks with an experimental edge that sets them apart from their contemporaries. The result is an EP that both pays homage to the past and offers a glimpse into the future of electronic music.

In the years since the release of D.I.U., both Curtis Alan Jones and Liddell Townsell have continued to shape the landscape of electronic music through their respective solo projects and collaborations. Their work as Da Rebels, however, remains a seminal moment in their careers, capturing the essence of an era when house music was in its infancy and the possibilities for the genre seemed endless.

Looking back on this record from today’s perspective, it’s clear that D.I.U. has stood the test of time, remaining a vital and influential piece of dance music history. As we listen to these tracks, we are reminded of the power of electronic music to transport us to new worlds, to bring people together, and to inspire us to move our bodies to the rhythm of the beat. Time and time again, we find ourselves drawn to the magnetic pull of D.I.U., captivated by the undeniable energy of these classic tracks. Time and time again, we find ourselves in awe of the enduring legacy of Da Rebels, who, with this EP, helped to shape the course of electronic music history.

In conclusion, D.I.U. (Deep In Underground) stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring appeal of classic house music. As we immerse ourselves in the hypnotic grooves and infectious rhythms of this timeless record, we are reminded of the spirit of innovation and unity that lies at the heart of electronic music. And as we continue to explore the ever-evolving landscape of dance music, we can look back on D.I.U. as a touchstone, a source of inspiration, and a reminder of the limitless possibilities that await us on the dancefloor.

So, let us celebrate the legacy of Da Rebels and their seminal EP, D.I.U. (Deep In Underground). Let us honor the pioneers who paved the way for the electronic music we know and love today. And let us continue to dance, to create, and to share in the timeless groove of house music, united under the banner of a sound that knows no boundaries and recognizes no limits.