This native Puerto Rican born and raised in Humboldt Park/Logan Square, Chicago is considered as one of the early Latino DJ pioneers of Chicago House Music. The talents of Lugo became noticed as part of the production team/band member behind House Music diva Liz Torres.
It is said that rhythmic sounds are human nature to the ear. Now combine the musical structures of Chicago House Music infused with tropical vibes of Salsa, Samba, Reggaeton merged with a twist of Hip-Hop and the turntable culture of DJ Lugo.
As a youngster, DJ Lugo gained his appreciation of rhythms through his Puerto Rican upbringing with such labels as Combo Records, Fania Records and the legendary Salsoul Records.
Intrigued and influenced by the original sounds of New York’s own Paradise Garage pioneer, DJ Larry Levan, DJ Tony Humphries, DJ Lugo’s technical style combined the vocals and rhythms of the East Coast with the demands of the Chicago sounds. Spinning in basement clubs and after-hours, DJ Lugo celebrated and teamed with the talents of club pioneers such as Frankie Knuckles, Larry Heard, Kenny Jammin’ Jason, Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, and Steve “Silk” Hurley.
A few years later, the Chicago House Music evolved with Trax Records where DJ Lugo broke in the label’s music spinning at clubs and venues such as Jenals, the Playground, Marz Bar, the world’s famous Aragon Ballroom, The Park West, The Congress Theatre and the Pan American Festival in Chicago.
DJ Lugo branched his talents to the Big Apple as a regular guest DJ at the United Skates in New York City. The talents of DJ Lugo were put to the test by Jessie Jones of Loop Records where DJ Lugo became part of the production team behind Chicago’s original House Music Diva, Liz Torres. DJ Lugo’s production can also be found on State Street Records and Jive Records.
DJ Lugo continues to achieve great success as one of the most demanded DJs in Chicago’s Salsa circuit opening up for artists such as Marc Anthony, La “India,” Tito Nieves, Brenda K. Starr, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Michael Stewart, just to name a few.
DJ Lugo’s techniques and styles for underground and vocal House Music branded him as the local undisputed DJ of Vocal House, working with talents such as Candy J, Lidell Townsell, Byron Stingley, Joe “Smooth,” Fast Eddie, Shawn Christopher, and Marshall Jefferson.
In 2008, the Chicago House Music scene celebrated a rebirth with sold out shows sponsored by local radio station, Power 92. The demand has been overwhelming. DJ Lugo bounced the house with his appearance at History of House Music Parts I and II.
DJ Lugo maintains his truism to the House Music scene and he can be found spinning in clubs throughout Chicago, as well as, special appearances. DJ Lugo was also the DJ/music director for Latino Fashion Week in Chicago – which is the only Latino Fashion Week in the United States.
This unsung hereo has now returned with Jessie Jones to bring back that Master C & J sound that youtubers and fans have respected throughout the years with the start of a new record label, 51st Street Music Chicago in 2019 on the historic south side of Chicago, in Engelwood.
Past club and special event appearances:
Urban Theater Chicago/Back In The Days ∙ Honey Pot Performance’s Community Archiving/The Chicago Black Social Culture Map ∙ Columbia College ∙ Roosevelt University ∙ American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music, traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian ∙ Top 100 House Music DJ/The Shrine ∙ Anniversary of House Music ∙ Latino Grammy Party∙ Latino Fashion Week ∙ V-Live Night Club ∙ March of Dimes ∙ Crobar∙ Puerto Rican Day Parade ∙ Pride Parade ∙ Excalibur ∙ Green Dolphin ∙ Hennessey Urban Movida ∙ Sushi Samba ∙ Latinicity Chicago ∙ Latina Expo Chicago ∙
DJ Lugo Rosado – Discography available on Discogs.com
by: Cesar Rolon / Imagen Hispanic Marketing & Consultants
English