Class Conflict Spring 2001

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The LP recording of a preacher's voice booms over the sound system-"You may be white, you may be black, you may be Jew, you may be Gentile … " The crowd screams in anticipation of the message they are about to hear. There is a palpable spiritual energy in the room. This is a celebration, there is a sweet spirit in the room-human dignity is being affirmed-and suddenly the musical chorus kicks in: "Thank you, Father … " And the crowd responds with shouts of praise.

What sounds at first like a description of a vibrant worship service in a dynamic, outwardly focused, cross-cultural church, is really a picture of a house music party in Chicago-the music in question is not the work of a Christian recording conglomerate, but DJ International Records, one of the earliest and most respected promoters of house music. For those who have ears to hear, the house music party-with its music, dancing, and intense celebratory relationships-is as profound an example of a sign of the Kingdom of God as one will find in contemporary culture.

House music's unique style of electronically-fueled dance music finds its roots in early eighties urban life. The blend of upbeat musical styles like disco, jazz, gospel, and new wave created a movement in New York and Chicago nightclubs where the DJ took center stage as not only technician but also performer. With two turntables, records faded in and out at specific musical transitions in order to excite the crowd. The DJ's ability to put records together, known as beat mixing, was the driving element on the dance floor. Soon, this form of music took Europe by storm, and it enjoys a loyal following throughout the world to this day. DJ culture is now a driving influence in ...

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