DJ Chuck Chillout

Charles Turner^[1] (born October 21, 1962) better known as DJ Chuck Chillout, is an American hip hop DJ and producer on New York City's 98.7 KISS FM radio station.

He began his career on 98.7 Kiss FM in 1982. He was one of the first hip-hop artists to become established, which also includes Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, Salt-n-Pepa, and Slick Rick. “Hip-hop was fun and energetic during this time. Hip-hop was just growing, so there was a lot of creativity and great live performances,” says Chuck. “Run-DMC and Whodini were some of the best live performances during this time.”

After leaving 98.7 Kiss FM, Chuck worked at 107.5 WBLS FM for two years. In 1992, Chuck became a VJ for Video Music Box, the top-rated hip-hop video show in New York City. Chuck worked in 1995 by becoming one of the first DJs to play hip hop music in Japan. Hip-hop artists such as Busta Rhymes, A Tribe Called Quest, and Run-D.M.C. became known in Japan as a result. "Hip hop was very popular in Japan," said Chuck, "The people there knew the history of the artist I was playing as well as mine. Japanese people were totally into the culture."

In 1989, he released an album with emcee Kool Chip called Masters of the Rhythm, which was released by Mercury/PolyGram Records. The album featured two regional hits, "Rhythm is the Master" and "I’m Large."

In 1996, Chuck helped break DMX by being one of the first D.J.s to play his debut smash hit, "Get at Me, Dog." "I knew this record was going to be a smash because it was different from what was being played on the radio," Chuck said. "The beat was hot and delivery was different."

Chuck established Full Blast Promotions in 1999, which is New Jersey's premier record pool. "I established Full Blast Promotions in New Jersey because there was a need for a premier record pool in New Jersey," Chuck stated. "D.J.s in New Jersey were hungry for a company such as Full Blast to step up and take over. [It] will continue to grow in the new millennium."

Chuck's affiliation with old- and new-school hip hop and R&B has helped him remain a popular DJ. Most recently, his participation in the Essence Music Festival and cruise helped his career.

Chuck returned to his roots at 98.7 Kiss FM during fall 2009.

References

Sources

• The Source Magazine, November 2004, "Hip Hop Iconz Volume 9: Chuck Chillout Breaking The Ice," pp. 78–80.

External links

• DJ Chuck Chillout discography at Discogs