Finding Music for Steppers
A time will come in your steppers journey where you are going to want ready access to music. Understand the variation and mix and songs for us to hear and enjoy. Music is very important to our learning and our history. The music defines the moment and the time. DJ Sam Chatman said, “If you want to know where this dance will go, follow the music. Know some artists who make music for steppers and perform at weekend events. Steppers are radio listeners, so tune into internet radio and some of the stations listed here. If you can’t find it here, reach out to our DJs. Understand also the significance of the song Step in the Name of Love.
Characteristics of Music For Steppers
Storytelling
Steppers are storytellers and interpret the story in the lyrics and music through their dance. Stepping is artistic pantomime with illusions and tricks. Your dance tells anyone watching how you listen to music and interpret the lyrics and sounds.
B-Side Music
Our music is not what you usually hear on mainstream radio. There is a lot of B-side music and many independent artists who make big hits with the steppers. Music for steppers is not limited to new and old jazz, Hip Hop/Rap, soul, and pop.
Celebration of Love
You will recognize a theme to the music we step to. Every song seems to be about love and relationships – about a woman. Drama and romance are in the stories we tell in our dance. Listen. Watch. Stepping celebrates women.
Music Makers for Steppers
In 2003, R Kelly’s “Step in the Name of Love (Remix)” from his album Chocolate Factory became a hit. The song described stepping and the video featured steppers from Chicago. The song reached #1 on the R&B chart and #9 on the pop charts. It became the impromptu anthem for steppers and introduced stepping to the nation. Steppers started traveling to teach stepping in different states. However, this is not a song we usually step to, and it’s hardly played at stepper sets.
- Carmichael
- Cardell Harrington
- Marcell & the Truth
- K Jon
- Fel Davis
- Marzette Griffith
- Rockwell Hallman
- Ronnie Burnett
Carmichael
Three albums strong, unsigned, and remembered by all as Carmicheal Musiclover. Winner of the Peoples Choice Awards for Artist of the Year “Carmichael Musiclover ” & Song of the Year entitled ” Rock it” by www.chistepper.com. This talented R&B and Neo-Soul Atlanta Artist is a singer, songwriter, and producer well-established in the US, UK, Tokyo, and Canada.
Song: Mercedes Sunshine
Cardell Harrington
A Chicago-born indie soul man. He describes himself as a people’s artist. “I like to do songs people can relate to—real-life situations, things that touch the heart. He has a deep love for steppers music and hopes that shows in his performances. He used to step, but with most of his time devoted to creating music, his focus is on his passion for making music.
Song: Maybe I’m Not the Man
Marcell & The Truth
Organic R&B/Soul music makes Marcell and the Truth special. Their debut album, Hopes Too High, landed on list after list of top albums 2006. “Steppers” in Detroit and Chicago were all grooving to a unique blend of old and new school and clamoring to see the band’s live show.
Song: Maybe I’m Not the Man
K’Jon
Kelvin Johnson, better known by his stage name K’Jon was born in Detroit, Michigan. His genre of music is Contemporary R&B, R&B/Soul, and Pop music. He is an R&B singer whose 2009 solo debut album, I Get Around, reached number one on the R&B charts. The lead single from the album, “On the Ocean”, hit number one on the Urban AC Radio charts and number 12 on Billboard’s R&B charts.
Albums: I Get Around, Moving On, Man
Fel Davis
A Chicago native best known for his work with Public Announcement’s “All Work, No Play.” Feloney Davis is ready to show the world his side of R&B music. Feloney has been involved in music since his early childhood, writing and performing in talent contests always wanting to do more with music, Feloney was and is focused on moving forward. He tells his urban stories threw his songs and his soulful melodies
Marzette Griffith
Marzette Griffith nurtured his love for all things musical – singing, writing, arranging, producing, and dancing. He is one of the pioneers of Steppin’ in Chicago. He is the 1st place winner of the very first World’s Largest Stepper’s Contest. He claimed 1st place gain four years later. He creates and sings most of his music for steppers to dance to.
Songs: Nobody by That Name, Rhythm on Time
Rockwell Hallman
Rockwell started singing in church with his siblings. In high school, a singing group, Riff and Shy, introduced him to the production company Characters Music, where he started his R&B/Soul musical career. He is a former member of the group 4Formula with Epic Records. Now solo, he has teamed up to form the project Rockwell.
Songs: Are You Ready (feat. Shamyra), Smoove
Ronnie Burnett
Ronnie “Ronnie B” Burnett started steppin’ Chicago style in 1976. He now lives in Atlanta but moved from Chicago in 2003. Ronnie B started his poetry and early compositions to teach his children. He taught them about the streets without letting them know he was teaching them something.
Songs: I Just Came to Love You, Booshie Love
Radio for Steppers
- WOSD for Radio Old Skool and Dusties
- Rhythm Flight Radio
- WZON Radio
- W4YL
- Live365/Twitch: Buffalo’s WDAP Radio – Ray Richardson’s Old School Jam Session