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The Dance Music era has created a new hero, the DJ; respected and sought after around the World. Many have come and gone, but few have become a part of Dance Music history. Capturing the hearts of crowds and music lovers with the amazing ability to touch their souls with rhythm. In Chicago one name has stood the test of time; Chicago’s native son: “Bear Who?”
Bear Who? is a legendary Chicago energy source through years of beats, the love of music and true turntable skill. His charismatic personality and inventive mind give him the aura of 10,000 DJ’s. His addictive Latin rhythms, seductive Disco dubs, hip hop and house remixes, flawless blends and explosive percussive productions have touched crowds all over the World leaving audiences breathless and begging for more. Never intimidated or at a loss for words, Bear’s outspoken way of communicating his message to his audience, has gained him respect and fame among all his famous peers. Bringing it to the World is his mission and he is always sure to stir things up. There are few who have not felt his breath taking style. From Sao Paulo, Brazil to the shores of Bari, Italy; from the hills of Germany and the U.K. to the beaches of Miami; Bear Who? has rocked them all. Bear’s unique self described style of music; known as “Mental Musicale” literally transforms any room into a rain forest of tribal beats, bird calls and drums. He has truly earned his reputation as “The Dj’s Dj”!
Caught up in the House Music explosion of the early eighties, Chicago born and Puerto Rican raised Edwin Rios; discovered house music while hanging out with some of the older kids in his neighborhood. A Mecca for Bboys, Djs, Graffiti, Hip Hop and a new Chicago sound and culture called "House". Legendary Chicago radio station WBMX had kids home at night, sitting in front of the radio, tirelessly recording six hours or more of their favorite Dj's (Farley Jackmaster Funk, Julian Perez, Kenny Jason, Ralphi Rosario, etc) . Bear Who? was no exception. Along with many famous Chicago music icons and close friends: Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Bad Boy Bill, Cajmere and many more; Bear too was bitten by the House Music bug. Bear is also a proud member of the most famous and talented dj / production crews in the World; “The Mongoloids” which includes Dj Sneak (Magnetic) , Junior Sanchez (Cubed), Armand Van Helden (Armed), Daft Punk (Daft Traxx), Basement Jaxx (Atlantic Jaxx) and Roger Sanchez (R- senal).
Bear’s early musical influences come from many generes; from the Salsa sound of Willie Colon, El Gran Combo and Eddie Palmiere; to the Electro sound of Kraftwerk and Afrika Bambatta. Bear’s long list of House productions (Magnetic Records, Poontin Records, Vista Records, Dust Traxx Records, Camouflage Records, Cross Section Records, Afterhours Records, UC Music Records) strongly reflect his early influences for their hypnotizing percussion and Latin swing. Bear's remix of "Stole" by Grammy winning artist Kelly Roland (Destiny’s Child Columbia) caught the world by surprise . Bear is also no stranger to the microphone. His talents also include singing and songwriting under the alias; “Fuzzy Cufflinxxx”. His notorious and sometimes infamous alter ego is known for club bumping, booty shaking anthems such as “Fix My Sink” (Credence / EMI) which debuted on the UK pop charts at #25 and was #1 on the dance charts for weeks. This smash pop hit is also featured on MTV Dance throughout Europe as Bear Who? a.k.a Mr. Fuzzy Cufflinxxx takes it to the next level with a music video.
Living in the House Mecca of Chicago with 19 years of House music education; Bear Who? has experienced and been an integral part of mostly every House music driven entity in his famous city for almost two decades. Sharing historical residency’s at Chicago’s greatest clubs: Shelter, Karma, Crobar, Redno 5, Zentra as well as a radio personality, club promoter / DJ, A&R, producer, remixer, songwriter and performer. Bear Who? has done it and is always looking for more. The question is no longer Who? but When? and Where? |
