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The Housemaster Boyz (and the Rude Boy of House)
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In the mid-1980s, amidst the burgeoning Chicago house music scene, a pivotal group emerged: The Housemaster Boyz and the Rude Boy of House. This ensemble, closely tied to the influential Dance Mania record label, etched a permanent mark on the genre with their iconic 1986 release, "House Nation." Originally produced by Nick "Non-Stop" Nicholson and Kevin Jones, and first released on Trax Records, the track later became a hallmark of Dance Mania's catalog, a label founded by Jesse Saunders in 1985, which became a cornerstone in the spread of Chicago house music globally .
"House Nation" is emblematic of the quintessential Chicago house sound, characterized by its raw drum machine rhythms, minimalistic synthesizer basslines, and captivating, rhythmic vocal samples . The track was not just a local sensation but also found significant acclaim in the UK, where it peaked at #8 on the UK Singles Chart in September 1987 and stayed within the top 10 for two weeks . The song's success in the UK, attributed in part to its use as a theme song, underscored its far-reaching influence and popularity, despite its more modest reception at home .

Dance Mania, through its nearly 300 record releases featuring artists like Parris Mitchell, Robert Armani, and Paul Johnson, was instrumental in defining the raw, underground ethos of Chicago house during its formative years . "House Nation" exemplifies this ethos, capturing the innovative spirit of the genre that resonated not only across America but also internationally. Despite the obscure history of The Housemaster Boyz themselves, their work on "House Nation" has been celebrated for its pioneering role in shaping the early sounds of Chicago house and establishing a template for future productions.

While "House Nation" did not ascend to the heights of commercial success in the United States, its enduring legacy within the dance music community speaks volumes. It remains a seminal classic, revered for its groundbreaking approach and its role in delineating the sonic contours of early Chicago house music. This track, and the efforts of The Housemaster Boyz, are a testament to the innovative and rebellious spirit that characterized Chicago's underground music scene in the mid-to-late 1980s. Through Dance Mania, their music reached an international audience, contributing significantly to the genre's global influence and enduring legacy .