DJ Jalen Embarks on a New Creative Journey While Reinventing Footwork’s Traditional Sound
Photo by Takayla Patterson
Following the release of his project, Here’s Ya Answer, DJ Jalen embarked on an inner-self search for a new sense of creative freedom. This journey would result in Jalen creating his most recent single, “Rhythm and Bass.” The track’s unorthodox arrangement and movement highlight a transitional point of growth for Jalen, in which his goals are now set on helping Footwork culture and his crew, Take Ova Gang, reach a new level of world stage limelight.
According to Jalen, this song is about more than music. Although many people have already helped expose the sound, he believes that the essence of the culture behind Footwork has yet to be fully exposed to the world. In conversation with Jalen, who has been dancing, producing, and DJing for years, he stated that, “People often ask what Chicago Footwork is, but not many people ask why we have Chicago Footwork.” Listeners only get to listen to the DJs when they’re playing music and only watch the dancers when they’re dancing, but not many people know about the external factors in those individuals’ lives that lead them to turn to Footwork as a way of forgetting their troubles.
“Rhythm and Bass” illustrates the sense of escapism that Footwork provides for many of those individuals. Elements of the track subtly sneaking in and out remind me of everyday living in Chicago, where as soon as an issue is resolved a new one seems to arise. The whaling sound of the dubbed sample hovering the track from time to time perfectly illustrates the sense of focus needed as soon as dancers gather around the circle to battle. The moment you hear the crispy tone from the first snare serve as a war siren for the track, you understand why everything else going on outside of the circle must be forgotten. “Rhythm and Bass” teleports the listener straight into battle and the essence of the circle’s “kill or be killed” mentality needed to survive on the dancefloor is completely felt when listening to this track. Whether it’s the bassline banging on the track like an animal trying to free itself from a cage, or a different sonic element creeping up like a problem that can’t leave someone’s mind, “Rhythm and Bass” embodies the grit and perseverance all individuals who are a part of Footwork culture share to help relieve the pain that comes from everyday life.
Watch the music video below; where Jalen does what he does best and tracks out on the Red Line like a true Chicago journeyman.