Classick Studios, a three-story black brick building on Chicago Avenue in Chicago’s West Town, has been a hub for rap, hip-hop, and R&B music production for 20 years. Founded by Chris ‘Classick’ Inumerable, the studio has worked with notable artists such as Chance the Rapper, Noname, and Sza.
From Humble Beginnings
Inumerable started the studio in his family’s house in Belmont Cragin while he was a student at Lane Tech, after his mother passed away from breast cancer in 2005. He bought his first $100 microphone and began telling his network of friends from rap battles and slam poetry nights that he had a recording studio in his bedroom.
Growing up in the era of Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco, Inumerable was inspired to start producing and creating music himself. He eventually moved the studio to a house down the street, where he worked with other local producers, including Stefan Ponce and Monte Booker.
Expanding the Studio
In 2012, Inumerable moved the studio to its current location on Chicago Avenue, where he has expanded beyond producing and audio engineering. He formed Classicks Never Die, a creative agency that combines his love for Chicago, music, and working with musicians.
Classicks Never Die has been pushing a new generation of Chicago-based talent to the mainstream, including rapper Kaicrewsade, who has been working with Inumerable for four years. Kaicrewsade will open for rapper Freddie Gibbs’ Lollapalooza aftershow on Saturday.
Indie rock artist J.Y.N. has also been coming up in the Chicago music scene and will open for alternative pop musician Bixby’s Lolla aftershow on Wednesday. J.Y.N. got his start at Classick Studios as an intern before Inumerable discovered his producing talent.
Discovering New Talent
Inumerable and his team at Classick Studios and Classicks Never Die continue to host events to draw talent to the studio. The ‘Slide to the Stu’ series encourages current or aspiring musicians, songwriters, and producers to come to the studio for a collaborative listening session.
The next rendition of Slide to the Stu is on Saturday, where unsigned artists will have the chance to compete to open for rapper Lil Yachty in October. Inumerable’s mission is to keep discovering Chicago musicians and give them the space to create.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
