In the late 1980s, a young artist named Strong began his musical journey by releasing an anonymous 12-inch vinyl that would mark the beginning of his influential career. Over the next few years, he became deeply involved in the vibrant Chicago music scene, contributing to the formation of G.E.T.O. DJz, Inc., a collective that brought together DJs, producers, visual artists, and more. As the 1990s progressed, Strong spent countless nights performing at iconic venues on Chicago's West Side, where the energy of the crowd and the joy of dancing fueled his passion for creating music. His tracks, released under various pseudonyms, were primarily aimed at local audiences who cherished the sound and atmosphere of the parties.
By the mid-1990s, Strong's career took a significant turn when he secured a position at Barney’s Records, a key player in the city's music retail and distribution scene. This opportunity allowed him to forge connections with some of the most prominent figures in house music, including Glenn Underground and Boo Williams. In 1996, Strong released his groundbreaking EP "Westside Boogie Traxs – Vol I" through Dance Mania under the alias Traxman Da Geto DJ. Around this time, he also befriended other pioneers of ghetto house, such as DJ Deeon and Waxmaster Maurice, whose influence helped shape the genre's evolution. The music scene was thriving, and Strong found himself at the heart of it, collaborating with fellow DJs and witnessing the rise of new styles like juke and footwork.
The transition from juke to footwork marked a pivotal moment in Chicago's dance music history. While Strong initially had reservations about the emerging sound, he later recognized its significance in the broader context of the city's musical legacy. He reflected on the importance of tracks like RP Boo's "Baby Come On" and DJ Clent's "3rd Word," which laid the foundation for what would become footwork. Strong emphasized that the development of these genres was a collective effort, involving many artists who pushed boundaries and experimented with new sounds. Looking back, he sees his role not as a leader but as a witness to the transformation of a community-driven art form into a globally recognized genre. Ultimately, Strong's story is one of dedication to the music, celebrating the creativity and innovation that emerged from Chicago's underground scenes.