Chicago’s dance music community is mourning the unexpected passing of influential hometown house hero Adam “Chunk-A-Bud” Maljan, who passed away on Friday. According to his sister, Alana Maljan, the popular DJ/producer died “suddenly and unexpectedly” while at home early Friday. According to DNAinfo, Alana Maljan suspects that her brother might have suffered a heart attack, but the cause of his death has not been determined. Autopsy results were pending, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
“His influential spirit was ahead of its time and touched an uncountable amount of artists. He is remembered for his good heart, his intelligence, a discography of awe-worthy music and the laughter we shared,” the Maljan family said in a statement.
Maljan was one of the resident DJs at the legendary Red Dog club in the 1990s that served as an incubator of local dance music talent. he was also a member of United Freaks of America, where he helped create the “signature Chicago hip-hop sound of speeding up old ‘dusty soul’ records to change the sound, a signature of Chicago icons Kanye West and the first hip-hop artist to make a serious run for office, Rhymefest.”
A memorial for Maljan is planned for 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday at First Lutheran Church of the Trinity, 643 W. 31st St. in Bridgeport.
More as this story develops.
#influences https://t.co/hpAUOFLhDW RIP Chunk-A-Bud, legend of the 2nd wave of Chicago House Music. https://t.co/kgXE2kXm4o
— Tommie Sunshine (@tommiesunshine) April 19, 2016
#RIP Adam “Chunk-A-Bud” Maljan
Man, we had some good times.— Derrick Carter (@blucu) April 18, 2016
@blackmadonnachi RIP Chunkabud! Essential Marge sound here!
— Gramaphone Records (@gramaphonechi) April 17, 2016
Man, this is really sad. A very influential Chicagoan has passed. RIP DJ Chunkabud. https://t.co/zVVSSkUkwv
— The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi) April 17, 2016
RIP Chunk A Bud. You had so many great tunes. Will miss you
— Mystic Bill (@MysticBillDJ) April 17, 2016