DJ Sneak – House Gangster, Vinyl Enthusiast, and Chicago House Pioneer
Born Carlos Sosa in Puerto Rico, DJ Sneak moved to Chicago in 1983, where he immersed himself in the city's thriving underground house music scene. Influenced by the energy of warehouse parties and the legendary WBMX radio mixes from pioneers like Farley Jackmaster Funk, Ralphi Rosario, and Steve Hurley, he developed a deep connection with the raw, soulful grooves of Chicago house.
Before making his mark in music, Sneak earned his nickname as a graffiti artist and worked as an airbrush designer. However, his passion for DJing soon took over, leading him to play at local nightclubs and mobile gigs. In the early ‘90s, he launched his independent label, Defiant Records, and began producing tracks that would define his signature style. His breakthrough came in 1992 when he connected with Cajmere (Green Velvet) and released game-changing records on Cajual and Relief Records.
Sneak’s signature disco-filtered house grooves became a defining sound of the era, heavily influencing artists such as Daft Punk, Basement Jaxx, and Armand Van Helden. His 1996 track "You Can’t Hide from Your Bud" is regarded as a masterpiece, setting the blueprint for the filtered house movement and solidifying his status as a key figure in the global house scene.
A prolific producer and remixer, DJ Sneak has released music on some of the world’s top underground labels, including Purveyor Underground, Frappe, Toy Tonics, Heist, Kaoz Theory, Phonogramme, Hard Times, and Digital Tape Recording. He continues to drop fresh cuts, with plans to release 12 more vinyl records in 2024, recognizing the resurgence of wax in an industry where digital formats are in flux.
Beyond the studio, Sneak is a celebrated performer, frequently appearing in Ibiza and UK festivals like Homelands and Creamfields. His influence extends beyond the decks—he runs the booking agency All World Entertainment, representing elite house music talent like Mark Farina and DJ Heather. He also founded Magnetic Recordings in 2001, a label dedicated to pushing forward new artists and keeping the Chicago house legacy alive.
In 2024, Sneak continues to innovate and connect with fans worldwide. He streams live every Friday on Monad.social, spinning vinyl sets that showcase house music’s rich history and timeless energy.
Now based in Los Angeles, DJ Sneak remains a relentless force in house music, a true House Gangster who has never strayed from his roots. His lyrics even made their way into Daft Punk’s "Digital Love", cementing his legacy as an architect of groove-driven, jackin’ house.
Whether on wax, digital, or the dancefloor, DJ Sneak is still bringing the funk, the soul, and the beats—one record at a time.
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