Chicago Gangsters

[Shelley "SoleMann" King]

Despite their name, the Chicago Gangsters were originally from Ohio,

consisting of brothers James, Sam, Chris, and Leroy McCant. Their sound ranged from heavy funk and disco to sweet, smooth soul.

They adopted the name Chicago Gangsters after catching on with the Gold Plate label, where they worked with prolific songwriter/arranger Richard Evans and a number of Chicago's top studio musicians.

Their debut LP, Blind Over You, was released in 1975 and contained the slamming funk of "Gangster Boogie," as well as a minor hit cover of "I Choose You," which Willie Hutch had originally recorded as the love theme to the film The Mack.
This album was subsequently re-released under the name "I Choose you"

The title track of their 1976 sophomore album Gangster Love was another minor hit, and also the first 12" single their label ever issued. 1977's "I'm an Outlaw" was their last single for the Gold Plate label

Dropping the "Chicago" part of their name, the Gangsters subsequently signed with Heat and recorded a third album, Life Is Not Easy Without You, in 1979.

They continued on into the early '80s before disbanding. "Gangster Boogie" became a massively popular sample, most prominently appearing on L.L. Cool J's hit "Mama Said Knock You Out"

CHICAGO GANGSTERS...BLIND OVER YOU



CHICAGO GANGSTERS...I CHOOSE YOU



CHICAGO GANGSTERS...I'M AT YOUR MERCY



CHICAGO GANGSTERS...OH THE WAY

[Edie Antoinette]

That's what Sole said. I totally agree. I have happened up on countless things that way.

[KnightD12]

Well, i think you are the best 'Finder' of us all. But I`ve noticed that when I`m looking for something, if I don`t find it, I always run across other interesting stuff. So, it`s not a total waste of time.

[Edie Antoinette]

Fishy is right. And I forgot about you in the 'Finder' Dept. You are just as good, if not better. Really, both you and your sister astound me! I used to be good at it but I seem to be slipping lately. I haven't found anything good in awhile...

but I digress. Now I'm REALLY curious about these 'Ganstas'...lol

[KnightD12]

Right Edie, and I`m a pretty good 'Finder' myself. if they put a picture of somebody else on their album cover, that`s a pretty good sign that they don`t want to be seen. i even found a pic of the back of an cover. They were not there either. There is something 'fishy' going on here. haha

[Edie Antoinette]

Me too..when Sole said he was looking, although I should know by now how futile that is. If 'he' can't find it--it ain't there. LOL

[KnightD12]

I searched for an hour. I can`t find a pic of these guys anywhere! Thats very strange...to say the least.

[Edie Antoinette]

Yep...I can't believe they put so much into the album covers but would not show themselves. I hate when that happens.

[KnightD12]

i would have bought that 45" I Choose You" just for the record cover alone! I likes that. :)

[Edie Antoinette]

LOL! I don't even know why I try ... You are the King of Finding Stuff.

[Shelley "SoleMann" King]

I have had no luck, but i keep coming up with blog topics....LOL