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]

I'll look too. They have album covers like The Ohio Players.

[Shelley "SoleMann" King]

Kind of a weird name for a Soul Singing group...Trying to find a pic of them

[Edie Antoinette]

This is too tight!!!! Taking my breath away!!!! You just made my day Sole Suggah!