Nestled in the heart of West Town, a unassuming black brick building at 2510 W. Chicago Ave. houses a musical powerhouse. Classick Studios, founded by Chris “Classick” Inumerable, has been the epicenter of Chicago’s hip-hop and R&B scene for the past two decades. This studio has played a pivotal role in producing, mixing, and managing some of the industry’s most iconic tracks, from Sza’s “Ctrl” to Chance the Rapper’s “Acid Rap” and Noname’s “Telefone.”
The journey of Classick Studios began in the early 2000s, rooted in the creative spirit of Chicago and the influence of local legends like Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco. Inumerable’s passion for music, honed through years of piano lessons and a deep connection to the city’s vibrant music scene, led him to establish his first studio in his family’s home in Belmont Cragin while he was a student at Lane Tech.
The Birth of a Musical Haven
Inumerable’s initial foray into music production started with a modest $100 microphone. Inspired by the golden era of Chicago rap he transformed his bedroom into a recording studio, inviting friends from rap battles, slam poetry nights, and other music events to collaborate. The studio quickly became a hub for local talent, including Smino and Chance the Rapper who would later achieve international fame.
As the studio grew, so did the need for more space. Inumerable moved to a dedicated house down the street, creating a creative haven for videographers, producers, and songwriters. This move marked the beginning of a close-knit network of Chicago creatives, rooted in friendship and a shared love for genuine and honest music.
Building a Legacy in Chicago
Inumerable’s belief in the power of Chicago’s music scene is unwavering. He often says, If you can make it in Chicago, you can make it anywhere. This philosophy has driven him to work closely with other local producers, such as Stefan Ponce and Monte Booker fostering a community of artists who share his vision.
In 2012, Inumerable expanded his operations to a larger studio in Ukrainian Village. Here, he formed Classicks Never Die, a creative agency that combines his love for Chicago, music, and close relationships with the artists he produces. This agency has been instrumental in pushing a new generation of Chicago-based talent to the mainstream, especially during major events like Lollapalooza.
Nurturing New Talent
Classicks Never Die has become a launching pad for emerging artists. Rapper Kaicrewsade a West Side native, has been working with Inumerable for four years, producing projects and bringing a unique blend of jazz and rap to the forefront. Kaicrewsade’s collaboration with Inumerable includes an upcoming album set to drop this fall and a performance at Freddie Gibbs’ Lollapalooza aftershow on Saturday.
Indie rock artist J.Y.N. is another success story from Classick Studios. Starting as an intern, J.Y.N. quickly caught Inumerable’s attention with his exceptional talent. He will open for alternative pop musician Bixby’s Lollapalooza aftershow on Wednesday at Lincoln Hall. Inumerable’s approach to working with artists is simple: Whatever you need, I got you. This philosophy has led to long-term collaborations and a supportive environment for artists to thrive.
Events and Community Engagement
Inumerable’s commitment to discovering and nurturing local talent extends beyond the studio. He hosts events like the Slide to the Stu series, which encourages current or aspiring musicians, songwriters, and producers to come together for collaborative listening sessions. These events have drawn talent from across the country and provided a platform for unsigned artists to showcase their skills.
The next Slide to the Stu event is scheduled for Saturday, offering open aux sessions, collaboration opportunities, and a chance for unsigned artists to compete to open for rapper Lil Yachty in October at Radius. These initiatives are key to Inumerable’s mission to keep discovering Chicago musicians and give them the space to create.
Despite his busy schedule, Inumerable prioritizes spending time with his family, often aiming to be home by 5 p.m. daily. His love for the underdogs and his pride in Chicago’s music scene continue to drive him. As he puts it, You’re getting music right from the neighborhoods.
