A Dancefloor Love Letter
Ever heard a track that feels like it’s wrapping you in a warm, soulful embrace while urging you to hit the dancefloor? That’s What You Are to Me by Rahaan, a standout from his 2024 album The Ones on BBE Music. This disco and old-school Chicago house gem is a love-soaked anthem that blends live instrumentation with infectious grooves, capturing the heart of the Windy City’s house legacy. Released on September 20, 2024, it’s the kind of song that makes you want to sway under a mirror ball or cruise through the city at midnight. Let’s dive into why this track shines and meet the Chicago legend behind it.
Rahaan’s Sound and Story
What You Are to Me is a 7:34-minute journey that oozes Balearic soul and Chicago house authenticity. The track kicks off with a funky bassline from Carnell Newbill, setting a laid-back yet irresistible groove. Todd Swope’s Afrobeat-inspired guitar licks weave through the mix, adding a sun-kissed vibe, while Kenny Anderson’s horns—straight from Ohio Players fame—bring a jazzy, uplifting flair. The vocals, likely from Marcus J. Austin or Nancy Clayton (the album’s vocal stars), are smooth and heartfelt, delivering lyrics that feel like a romantic confession under neon lights. Rahaan’s production ties it all together, blending live elements with classic house beats that nod to the ‘80s Chicago scene.
The track’s strength lies in its organic feel. As noted on BBE Music’s site, Rahaan’s use of live musicians adds “layers of finesse and genuinely unfeigned authenticity,” and you can hear it in every note. The song’s Balearic undertones, as highlighted by You and the Music, make it perfect for beachside sets or late-night club moments, while its soulful house roots keep it grounded in Chicago’s storied canon. Mastered at the Grammy-nominated Carvery Studios, What You Are to Me is polished but never loses its raw, dancefloor-ready energy. It’s a highlight of The Ones, an album praised by Dan Digs as a “superbly crafted document of soul, funk, house, and disco excellence.”
So, who’s Rahaan? Rahaan Young is a Chicago house and disco icon who’s been spinning records since the ‘80s, when he rocked house parties on the South Side. His DJ residencies at The Spot and Buddha Lounge, plus global gigs at festivals like Campo Sancho, have cemented his rep as a tastemaker with unmatched music knowledge. As a producer, Rahaan’s work on labels like BBE, Z Records, and Hot Biscuit Recordings showcases his love for soulful, groove-driven sounds. His 2023 EP We Are The Ones/Fire/Forever set the stage for The Ones, and this album, with its stellar cast of musicians like Spike Rebel and Carnell Newbill, proves he’s still pushing the genre forward.
Reviving the Chicago House Spirit
Chicago house is having a renaissance in 2025, with its soulful, funky roots inspiring a new wave of producers and DJs. What You Are to Me taps into this revival, blending the raw energy of ‘80s pioneers like Frankie Knuckles with modern production finesse. The track’s disco and old-school house vibes align with the genre’s resurgence, as seen in releases from labels like Trax Records and DJs like Jamie 3:26. Posts on X and reviews on Traxsource praise The Ones for its dancefloor-ready grooves, and What You Are to Me is a perfect fit for playlists like “Soulful House 2025” or “Disco Revival.” Its live instrumentation also echoes the organic house trend, making it versatile for both club and chill settings.
Keep the Groove Alive
Rahaan’s What You Are to Me is a soulful celebration of Chicago house and disco that’ll have you dancing and dreaming. What do you think of this funky gem? Drop a comment and let me know if it’s got you moving or feeling the love! For more soulful vibes, check out my other artist spotlights here.
If you’re an artist ready to share your own grooves, DistroKid makes it easy to get your music on Spotify, Apple Music, and beyond. Save 7% on your membership with this link: https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328. It’s a great way to join the dancefloor revolution, just like Rahaan’s doing with The Ones. Keep creating, and maybe I’ll be grooving to your track next!
