Click below for a Lil Louis sample:

French Kiss

Dancing In My Sleep

Freedom

As a teen, Louis began honing his skills in clubs, earning his nickname in the process.  Given that he inherited his father's musical talents, it was a natural progression to the studio.  The utterly sleazy "French Kiss" was notorious because of its sexy vibe and Louis taking the unprecedented step of stopping the song at its apex, only to build up the groove with greater intensity.  The song busted out internationally in 1987 and Epic put out his debut LP two years later.  From the Mind of Lil' Louis was critically acclaimed for its excursions into all aspects of house, but didn't sell.  The situation only got worse with Journey With the Lonely.  This was one of the most tightly constructed dance LPs made in the 90s, but Epic was expecting massive commecial response and when it didn't happen, Louis was hung out to dry like some dirty drawers.

He initially took an absence from dance music that spanned several years.  But under the Black Magic guise, "Freedom" was his re-introduction to the club scene and it was welcomed with open arms, one of 1995's biggest tunes.   "Stormy Black" was released on King Street Records and he recently produced Kimara Lovelace's "Misery."

Lil' Louis' Deepest Grooves

From the Mind of Lil' Louis (Epic, 1989)
"Blackout" and "I Called U" joined "French Kiss" as quirky but essential examples of Louis' genius.  "It's the Only Thing" is co-written by Die Warzau. 

Journey with the Lonely (Epic, 1992)
One of the decade's best soul albums.  The music is thoroughly dance-driven, but is infused with a sense of melancholy and moodiness that qualifies it as a soul-drenched statement of purpose. Joi Cardwell shines on "Club Lonely" and "Music Saved My Life," while Stephanie McKay features on "You're My Reason."   Louis' rant against creative stagnacy on "New Dance Beat" questions why house music isn't held to higher standards, and he answers his challenge with the ballad "Share" and "Jazzman," a jazz-drenched workout.  Not a duff track in sight and a criminally ignored disc.

"Freedom" (Strictly Rhythm, 1995)

"Stormy Black" (King Street, 1997)

Copyright ©2001 B.Graff.  All rights reserved.