The 5th name mentioned in Daft Punk’s “Teachers” was Waxmaster, yet another ghetto house DJ from Chicago.
Maurice Williams, aka Wax Master Maurice, emerged from Chicago’s early ’90s ghetto house scene with gritty beats and bold vocal loops. His sound was raw, built for movement and energy, too unpolished for radio. With relentless rhythms and a distinctly streetwise edge, his music captured the pulse of the city’s underground dance culture.
His tracks became staples on the legendary Dance Mania label, a hub for the fastest, wildest house music coming out of Chicago at the time. Wax Master Maurice’s work fueled sweaty basements, roller rinks, and iconic venues like the historic Smart Bar, where the crowd responded to his driving beats with enthusiasm.
More than just a producer, Maurice helped shape a vibrant, influential musical movement that continues to echo through modern house, juke, and footwork scenes. Today, he remains active in Chicago’s music community, performing occasionally and mentoring younger artists, ensuring his legacy carries forward through new generations of underground talent.
If you only listen to…
…one song: "Party Starter #2” (2002)
…one album: Footwork (2002)
…one compilation: Juke 2 Dis (2004)
