Born and raised on Chicago’s West Side, Tyree Cooper emerged as one of the pioneering forces in the city’s nascent house music movement in the mid-1980s. Initially an MC, Cooper soon developed a passion for DJing and producing, working alongside early underground legends, and experimenting with drum machines and samplers to forge a hybrid sound blending hip hop, disco, and electronic elements. In 1986, his debut “I Fear the Night” established him as a producer to watch, but it was the infectious “Acid Over” (1987) and the trailblazing “Turn Up the Bass” (with Cool Rock Steady) that propelled him into the international spotlight—both instant classics in the then-new acid house genre.

Throughout his career, Tyree’s productions have remained synonymous with the Chicago house ethos: raw grooves, soulful vocals, and relentless dancefloor energy. He played a central role in bridging hip hop and house with his “hip house” tracks, influencing both American and European club scenes. Releases on seminal labels including DJ International and Underground—plus collaborations with artists like Fast Eddie, Kool Rock Steady, and Adonis—cemented his legacy as a genre innovator.

In the decades since his debut, Tyree Cooper has continued to tour and release music, adapting to evolving styles while staying close to his roots. Based in Berlin for much of the 2000s and 2010s, he has influenced a new generation of producers worldwide, sharing his encyclopedic knowledge through DJ sets, live shows, and workshops. Tyree’s enduring commitment to musical evolution, community, and authenticity has made him a respected icon in electronic music history.