Nu Groove Records might not be the most instantly recognisable label from dance music history, but it was one of the more quietly influential. Originally set up in 1988 to release tracks by brothers Rheji and Rhano Burrell, it soon became something bigger – the catalogue was eventually sold to house music behemoth Defected in 2017.
The label was even responsible for the creation of Masters At Work – Kenny “Dope” Gonzalez released a track via Nu Groove in 1989 which brought him to Louie Vega’s attention. The two met and what soon followed was one of the most successful house music partnerships in history. However, Rhano Burrell is not currently in good health and he needs help.
According to the GoFundMe which he opened on Thursday, Burrell says “I have exhausted my savings and credit to keep afloat during my medical ordeals. I’m out of funds so I’m asking all of you now, if you ever called me friend or enjoyed my music PLEASE HELP ME HELP MY FAMILY! I’ve been in hospital off and on for months and I can no longer juggle. I NEED YOUR HELP DESPERATELY!”.
Ears To The House understands that when Burrell speaks about his “medical ordeals”, he’s referring to an ongoing issue with his kidneys. According to a source familiar with the matter, Burrell’s kidneys started to “cause him problems around a decade ago” and he’s now on the waiting list for a replacement. In the meantime, the bills are piling up without money coming in to pay – so Burrell needs your help.
The fundraiser hopes to raise $10,000 – and sadly, Burrell isn’t the first person from house music’s early days be hospitalised recently – on Friday, we revealed that Jesse Saunders, creator of “On And On” amongst others, is currently in a Las Vegas hospital being treated after a “major stroke”.
Do go and help him out…
