Prominent ‘footwork’ DJ-producer DJ Rashad – AKA Rashad Harden – has been found dead in a Chicago apartment. Rashad, 34, was found on Saturday afternoon, his body next to “drugs paraphernalia”, leading police to believe cause of death as drugs overdose. An official autopsy is due this week.
Rashad, alongside musical partner DJ Spinn, was one of the footwork and juke scene’s biggest names, pushing the sound – a frenetic offshoot of house, also originating from Chicago – to an increasingly broad and international base. Rashad founded the Teklife crew and his latest album, Double Cup, earned major plaudits upon release last year. Earlier this month, it was announced that Rashad’s new EP We On One (featuring collabos with Spinn, Gant Man and DJ Manny) would be the first release on a fresh imprint from Houston native Wheez-ie – Southern Belle. The full digital release remains May 13.
Rashad was also signed to Hyperdub and due to play several shows for the label’s 10th anniversary tour this year. A statement released today by Hyperdub founder Kode9 said: “I’ve only known him for around three years, but he had become a good friend and one of my biggest music influences. He was one of the funniest, most positive people I’ve ever met and a true innovator.”
Rashad leaves behind a nine-year-old son, Chad, and his parents Gloria and Anthony Harden.
