DJ Rashad Dies of Drug Overdose

Chicago footwork legend DJ Rashad has reportedly died of drug overdose. According to The Chicago Sun-Times, a friend found Rashad dead at his home on Chicago’s West Side Saturday afternoon. On Saturday, April 26, DJ Godfather was scheduled to perform with Rashad, along with DJ Spinn, at Detroit’s Inhale Art Expo. He tweeted that sources had informed him that Rashad had passed earlier in the day from a drug overdose. An official statement is coming on Monday, according to a representative. He was 34. Born Rashad Harden, Rashad has been a staple in the footwork scene for many years. His last album, Double Cup, was released in October 2013. Earlier this month, he released a new EP called We On 1 and opened up for Chance The Rapper during the ‘Social Experiment Tour’ this fall. The death will be especially painful for the Chicago dance music community at large, which is still coming to terms with the loss of house pioneer Frankie Knuckles, who passed away on March 31.

I'm hearing some very disturbing news I need a confirmation about….

— DJ Godfather (@DJ_Godfather) April 26, 2014

@DJShortstop DJ Rashad passed away

— DJ Godfather (@DJ_Godfather) April 26, 2014

Music lost a legend today. And he was my friend. Love you DJ Rashad. RIP

— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 27, 2014