US EditionMichael '5000' Watts, Houston hip-hop icon, dies at 52
- On January 30, 2026, Michael `5000` Watts, DJ and producer, died with his passing confirmed at Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands.
- The family said he developed a fatal heart rhythm called torsades de Pointes after being hospitalized earlier this week, passing Friday surrounded by loved ones.
- In 1997, he co-founded Swishahouse in North Houston and launched Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, and Chamillionaire, securing deals with Asylum Records and Atlantic Records.
- After news broke on Jan. 28, the Houston music community rallied, with Paul Wall and Slim Thug asking for prayers, while Swishahouse Records and Watts' family mourned and requested continued support.
- Beyond the label, Watts' legacy includes his global DJ performances and seminal "After Party" mixtapes, which helped Swishahouse transform Houston's chopped-and-screwed sound into a worldwide phenomenon.
40 Articles
40 Articles
Houston Hip-Hop Legend DJ Michael 5000 Watts Dies
Few cities have a sound as distinct as Houston, Texas, and the music world has lost a key architect of that sound. Houston hip-hop legend Michael “5000” Watts has died, leaving behind a monumental legacy as a DJ and entrepreneur. While he wasn’t a household name to everyone, his influence is undeniable. As a pioneer, Watts perfected a unique local style and popularized it for a global audience, shaping the sound of mainstream artists many listen…
DJ Michael ‘5000’ Watts, 52, Swisha House Founder Dies! (Cause Of Death Inside)
Houston Mourns a Hip-Hop Pioneer: DJ Michael “5000” Watts Dies at 52 The Houston hip-hop community is in mourning tonight after the passing of Michael “5000” Watts, the legendary DJ and producer who founded Swishahouse Records and helped take the city’s sound to the world. Watts died on January 30, 2026, at Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands. He was 52. Earlier this week, Media Take Out reported that Watts had been hospitalized with what…
DJ Michael '5000' Watts Dead at 52
Michael "5000" Watts, a powerhouse DJ and producer from Texas, has died. His family announced the news Friday, revealing he had developed a fatal heart rhythm called Torsades de Pointes, which caused a sudden cardiac death. He died surrounded by…
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