Chicago footwork pioneer DJ Rashad has reportedly died of a drug overdose. He was 35. According to Complex, the sad news was broken earlier today on Twitter by DJ Godfather and was later confirmed by collaborators DJ Spinn and Chance The Rapper. DJ Rashad was known for songs that were founded on a mishmash of hip-hop, R&B, house, techno and jungle that utilized jerky polyrhythms for dramatic effect. He produced various releases over the years, with his most recent Hyperdub album, Double Cup, featuring collaborations with Addison Groove, Ear and Spinn & Taso, issued in October 2013 on Hyperdub. DJ Rashad has a track on Hyperdub’s 10.1 anniversary compilation due out in May and was expected to perform at the three upcoming Hyperdub anniversary events. Matt Mauldin’s newly launched Southern Belle imprint will release Rashad’s We On 1 EP on April 28.
An official statement regarding Rashad’s passing is expected on Monday.
Update April 27: Fellow DJs have taken to Twitter to express their condolences. You can read them here.