Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

DJ Rashad Harden dead: Dance producer and footwork pioneer found dead in his apartment aged 35

A post mortem is expected to be carried out later today

Jenn Selby
Monday 28 April 2014 08:20 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The music world is in mourning today, after the body of pioneering Chicago producer DJ Rashad Harden was found by a friend in his apartment on Saturday evening.

He was just 35 years old.

According to the Chicago Tribune, police confirmed that he died from a suspected drug overdose. A post mortem is set to be carried out today.

His father, Anthony Harden, said that Rashad had a prescription for the drug Xanax.

“He shared his music with everyone that would listen,” Anthony told the Tribune.

“He's been all over the world, taking footwork all over the world.”

The news was broken via Twitter by DJ Godfather, who was due to play a set alongside DJ Rashad and DJ Spinn in Detroit that same evening.

“R.I.P. to my long time friend DJ Rashad,” it read. “Great friend & producer. I loved all the music we released over the years. U will be missed!”

DJ Rashad was at the forefront of the footwork scene. He last released “Double Cup” on Hyperdub in 2013. His sixth studio album, We On 1, was set to be released today.

Among the entertainers to pay their respects to the star included Chance The Rapper, Kodenine and Disclosure.

His death comes just weeks after another pioneering Chicagoan music star, the Godfather of house DJ Frankie Knuckles, passed away.

Rashad leaves behind a nine-year-old son, Chad.


Read More: Barack Obama Pays His Respects To Frankie Knuckles
The Music World Pays Tribute To Frankie Knuckles

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in