DJ Rashad, who is credited for ushering in Chicago’s footwork sound, was found dead on the city’s West Side yesterday afternoon (Apr. 27). Discovered unresponsive amongst drug paraphernalia, Chicago police suspect that the 35-year-old performer died of an overdose, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The news of DJ Rashad’s (born Rashad Harden) passing was broken by DJ Godfather, who was scheduled to perform with Harden and DJ Spinn later on in the day. He took to Twitter in disbelief upon hearing the news:
@DJShortstop DJ Rashad passed away
— DJ Godfather (@DJ_Godfather) April 26, 2014
DJ Rashad was also affiliated with Chance The Rapper, who invited Rashad on his Social Experiment tour last year. Chance also took to Twitter after learning of his passing:
Music lost a legend today. And he was my friend. Love you DJ Rashad. RIP
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 27, 2014
DJ Rashad is the second loss for Chicago’s music scene, following the death of Frankie Knuckles last month. An autopsy has been scheduled for today (Apr. 27).