Short Description
Legendary Houston DJ and Swishahouse founder Michael “5000” Watts has passed away at 52. The hip-hop pioneer died from sudden cardiac death after being hospitalized earlier this week.
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Main Article
The music world is mourning the loss of a true architect of Southern hip-hop. Michael “5000” Watts, the visionary DJ whose Swishahouse record label catapulted Houston’s “chopped and screwed” sound to global fame, has died. His passing at age 52, confirmed on January 30, 2026, at Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands, followed what his family described as “tremendous health issues.” The cause was a sudden cardiac event known as torsades de Pointes. This news sends a profound wave of grief through the Houston music community, which had rallied with prayers just days before for the influential icon.
Watts, born and raised in Houston, co-founded Swishahouse in 1997, transforming it from a North Houston mixtape operation into a commercial powerhouse. While he didn’t invent the genre, Watts is widely credited with taking the chopped and screwed sound from the local car culture to the national charts. His genius lay in curation and amplification, launching the careers of multi-platinum artists like Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Mike Jones, and Chamillionaire. Landmark distribution deals with Asylum and Atlantic Records cemented Swishahouse’s status, proving the immense commercial viability of this distinctly Texan hip-hop culture.
Beyond the boardroom, Watts was a masterful DJ and a cultural mentor. His legendary “After Party” mixtapes became the soundtrack for a generation, and his radio shows were essential listening. In a statement, Swishahouse Records noted he “was more than a founder, he was a movement,” highlighting his belief in artist ownership and authentic storytelling. His death marks the end of an era for the Southern rap canon, but his legacy as a builder of opportunity and a defining voice of H-Town’s sonic identity remains unshakable.
Short Summary
Michael “5000” Watts, the founder of Swishahouse Records, has died at 52 from sudden cardiac death. A pivotal force in the Houston music community, he popularized the chopped and screwed sound worldwide and launched major stars, forever shaping hip-hop culture. His work as a DJ and label executive left an indelible mark on the Southern rap canon, cementing his legacy as a true movement builder.
