Pioneering Chicago Producer DJ Rashad Dies

Pioneering underground electronic music producer DJ Rashad has died this past weekend of a suspected drug overdose.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the DJ – real name Rashad Harden – was found dead in an apartment in the South Side region of Chicago on Saturday afternoon, with drugs and drug paraphernalia found at the scene. An autopsy was expected to be carried out yesterday to determine the cause of death.

A number of prominent musicians who knew or were inspired by the DJ have expressed their condolences over the tragedy, including Chance The Rapper and Disclosure, the latter who are currently touring Australia.

Music lost a legend today. And he was my friend. Love you DJ Rashad. RIP

— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 27, 2014

Really sad to hear about DJ Rashad Another inspirational pioneer of an amazing wave of music. R.I.P. and thoughts to his family

— Disclosure (@disclosure) April 27, 2014

Music lost a legend ... DJ Rashad will be missed .. My prayers go out to everyone saddened by this tragedy

— Danny Brown (@xdannyxbrownx) April 27, 2014

Harden, who was born in 1979, is considered a pioneering force in bringing the footwork and juke genres to a more mainstream audience. Throughout his career, Harden released countless mixtapes and albums, with his most recent LP Double Cup released last year via London's Hyperdub record label.