Chicago musician and footwork pioneer DJ Rashad was found dead in his apartment earlier this weekend of an apparent drug overdose, Rashad Harden was 34.  DJ Rashad was instrumental in the footwork dance scene in Chicago, using fast repeated high-hats and R&B vocals to craft a sound that many of us would find familiar yet know very little about.   Rashad is the founder of the electronic collective Teklife , and late last year, Rashad dropped his most recent album on notable record label Hyperdub, entitled "Double Cup", much to critical acclaim.

Having only recently become a fan of DJ Rashad, it saddens me deeply, especially with this news coming just a few days shy of a month since Chicago house legend Frankie Knuckles' passing.  Responsible for this hilarious song, this banger, this OTHER banger, and this smooth and equally eerie song, it goes without saying that I feel that DJ Rashad is a must-listen for those looking for insight into the footwork and juke music scene, and for a phenomenal example of how the lines between hip-hop music and electronic music are being blurred everyday by some amazing people.

Rest in Peace to a legend-in-the-making,
Ian Miller