Michael “5000” Watts died Friday (January 30) at Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands.
The Swishahouse Data founder was 52 years previous.
Watts handed away from a deadly coronary heart rhythm known as torsades de Pointes that prompted sudden cardiac loss of life.
His household confirmed he died surrounded by family members on January 30, 2026.
The Houston Hip-Hop pioneer had been combating severe well being issues for over every week. His household first requested for prayers on January 28 once they revealed he was hospitalized with what they known as “large well being points.”
Watts underwent main medical procedures throughout his hospital keep, however sadly was it not sufficient to avoid wasting his life.
The DJ constructed his fame in Houston’s Homestead neighborhood again within the late Nineteen Eighties.
He began spinning fast-paced mixtapes earlier than studying the slower chopped and screwed approach that DJ Screw created.
That type change reworked Houston Hip-Hop without end. Watts took the chopped and screwed sound and made it his personal, creating a complete new wave of music that put the town on the map.
In 1997, Paul Wall, Watts and OG Ron C launched Swishahouse Data.
The label turned a powerhouse in Southern Hip-Hop, signing artists who would turn into family names nationwide.
Mike Jones, Slim Thug and Chamillionaire all received their massive breaks via Swishahouse.
His “After Celebration” mixtapes stay vital paperwork of the Southern rap canon. The Houston music neighborhood rallied round him throughout his ultimate days.
Artists like Paul Wall and Slim Thug took to social media paying tribute to Watts.
Watts leaves behind his spouse Tammy, 5 youngsters and two grandchildren.
RIP.
The household launched this assertion:
It’s with profound disappointment and heartbreak that we inform the general public of our beloved Michael “5000” Watts. On January 30, 2026, Watts transitioned surrounded by family members. We really admire the love proven to Michael all through his profession and we ask for continued prayers as we navigate via this very onerous journey.
Mr. Watts developed a deadly coronary heart rhythm known as torsades de Pointes inflicting a sudden cardiac loss of life. He leaves behind a spouse, Tammy Watts, 5 lovely children and a couple of loving grandkids. His legacy and profession began on the age of 14 and he continued his success as a enterprise proprietor, DJ, radio persona, Founder & Proprietor Of Swishahouse and pillar locally.
A neighborhood occasion honoring his legacy can be introduced within the coming days through Watts’ official social media pages.