DJ Michael '5000' WattsDead at 52 After Heart Issues

Farewell to a Legend: Michael "5000" Watts (1973–2026) ​The music world is mourning the loss of Michael "5000" Watts, the legendary Houston DJ, producer, and founder of Swishahouse Records. On Friday, January 30, 2026, Watts passed away at the age of 52 due to a sudden cardiac event caused by a rare heart rhythm disorder known as Torsades de Pointes. ​A true pioneer of the "chopped and screwed" movement, Michael Watts was instrumental in bringing the Houston sound to a global stage. Through Swishahouse, he launched the careers of iconic artists like Paul Wall, Slim Thug, and Mike Jones, forever changing the landscape of Southern Hip-Hop. ​In this video, we look back at his incredible legacy, from his early days selling mixtapes at 14 to becoming a cultural architect for the city of Houston. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Tammy, and their five children and two grandchildren. ​#Michael5000Watts #Swishahouse #HoustonHipHop #ChoppedAndScrewed #RIPMichaelWatts #HTownLegend #SouthernRap