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DJ Rashad Harden dead: Dance producer and footwork pioneer found dead in his apartment aged 35

A post mortem is expected to be carried out later today

Jenn Selby
Monday 28 April 2014 13:20 BST
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The music world is in mourning today, after the body of pioneering Chicago producer DJ Rashad Harden was found by a friend in his apartment on Saturday evening.

He was just 35 years old.

According to the Chicago Tribune, police confirmed that he died from a suspected drug overdose. A post mortem is set to be carried out today.

His father, Anthony Harden, said that Rashad had a prescription for the drug Xanax.

“He shared his music with everyone that would listen,” Anthony told the Tribune.

“He's been all over the world, taking footwork all over the world.”

The news was broken via Twitter by DJ Godfather, who was due to play a set alongside DJ Rashad and DJ Spinn in Detroit that same evening.

“R.I.P. to my long time friend DJ Rashad,” it read. “Great friend & producer. I loved all the music we released over the years. U will be missed!”

DJ Rashad was at the forefront of the footwork scene. He last released “Double Cup” on Hyperdub in 2013. His sixth studio album, We On 1, was set to be released today.

Among the entertainers to pay their respects to the star included Chance The Rapper, Kodenine and Disclosure.

His death comes just weeks after another pioneering Chicagoan music star, the Godfather of house DJ Frankie Knuckles, passed away.

Rashad leaves behind a nine-year-old son, Chad.


Read More: Barack Obama Pays His Respects To Frankie Knuckles
The Music World Pays Tribute To Frankie Knuckles

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