DJ Rashad, a famous DJ in Chicago known for creating a style of dance music known as “Footwork,” was found dead yesterday of a suspended drug overdose. He was 35 years old. Detroit’s DJ Godfather Tweeted the news this afternoon, with police then confirming DJ Rashad’s passing and saying his body was found in his Chicago apartment, with narcotics and drug paraphernalia nearby. An autopsy is scheduled for later today. “We’re absolutely devastated by the news that DJ Rashad has passed away,” wrote the music label Hyperdub on its Facebook page, adding: “It’s heartbreaking to see such a talented and great guy stopped in his tracks like that. So many people do what they do because of him. Our Condolences go out to his friends and family, keep your heads up Teklife Crew x We will really miss you.” DJ Rashad (real name: Rashad Harden) was scheduled to perform alongside DJ Godfather and DJ Spinn at the Inhale Art Expo in Detroit last night. He recently completed a tour with Chance the Rapper and his “We On 1” is slated for release tomorrow. Celebrities We Lost in 2014 Open Slideshow 1. Philip Seymour Hoffman R.I.P. Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014). He will forever be missed! View As List 1. Philip Seymour Hoffman R.I.P. Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014). He will forever be missed! 2. James Avery James Avery has passed away. The beloved star of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was 65. 3. Pete Seeger Pete Seeger has passed away. The late singer and activist was 94. 4. Shirley Temple Shirley Temple was a childhood star in the 1930s. She passed away at the age of 85. 5. Phil Everly A photo of the late Phil Everly. He passed away in early 2014. 6. Anna Gordy Gaye Anna Gordy Gaye passed away in early 2014. She was the sister of Berry Gordy and the wife of Marvin Gaye. 7. Eric Lawson Eric Lawson stars here as The Marloboro Man. He died from lung cancer at the age of 72. 8. Roy Garber Roy Garber passed away in January 2014. He was a star on Shipping Wars. 9. Cassandra Lynn Hensley Rest in peace, Cassandra Lynn Hensley. The Playboy Playmate was found dead in January 2014. 10. Darryl Robinson Darryl Robinson of Cooking Channel fame has died. He was just 50. 11. Sid Caesar Sid Caesar has died. He was 91 years old and will be missed. 12. Ralph Waite Ralph Waite is seen here on NCIS. The actor died at the age of 86. 13. John Henson Picture Rest in peace, John Henson. This member of The Muppets family died in early 2014. 14. Jamie Coots Jamie Coots has died from a snake bite. The reality star appeared on the series Snake Salvation. 15. Michele Savoia Michele Savoia, a famed Broadway costume designer, has passed away at the age of 55. 16. Bob Casale Bob Casale, second from right, was the guitarist for the ’80s band Devo, best known for the hit song “Whip It.” R.I.P. 17. Harold Ramis Harold Ramis passed away at the age of 69. We’ll always adore the actor for his role in Ghostbusters. 18. Jim Lange Jim Lange has passed away. The Dating Game host was 81. 19. Tim Wilson Comedian Tim Wilson, who incorporated NASCAR into his routines, has died. R.I.P. 20. Speaker Knockerz Speaker Knockerz has passed away. The young emerging rapper was only 19. 21. Sheila MacRae Sheila MacRae, best known as Alice from The Honeymooners, died in March 2014 at the age of 92. 22. Cynthia Lynn Cynthia Lynn has died. The Hogan’s Heroes star was 76. 23. Bob Thomas Veteran journalist Bob Thomas has passed away at the age of 92. R.I.P. 24. Wesley Warren Wesley Warren, The Man with the 132-Pound Scrotum, died in March 2014 of a non-scrotum related injury. 25. David Brenner David Brenner has died. The fixture on The Tonight Show was 78. 26. L’Wren Scott L’Wren Scott, a fashion designer and the girlfriend of Mick Jagger, is dead. She was 49. 27. Scott Asheton Scott Asheton of The Stooges has died. The drummer was 64. 28. James Rebhorn James Rebhorn enjoyed a long, impressive acting career. He died at the age of 65. 29. Kate O’Mara Kate O’Mara of Dynasty fame has died at the age of 74. R.I.P. 30. Frankie Knuckles Frankie Knuckles, acclaimed DJ and house music mastermind, died March 31 at age 59. 31. Mickey Rooney Mickey Rooney passed away at the age of 93. He lost a battle with an undisclosed illness. 32. Peaches Geldof Peaches Geldof was only 25. 33. The Ultimate Warrior Days after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, The Ultimate Warrior died at the age of 54. 34. Gabriel Garcia Marquez Beloved author Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez passed away in April 2014 at the age of 87. 35. Hurricane Carter Rubin “Hurricane” Carter fought against injustice for most of his adult life. The boxer died of prostate cancer at 76.
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DJ Rashad Dies; Famous Chicago DJ Was 35