Swishahouse founder DJ Michael '5000' Watts dies at 52

Watts’ family confirmed that the influential music executive and DJ passed away late Friday night, January 30, while hospitalized and surrounded by loved ones. According to a statement shared on Swishahouse’s official Instagram account, Watts experienced a fatal cardiac arrhythmia known as torsades de Pointes, which resulted in sudden cardiac death.

In their statement, the family expressed gratitude for the support shown throughout Watts’ career and asked for continued prayers during what they described as a difficult period. Watts had reportedly been hospitalized earlier in the week due to serious health complications.

Swishahouse co-founder OG Ron-C paid tribute to Watts, describing him as more than a label founder. He said Watts served as a mentor, cultural curator, and advocate for creative ownership, emphasizing his belief in storytelling through music and the importance of building opportunities for others.

Born and raised in Houston, Watts began his music career at age 14. In 1997, he co-founded Swishahouse as a mixtape-based record label that expanded upon the chopped-and-screwed sound pioneered by DJ Screw. The label later became a platform for several Texas artists, including Mike Jones and Paul Wall.

Following news of his hospitalization, artists such as Paul Wall and Slim Thug publicly asked fans to pray for Watts. After his passing, tributes were shared by fellow Texas musicians including Bun B, Trae Tha Truth, and Dorrough Music, recognizing his lasting impact on Southern hip-hop culture.