May 1, 2014 Revision: At press time, DJ Rashad’s cause of death was not disclosed. We now know that Rashad suffered a blood clot, which ultimately resulted in his death. All other assumptions were just that: assumptions.
Some sad news this weekend: DJ Rashad Harden, the pioneer of Chicago juke and footwork, passed away this weekend. Police say Rashad, who was only 35, died of a drug overdose. DJ Godfather of Detroit was the first to break the news, as he was supposed to perform with Rashad that night. Police found drug paraphernalia and narcotics next to his body. Rashad fairly recently played at Pitchfork Music Festival and opened for Chance the Rapper on tour.
It’s sad to lose someone with so much talent so young. Let this serve as a warning to be cautious of what substances you use. It is easy to think that you are untouchable and immune to the deadly effects of drugs, but you’re not. Please be careful out there! Overdoses have taken the lives of too many talented people, and as a music community and as a society overall, it is time to start having real and legitimate conversations about usage of heavy drugs. Who are we going to let drugs take the life of next? Our thoughts are with Rashad’s family and friends at this time.