Michael Watts dies at 52: DJ and hip-hop legend's cause of death revealed
DJ Michael ‘5000’ Watts dies after brief hospitalisation
January 31, 2026
Michael “5000” Watts, a legend from Houston’s hip-hop scene, has died at the age of 52.
The founder of the record label Swishahouse was hospitalised last week after suffering “some tremendous health issues.”
While his family’s statement revealed that his death was caused by complications from Torsades de pointes (TdP), known as a rare and fatal cardiac issue.
“It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we inform the public of our beloved Michael ‘5000’ Watts,” the late musician’s family shared on Instagram.
With the date of death listed as January 30, the statement continued, “We truly appreciate the love shown to Michael throughout his career and we ask for continued prayers as we navigate through this very hard journey.”
Watts made his pivot towards music after starting off as a DJ in the 1980s, going on to become one of the most important figures for the rap scene in Houston, his city of birth.
The late performer additionally became known for being one of the pioneering forces behind hip-hop’s chopped and screwed genre, a category dominated by remixes and DJ sounds.
He founded Swishahouse in 1997, producing multiple sounds as part of the label, which came to be known as Swishahouse Mixes.
Michael Watts was married to Tammie Watts, who survives him alongside their five children and two grandchildren.
