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RIP DJ Rashad
Other | Wednesday 30th April 2014 | James
The passing of DJ Rashad has marked an extremely sad event in electronic music’s history. The Footwork and Juke pioneer’s body was reportedly found by a friend in a Chicago apartment on Saturday 26th April. London label Hyperdub, who released his 2013 album ‘Double Cup’ have released a statement on their website paying homage to the seminal artist, stating that the cause of death is still at this point unknown. Despite claims that drugs and paraphernalia were found at the scene, no confirmations of an overdose have yet been made.
Hyperdub boss Kode9 spoke of the late footwork icon in a warm and reminiscent light, acknowledging his death as a real tragedy for music. “He was one of the funniest, most positive people I’ve ever met and a true innovator. Everyone at the label is devastated by his passing and wish to send our sincere condolences to all his friends and family in Chicago, the Teklife crew and anyone anywhere who was graced by his presence and uplifted by his music. I’ll never forget singing duet with him in a karaoke bar in Tokyo.”
Though this influential artist’s passing is a true loss to music, he leaves behind a legacy of material that will not be forgotten any time soon. His father, Anthony Harden, spoke to The Chicago Sun-Times on Saturday. “Since he was a kid, he’s been doing this. He knew what he wanted to do, and a lot of us don’t get a chance to make our dream come true”. It’s a thought worth remembering for everyone who encountered him or his music over the years.
Hyperdub have stated that they are due to release some of his collaborations on their forthcoming 10th anniversary celebration album ‘Hyperdub 10.1’, available from May 20th. In the midst of his death, let us remember the music he left behind and bring our thoughts to all those who were close to him; he will be sorely missed.
RIP Rashad Harden 1979 - 2014
