Michael “5000” Watts, an acclaimed DJ known for bringing Houston’s “chopped and twisted” sound to international prominence, has died at the age of 52.
Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands, where he was hospitalized for health problems, confirmed his death on Friday, January 30, 2026.
According to his family, Watts died of sudden cardiac death after developing a fatal rhythm called torsades de pointes.
The DJ’s family thanked his fans for their continued support and asked for prayers as they navigate this difficult time.
His influential label Swishahouse expressed sadness at the DJ’s passing. Swishahouse Records said, “Michael ‘5000’ Watts was more than a founder, he was a movement.”
The label praised him for being more than just a founder, stating, “He was a mentor, a cultural curator and a builder of opportunity. He believed in the power of storytelling, ownership and creativity through sound.”
Watts became a central musical figure in Houston after he developed the “chopped and screwed” style in the 1990s. The style creates a heavy, hypnotic effect by slowing down tracks and skipping beats.
He is credited with launching the careers of several acclaimed artists, including Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Chamillionaire and Mike Jones.
