DJ Michael “5000” Watts, Houston hip-hop legend, dies at 52

In the time that most people recognized J. Prince and Rap-A-Lot in Houston, the late great Michael “5000” Watts built up a career on his own terms with the assistance of DJ OG Ron C.

If it weren’t for Watts, there may have been no Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Slim Thug or Mike Jones. Even Lil’ Flip reached out to express his condolences for the fallen legend.

Watts experienced a heart condition that claimed his life.

But his legacy reverberates throughout the genre of hip hop. The best way to characterize “5000” ascendency is to discuss how he started at fourteen years of age.

From his young start he grew into a powerhouse with Swishahouse and Swishablast. There have been no reports certifying whether lean had contributed to Watts’ death.

The real question will be whether the GRAMMYS® will recognize Watts at the In Memoriam segment. While it is very early, they should at least find a way to tip a cap to this fallen warrior.

In the time he had on this Earth, Watts brought his talents to the record label and further championed the careers of the aforementioned rappers.

For being a trailblazer who also continued the memory of DJ Screw with the “screwed up and chopped” sound. That’s what made him such an ideal figure in rap circles. If he had a chance to change the game, he certainly seized the opportunity to take the high position in the mid 2000s. His abilities to slow down records and cut them up to create a woozy, bluesy sensibility has influenced artists in the East Coast like A$AP Rocky.

That’s the power that Watts wielded. His own way of making money off his projects and creating opportunities for his fellow artists.

His skills behind the mixer and boards only deepened once he figured out how to develop his signature sound. It may have taken decades for him to fully realize his position, but he certainly found his lane.

His cardiac arrest may have ended his run, but there is plenty of material to discover throughout the years. The dizziness and heart palpitations might have ended his journey but he has many songs that show his special techniques for transforming various records into something special.

One of his specialities remained to slow down R&B songs and rap over them with that signature syrupy sound.

It is up to Watts’ family to continue to carry the torch for him throughout all of this. They should ensure heMs enshrined in Texas culture with a street, day, and rec center in his name.

All of his efforts should be recognized for how genuine and thorough he actually was. As a pioneer of the screwed and chopped sound he even caught the ear of Ye who used his technique on “Drive Slow” also featuring Paul Wall.

The power of Michael “5000” Watts remained additionally with his gentlemanly manner and his focus on making money in the south.

Like Lil’ Flip had mentioned, artists in Texas especially can make seven figures without even leaving the state. Watts could generate dollars based on his talent.

With the music he could make, he kept going no matter how much the venue offered him. His charisma and truth of character could be felt by those he encountered. His knowledge of the game gave him agency to continue going the path of dollar signs, nonetheless.

Though not as celebrated in other areas of the country and world, he still should be remembered for his contributions to the genre. If he is to go down in history, let future generations know his contributions to the Houston scene of artists.