January 31, 2026
Watts died after growing torsades de pointes, a uncommon and harmful coronary heart rhythm that may trigger sudden cardiac demise.
By Robert Hill
Fifty-two-year-old Houston Hip-Hop legend and Swishahouse co-founder Michael Watts, generally known as “5000 Watts,” died Jan. 30.
On Jan. 28, Watts was hospitalized as a consequence of extreme well being circumstances. He quickly handed after growing torsades de pointes, which is a harmful and uncommon irregular coronary heart rhythm, and that this situation led to his sudden cardiac demise.
Watts was a revered Houston native who contributed to the town’s Hip-Hop identification. He co-founded the impartial report label Swishahouse with DJ OG Ron C and G Sprint, designing a platform that amplified Southern rap and gave native artists nationwide publicity.
Native artists who attribute their success to Swishahouse embrace Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Chamillionaire.
Swishahouse was based in 1997 and have become a bedrock of the Houston Hip-Hop motion. Watts was credited with popularizing chopped-and-screwed music. The label performed a pivotal function in uplifting Houston’s sound.
Watts had many different skills, particularly when it got here to the turntables. TheGrio reported his star second: “Watts’ greatest second on the nationwide scene got here in 2004, going into 2005 with the one launch of ‘Nonetheless Tippin,’ from Slim Thug, Paul Wall and Mike Jones. Watts could be seen early within the track’s music video behind the turntables, steering a basic track right into a basic motion for Houston and the South basically.”
Watts was additionally a radio character, serving as a late-night host on Houston’s 97.5 The Field, the place he performed his mixtapes. He demonstrated dedication to the Houston group through the use of his skills to achieve publicity for artists in his hometown’s music business.
Many tributes have appeared throughout social media following his demise, with followers and members of the Houston Hip-Hop group commemorating his influence on the tradition.
Watts leaves behind his spouse, Tammie Watts, 5 kids, and two grandchildren.
RELATED CONTENT: James Bernard, Founding Editor Of XXL And The Supply, Dies
