Chicago producer DJ Rashad was found dead on the city’s Lower West Side April 26. The official statement from Rashad's PR representative says that the cause of death "has not yet been determined." Several news sources, including Billboard, are reporting that Chicago police found drugs and drug paraphernalia near the body. Rashad Harden was 34.

DJ Rashad was one of the world’s leading proponents of ghetto house, juke, and footwork, genres born in Chicago that commonly feature twitchy, accelerated rhythms and staccato, pitched-shifted R&B vocal samples and often revolve around competitive dance battles. He had released the acclaimed Double Cup album last year on renowned UK label Hyperdub and his career seemed to be on the upswing. His performance at a crowded Crocodile last December with frequent collaborator DJ Spinn was excellent. Rashad’s death is a serious loss for electronic music.