DJ Rashad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
DJ Rashad
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DJ Rashad performing in Moscow in 2013
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Rashad Hanif Harden |
| Born | October 9, 1979 Hammond, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | April 26, 2014 (aged 34) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1998–2014 |
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Rashad Harden (born October 9, 1979 – died April 26, 2014), known as DJ Rashad, was a talented musician, producer, and DJ from Chicago. He was a pioneer in a unique music and dance style called footwork. He also started a music group called the Teklife crew.
Contents
Who Was DJ Rashad?
Early Life and Music
Rashad Hanif Harden was born in Hammond, Indiana on October 9, 1979. He grew up in Calumet City, a suburb near Chicago. From a young age, Rashad loved music. He started DJing when he was a teenager. He was inspired by different kinds of dance music, like house and juke.
While in high school, Rashad gained more experience as a DJ. He worked at the Kennedy-King College radio station WKKC. He also joined local dance groups such as the HouseOMatics. In 1992, he first performed as a DJ at a high school dance party.
Building the Footwork Style
At Thornwood High School, Rashad met Morris Harper, also known as DJ Spinn. They became friends and spent time at each other's homes. They created new music tracks and performed at parties. Rashad was one of the people who started the Teklife crew. This group helped create the footwork style. Footwork is a fast-paced music and dance style often seen in dance battles around Chicago.
In 1998, Rashad released his first recording on vinyl. He became more famous around the world after releasing his song "Itz Not Rite" in 2010. This song was on the Planet Mu record label.
Later Career and Legacy
In 2013, DJ Rashad released two shorter music collections called EPs. After that, he released his first full album, Double Cup (2013). This album featured many other artists, including DJ Spinn and Addison Groove.
He performed at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago in 2013. He also joined the musician Chance the Rapper on tour in December 2013. His last performance as a DJ was in Denver, Colorado, on April 24, 2014.
His Passing
DJ Rashad passed away on April 26, 2014, in Chicago. Many artists honored his memory. Vice magazine wrote that Rashad would be remembered as one of the most creative and important people in modern dance music.
After his death, new music was released. On June 29, 2015, the Hyperdub label released the 6613 EP. This EP had four songs by DJ Rashad that had not been heard before. Afterlife was his final album. It featured songs he made with other members of the Teklife crew. It was released on April 8, 2016, and was the first release from the new Teklife Records label.
Music Albums
- Juke Trax Online Vol. 3 (2006)
- Something 2 Dance 2 (2008)
- Just a Taste Vol. One (2011)
- Teklife Volume 1 – Welcome to the Chi (2012)
- Double Cup (2013)
- Afterlife (2016)
More to Explore
In Spanish: DJ Rashad para niños
- The Era (footwork dance crew)
