HOUSTON — Family, friends, and fans gathered in the Heights on Monday to honor the life of Michael “5000” Watts, the Swishahouse founder and Houston hip-hop pioneer, who died Jan. 30 from a cardiac condition at age 54.
The celebration of life featured a DJ booth surrounded by large photos of Watts and music that reflected his influence on the city’s rap scene. Attendees wore coordinated black, gold, and white outfits to pay tribute to the late DJ and audio engineer.
Acres Homes resident Melvin Henderson recalled personal memories of Watts, including a gesture from Watts’ wife who gave his daughter her first pair of baby clothes in 2001. Henderson credited Watts and Swishahouse artists, including Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Mike Jones, OG Ron C, and Lil’ Keke, with putting Southern rap “on the map.”
U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee, representing Houston’s 18th Congressional District, proclaimed Monday as “DJ Michael 5000 Watts Day,” noting Watts’ contributions to music, culture, and the Houston community.
Swishahouse rapper Big Tike said Watts’ work, particularly in freestyles and the “chopped and screwed” subgenre, helped define Houston hip-hop in the late 1990s. “Long live Michael Watts. He’s going to live forever through his music,” Tike said.
Following the event, a procession to Watts’ burial included black cars displaying the Swishahouse logo and a horse-drawn carriage carrying his widow, Tammy Watts. Community members also participated in a convoy of decorated cars, or “slabs,” with music from Swishahouse playing as a final tribute to the label Watts founded nearly 30 years ago.