Michael “5000” Watts, the influential founder of the iconic Southern Hip-Hop record label Swishahouse, has died at the age of 52. “It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we inform the public of our beloved Michael Watts,” read a post on Watt’s Instagram account. Born and raised in Houston, Michael Watts was a pivotal figure in shaping the sound and business of Texas Hip-Hop. Together, they founded Swishahouse, a DJ and rapper collective that helped propel the chopped-and-screwed sound—pioneered by DJ Screw—onto the national stage. Through Swishahouse, Watts helped discover and elevate artists who would become household names, including Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Chamillionaire, and Mike Jones.