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Michael '5000' Watts, Swishahouse Founder and Houston Hip-Hop Architect, Dies at 52

His family says he died at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands after developing torsades de pointes.

Overview

  • Watts’ death on January 30, 2026 was confirmed by his family and the hospital, with relatives noting he passed surrounded by loved ones.
  • He had been hospitalized earlier in the week with what the family called tremendous health issues, prompting a public request for prayers on January 28.
  • Swishahouse and co-founder OG Ron C praised his legacy in statements, and a community event to honor his life will be announced via his official social channels.
  • Founded in 1997, Swishahouse helped take Houston’s chopped-and-screwed sound nationwide while launching careers for Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Mike Jones and Chamillionaire.
  • Beyond the label, Watts was a defining radio voice on 97.9 The Box and a prolific mixtape curator, and he is survived by his wife, five children and two grandchildren.