UPDATE (May 1): A representative for DJ Rashad tells Billboard that the artist's cause of death is still inconclusive. Rashad's label Hyperdub indicates that a statement is forthcoming.

Please hold fire on these latest reports of the causes of Rashad's death until we have an agreed, official statement - Thank You. — Hyperdub (@Hyperdub) May 1, 2014

Original Article:

Chicago footwork mastermind DJ Rashad has died. On April 26, DJ Godfather was scheduled to perform with Rashad, along with DJ Spinn, at Detroit's Inhale Art Expo. Earlier that evening, he tweeted that sources had informed him that Rashad had passed earlier in the day from a drug overdose.

I'm hearing some very disturbing news I need a confirmation about.... — DJ Godfather (@DJ_Godfather) April 26, 2014

@DJShortstop DJ Rashad passed away — DJ Godfather (@DJ_Godfather) April 26, 2014

@DJ_Godfather where you getting that from? just asking. — khal bundy (@khal) April 26, 2014

@khal a few of his close peeps — DJ Godfather (@DJ_Godfather) April 26, 2014

According to the official statement released by his label Hyperdub, DJ Rashad, born Rashad Hanif Harden, passed away at 1:30 p.m. on Chicago's Lower West Side. He leaves behind a nine-year-old son, Chad, and his parents, Gloria and Anthony Harden. Results of an autopsy over the weekend proved inconclusive, though it is suspected Rashad died of a drug overdose due to "drugs and drug paraphernalia found near the body," the Chicago police told the Chicago Sun-Times.

"Since he was a kid, he’s been doing this," Anthony told the Chicago Sun-Times. "He knew what he wanted to do, and a lot of us don’t get a chance to make our dream come true.”

"Rashad was a kind soul that left an indelible mark on the music world as the torchbearer of footwork and juke," said Wes Harden, Rashad's manager. "Rest assured that all of those close to him will make sure that the legacy lives on for a great man whose life has been cut far too short."

Added Hyperdub owner Kode9: "I was honored to release music from Rashad on Hyperdub. I've only known him for around 3 years, but he had become a good friend and one of my biggest musical influences. He was one of the funniest, most positive people I've ever met and a true innovator. Everyone at the label is devastated by his passing and wish to send our sincere condolences to all his friends and family in Chicago, the Teklife crew and anyone anywhere who was graced by his presence and uplifted by his music. I'll never forget singing duet with him in a karaoke bar in Tokyo."

Musicians, writers, and music fans alike, including DJ Spinn and Chance the Rapper, who toured with DJ Rashad last fall, have been expressing condolences for DJ Rashad on Twitter. For many, the news is especially raw so soon after the death of house legend Frankie Knuckles earlier this month.

Music lost a legend today. And he was my friend. Love you DJ Rashad. RIP — Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 27, 2014

A pioneer and integral member of footwork, juke-informed house music characterized by rhythmic complexity and experimental sounds that got its name from the dance style of feet moving at breakneck speed, DJ Rashad released his last LP, "Double Cup," late last year. Earlier this month he dropped the EP "We On 1."

From the official statement: