Seven years have passed since the untimely death of Chicago footwork innovator DJ Rashad. In his honor, ghetto house mainstay DJ Deeon has delivered an EP titled Destiny via the late artist’s own Teklife with all proceeds going to his family.
As noted in a description, the four-track effort encapsulates a fusion of the two Chicago-born styles. Fast paced yet fluid and danceable, the tracks “Tek 57” and “Living that Teklife” offer more melody whereas “Respect The Fact” and “Herbal Grinder” leverage gritty sound design.
DJ Rashad (real name Rashad Harden) passed away on April 26th, 2014. A few months later, an autopsy declared his death the result of an accidental overdose.
DJ Deeon (real name Deeon Boyd), whose style of ghetto house helped lay the foundation for footwork, has faced a different sort of health crisis as of late. Last July, he launched a fundraiser while unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic to help cover medical costs from a series of strokes he had suffered.
“To Rashad. Much love and respect, thanks for the motivation,” reads a quote from Boyd in the description for Destiny. “Missing you young bro.”
Destiny released via Teklife on June 18th. Purchase it in digital format via Teklife Bandcamp.
