DJ Rashad (Rashad Harden, 1979–2014) was a pioneering figure in Chicago’s footwork scene, celebrated for transforming the city’s rapid-fire dance style into an internationally recognized sound. Emerging from the South Side’s dance battles and juke parties, he co-founded the Teklife collective and released groundbreaking works on labels like Hyperdub. His frenetic yet soulful productions—marked by chopped samples, intricate rhythms, and deep bass—expanded electronic music’s boundaries and influenced a new generation of producers worldwide.