Michael "5000" Watts

Michael "5000" Watts is a Houston-based DJ, producer, and entrepreneur best known as a pioneer of the chopped and screwed sound—a slowed-down, remix-heavy style of hip-hop that originated in the Texas underground scene. He is the founder of Swishahouse, a renowned independent Southern rap label that helped launch the careers of artists like Paul Wall, Mike Jones, and Slim Thug. Watts played a key role in popularizing the chopped and screwed technique, a style originally developed by DJ Screw, by bringing it to a wider audience in the 1990s and 2000s through his mixtapes and albums.

With his signature slowed-down remixes of Southern rap anthems and R&B tracks, Watts became an iconic figure in Houston’s music culture. Beyond his production work, he has also served as an influential radio DJ and cultural ambassador for the Texas hip-hop scene. His work with Swishahouse has left an indelible mark on Southern hip-hop, and his legacy continues to resonate with fans who appreciate the unique sound he helped shape.

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