Watts' family confirmed the Houston rap pioneer's passing in a statement on Friday (Jan. 30).

Watts helped shape Houston hip-hop from neighborhood streets to international stages.

By Robert Hill Fifty-two-year-old Houston Hip-Hop legend and Swishahouse co-founder Michael Watts, known as "5000 Watts," ...

The family has asked fans to continue to send their thoughts and prayers.

Houston hip-hop icon Michael “5000” Watts, famed for pioneering the "chopped and screwed" music style and founding Swishahouse Records, is hospitalized.

Michael "5000" Watts, a pioneering Houston, Texas music figure credited with helping define Southern hip-hop, died Friday.

Michael 5000 Watts, Swishahouse Records founder and Houston Hip-Hop pioneer, was hospitalized this week with serious health complications.