Michael ‘5000’ Watts Passes Away at 52: Inside His Marriage to Tammy and His Legacy

Michael ‘5000’ Watts, the pioneering Houston DJ who helped bring the city’s iconic ‘chopped and screwed’ sound to the global stage, has passed away at the age of 52. As the co-founder of the rap label Swishahouse alongside OG Ron C in 1997, Michael was a key figure in Houston’s music scene, leaving a lasting impact on the community. His sudden death has left fans and peers grieving worldwide.

Was Michael ‘5000’ Watts married? Who is his wife?

Michael ‘5000’ Watts was married to Tammy ‘5000’ Watts. Together, they were parents to five daughters and grandparents to two grandchildren. On social media, Tammy describes herself as the “Queen of Swishahouse and HTX,” proudly embracing her roles as a mother and wife. Her posts reflect a deep love and respect for her late husband, giving fans a glimpse into their family life.

A rare heart problem led to Michael’s sudden cardiac arrest

Tammy recently shared in an interview with Fox 26 Houston that Michael had been battling a health issue, leading to a hospital stay for several days. Michael suffered from Torsades de Pointes, a rare form of tachycardia that causes the heart rate to spike to 150–300 beats per minute, far above the normal 60–100 bpm. He was sedated under medical supervision to allow his body to recover.

Tragically, on January 30, 2026, Michael ‘5000’ Watts passed away due to cardiac arrest caused by this condition. Tammy revealed that he was surrounded by close family at the time of his passing. Michael’s legacy, from selling neighborhood mixes to co-founding Swishahouse, continues to inspire his family and fans alike.

Michael ‘5000’ Watts will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop but also for the love and impact he left on his family and community.