Rashad Harden (October 9, 1979 – April 26, 2014), known as DJ Rashad, was a Chicago-based electronic musician, producer and DJ known as a pioneer in the footwork genre, and often associated with Hyperdub Records,Born in Hammond, Indiana on October 9, 1979, Rashad Hanif Harden was the son of Gloria and Anthony Harden.He grew up on 108 Street in the southern part of Calumet City, a suburb of Chicago.He developed an early interest in music and began to DJ in his early teens. According to his father, "since [Harden] was a kid, he's been doing this [and] he knew what he wanted to do". In high school, Harden gained further DJ experience at the Kennedy-King College radio station WKKC.He also became a member of local dance troupes, including the HouseOMatics, The Phyrm, and Wolf Pac. In 1992 he made his first public appearance as a DJ at his high school jubilation.