Chicago footwork/juke pioneer, DJ Rashad has been reported dead.

Born Rashad Harden, the rising music producer/DJ appears to have overdosed on an undisclosed narcotic.

An official report has yet to be released, but his passing has been confirmed on Twitter by some of his closest friends and collaborators including Chance the Rapper and DJ Godfather.

Music lost a legend today. And he was my friend. Love you DJ Rashad. RIP

— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 27, 2014

R.I.P. to my long time friend DJ Rashad. Great friend & producer. I loved all the music we released over the years. U will be missed!

— DJ Godfather (@DJ_Godfather) April 27, 2014

It’s a sad day for not only his friends and family, but for music as well. Rashad was a growing name in the underground music scene, and one of Chicago bass music’s most influential artists.

Rest easy, DJ Rashad. You will be missed.

The post DJ Rashad Reported Dead appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

After hopping on the Twittersphere this morning (edit: later confirming via Wikipedia), it seems as though Paul Baumer, one half of Dutch Dance group Bingo Players, has died of cancer. Paul, who had been fighting cancer for the better part of 2013, stated early this summer that he would be working in the studio while seeking treatment. He unfortunately passed earlier last night.

Maarten Hoogstraten, the second and remaining member of the group, had this to say on the Bingo Players Facebook:

Dear All,
I’m deeply saddened to tell you that Paul passed away last night after his battle with cancer. He fought strongly until the end.

We want to thank you all for your support over the past few months.

Needless to say, all upcoming shows for the rest of this year have been cancelled as we’re going through this loss with family and friends. We’ll post a longer update shortly with more information as well.

Paul, we will miss you.
– Maarten

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After his diagnosis, Paul went on Facebook saying:

As some of you may know, I have been in the hospital over the past few weeks and I have not been at some of the recent shows while seeking medical treatment. I now have the results back and I wanted to let you know that I have been diagnosed with cancer.

As devastating as this news has been for me and my family, I am ready to fight this.

From the beginning, Bingo Players has been about me and Maarten sharing the music that we love, both through our records and with you at shows. I will continue to be actively involved in all areas of Bingo Players and Hysteria Records with Maarten. But for the foreseeable future Maarten will be representing both of us on the road, while I’ll be seeking medical treatment as well as working in the studio, taking lead on running our label etc.

All shows that are planned will still be happening and we will have more tour announcements coming. For us, we want to continue to help create those meaningful and memorable experiences from our music and shows, but as you can imagine in light of this news, we need to make some adjustments and we hope you understand. As I said earlier I’m ready to fight this thing and hope to be on that stage again with you guys in the future!!!!!

Much Love,
Paul

It is currently uncertain as to what will be the future of Bingo Players, but we, as many do, certainly hope Maarten will continue making music. Stay tuned for more updates.

How do you feel about Paul Baumer dying? How do you think it will effect the Bingo Players’ fan base? Let us know on our Facebook page. 

The post Paul Baumer of Bingo Players Reported Dead appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Legendary keyboard and founding member of 60’s rock group The Doors Ray Manzarek has died after losing a battle against bile duct cancer.

Born in 1965, Manzarek was also an author, filmmaker, and producer who grew up on the south side of Chicago. After studying in the film department at UCLA, he met Jim Morrison and soon after formed one of the most legendary groups in rock history. Without a bass player, Ray made use of his organ to write signature bass lines and inspired other psychedelic rock bands of that era.

You don’t make music for immortality, you make music for the moment… for capturing the sheer joy of being alive on planet earth.

The Doors sold over 100 million albums including re releases and anniversary packages. The group (those still living) even produced a track with EDM icon, Skrillex. In 1993, The Doors were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying the the group  as well as Mazarek as one of the best keyboard players in music history. Ray’s passion for life  will live throughout time, and his creativity will be forever missed.

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