DJ Deeon, ghetto tech hero, dies in Chicago hospital

Deeon is one of the pivotal electronic acts named in Daft Punk’s ‘Teachers’ track

DJ Deeon, who pioneered the ghetto tech sound as far back as the 90s, has died from a heart infection in a Chicago hospital.

A statement from his Facebbook administrator Jim said: “I’m sorry to announce the legendary artist, producer, DJ, label owner and my friend Deeon ‘DJ Deeon’ Boyd gained his wings today. The family thanks you for your support and will announce arrangements in the coming days. Thank you for your understanding.”

The Chicago artist’s battles with diabetes, pneumonia and strokes have been widely covered, and last month a GoFundMe campaign to raise $5,000 to cover treatment and rehabilitation was launched. But last Thursday Deeon was readmitted to hospital and it’s understood he died in the early hours of July 18.

Deeon releaased tunes on Dance Mania, Teklife and Numbers and released four EPs as recently as May of this year.

Alongside the likes of DJ Funk, he was credited with the development of ghetto tech, which combined a faster type of house with Miami bass, hip-hop and r&b and was also synonymous with distinctively X-rate vocal hooks.

Among the fellow producers paying tribute were DJ Godfather. who wrote: “I have always been a huge fan or yours and it was an honor to work with you over the years. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

Chicago lost a true pioneer! You will be deeply missed”

and Alan Oldham, producer, illustrator and Underground Resistance member, said simply: “Damn”