DJ Slacker found dead

Celebrated hip-hop and electro DJ / producer Slacker has passed away in his adopted home of Bangkok.

Early reports say the DJ, real name Shem McCauley, died over the weekend. Little more is currently known about how he died.

McCauley was well known across the world for his progressive house releases in the late 90’s and early 00’s, and as DJ Streets Ahead, Shem was one of the pioneers of the UK hip-hop scratch scene, where he played alongside amongst others, Tim Westwood. He also had production credits beside James Brown, Roxanne Shante and Public Enemy and ran and released records on his Jukebox In The Sky imprint, as well as releasing tunes on XL Recordings, Loaded Records, and Paul Oakenfold’s Perfecto Records during his career.

The DJ was also known (at various points) as Head Honcho and Ramp.

In 2010 McCauley relocated from the UK to Thailand, which brought about his reinvention as an ambient/downtempo producer, finally releasing his debut album, Start A New Life the same year.