DJ MICHAEL WATTS

Swisha House, an independent Southern rap label, was founded in 1997 by DJ Michael Watts and is a federally registered trademark. Known for his unique style, relentless work ethic, and strong commitment to music, Watts has played a crucial role in shaping hip-hop culture and supporting emerging artists.

DJ Michael Watts’ passion for music began at six years old. By fourteen, he had recorded his first mixtape and was DJing at a local skating rink. He sold tapes at school and from home, hosting high school parties and provided a platforn for local rappers. As his reputation grew, he expanded his reach, promoting and performing his mixes in nearby neighborhoods.

After losing his mother at eighteen, Watts channeled his energy into pursuing opportunities beyond Houston. His journey led him to promotional work, transforming his childhood home into "Swisha House." Collaborating with promoters and club owners, he organized events that spread the Swisha House name throughout the region.

His distinctive mixes gained attention on the streets, and after high school, he was introduced by Lester Pace to 97.9 The Box studios, where he refined his DJ skills. At The Box in 1994, he met OG Ron C, who began selling and later MCing Watts’ mixtapes. Watts continued to promote Swisha House’s sound through iconic mixtapes like Before Da Kappa, Choppin Em Up, Northside series, with other popular releases such as Fuck Actions.

In 1998, local artist Lil’ Mario introduced Watts to Slim Thug and J-Dawg, resulting in collaborations that produced tracks like Swisha House 98. That year, he also met Paul Wall, who introduced him to Chamillionaire, and together they performed as "The SleepWalkers," debuting their freestyle Choppem Up with Swisha House. T. Farris joined the team, supporting by selling mixtapes and eventually grew doing artist management & A&R work.

Swisha House achieved a milestone in 1999 with its first distribution deal with Southwest Whole Sale for the commercial album The Day Hell Broke Loose, independently getting screwed out of half a million units. In 2002, Homie Marco approached Watts to host the first “slowed and chopped” radio program on Party 104.9, which launched the iconic “Screwston” show.

That same year, T-Farris introduced rapper Mike Jones to Swisha House. Despite offers from major labels, Watts kept Swisha House independent, launching Swisha Blast as a parallel platform. By 2003, Swisha Blast released hits like Who Is Mike Jones (2005) and Paul Wall’s The Peoples Champ (2005), with both albums going platinum. Watts’ remixes and collaborations with artists like Lil Wayne, KORN, Master P, UGK, David Banner, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Three 6 Mafia, and many others helped him define his unique sound.

In 2003, Watts returned to 97.9 The Box, where he debuted “Swisha House Mix,” a live slow-and-chopped show that remains a Sunday night staple.

Today, Swisha House operates solely under Watts’ leadership, with no affiliation to Swisha Blast, establishing him as the exclusive representative of this influential brand. Over his career, he has received numerous awards, including recognition from Vibe magazine, the Justo Mixtape Awards, the Southern Entertainment Awards, and the Core DJ’s Retreat, among others.

On a personal note, Watts married Tammie Watts in 2010. Together, they have two daughters and a blended family of five daughters and two grandchildren. Tammie remains a strong supporter of both their marriage and business ventures.

Original Members of Swisha House: Michael Watts | Slim Thug | Paul Wall | Chamillionaire | Mike Jones | OG Ron C | T. Farris | Lil Mario | J-Dawg | Magno | Big Tike | A.D. Green | Lester Roy | Archie Lee | Sabwarfare | Lil Ron | Big Pic | Alley Cat