Known as The First Lady of Detroit, K-HAND’s death was confirmed by friends last night.
Detroit native Kelli Hand, known to the world by her DJ and production moniker K-HAND, has passed away.
The cause of death is still unconfirmed, but several press outlets are reporting that her death has been confirmed by her friends, and messages of sorrow, shock, reverence and grief have poured from dance music artists around the world on social media.
K-HAND’s incredible career spans thirty years, beginning with regular slots at the legendary club, Paradise Garage. In 2017, the Detroit City Council recognised K-HAND as “The First Lady of Detroit” in recognition of her “skills within a male-dominated industry.”
She was highly prolific, releasing dozens of singles and EPs over the years, as well as several studio albums. Much of her output came via her own Acacia Records (named for a street in Detroit), and her 1995 debut album, On A Journey, landed on !K7 Records. She also released on labels like Tresor, Warp and TRIP, with an output that covered all shades of house and techno that inspired countless artists over the years.
As a DJ, K-HAND played clubs and festivals around the world, touching down in places like Australia, Hungary, Spain, South Korea, Belgium, France, Croatia, the UK and US in 2019.
Learn more about K-HAND’s productions with our hand-selected RIP K-HAND playlist.Â
RIP legend Kelli Hand pic.twitter.com/79PzJGuzoh
â Ghostly (@ghostly) August 4, 2021
Rest in peace Kelli Hand. We weren’t on the best terms by any means, but I never lost my respect for what you meant to Detroit Techno or to dance music as a whole. I’ll remember the good times. <3
â Ash Lauryn (@ash_lauryn_) August 4, 2021
RIP K Hand đ
â Gallery S (@MoMa_Ready) August 4, 2021
đš pic.twitter.com/cZbuqiooUR
â jg (@jacquesgreene) August 4, 2021
Mad respect for Kelli Hand. We finally met in London of all places a few years ago. Those Acacia records; she was pioneering! You leave us with an inspirational Detroit music legacy. Thank you. Rest eternal, K-Hand đ pic.twitter.com/wmxyn3EtXK
â Mike Servito (@mikeservito) August 4, 2021
K-Hand was the 1st female House/Techno producer I ever heard of. she was sweet & spent lots of time in Satellite Records Atlanta when I ran that in the 90âs. wicked producer & great DJ; she passed away & may her glorious Detroit legacy live on as she traverses The Great Beyond.đŤ pic.twitter.com/U7ms7tGcVB
â Tommie Sunshine âď¸ (@tommiesunshine) August 4, 2021
this is so sad :((((( see you on the other side k-hand, thank you for your music and your courage <3
â Violet / naive đľđ¸ (@violetakaviolet) August 4, 2021
Such sad news about K-Hand ..
â BOXIA (@Boxia_Music) August 4, 2021