Rico Wade, a pivotal figure in the Atlanta music scene, known for his role as a member of the iconic production trio Organized Noize and as a co-founder of the influential hip-hop/soul collective Dungeon Family, has passed away at the age of 52, a source has confirmed with his representatives.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade,” his family wrote in a statement on Saturday (April 13).
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a talented individual who touched the lives of so many. We ask that you respect the legacy of our loved one and our privacy at this time.”
Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family also shared a heartfelt message following news of Wade’s passing.
“We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade. The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend,”
Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family wrote in a joint statement.
“Rico was the cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team.
Our hearts weigh heavy with sorrow, and we kindly request privacy and empathy during this challenging period.
Rico’s presence will always have a special spot in our hearts, and in the music we presented to the world.”
At the time of press, Wade’s cause of death had not been disclosed. He, recognized as one of the architects of the Southern rap sound, comprised one-third of the renowned songwriting and production team Organized Noize, alongside Sleepy Brown and Ray Murray.
The trio emerged in the early 1990s, significantly contributing to OutKast’s seminal 1994 debut album, “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik,” and Goodie Mob’s inaugural 1995 release, “Soul Food.”
Organized Noize continued their impactful collaboration, producing a significant portion of OutKast’s 1996 sophomore album, “ATLiens,” along with tracks on subsequent albums like “Aquemini” and “Stankonia,” including standout hits like “Skew It on the Bar-B” and “So Fresh, So Clean.”
Their creative partnership extended to Big Boi’s solo endeavors, notably his albums “Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty” (2010) and “Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors” (2012).
Also, Wade and Organized Noize were behind the co-writing and production of TLC’s chart-topping single “Waterfalls,” which dominated the Billboard Hot 100 chart for seven weeks in 1995.
In the 2016 documentary “The Art of Organized Noize,” TLC’s T-Boz disclosed her pivotal role in introducing Sleepy Brown and Rico Wade, facilitated by Wade’s employment at LaMonte’s Beauty Supply.
“Rico looked at me, did a little dance and said, ‘So?’” Brown recalled. “And when he did it, it cracked me up so much that I was like, ‘Yeah, I like him.’”
In addition to TLC, Organized Noize was responsible for producing En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go” and Ludacris’ “Saturday (Oooh! Ooooh!).”
Wade and Organized Noize were chiefly known for their collaborations within the Atlanta-based Dungeon Family collective, boasting a diverse roster of talents including OutKast’s Big Boi and Andre 3000, Goodie Mob’s Big Gipp, Khujo, T-Mo, and Cee Lo Green, alongside Killer Mike, Slimm Calhoun, BlackOwned C-Bone, and Backbone.
Future added,
“I got to see Big Boi walk into the studio. Just always looking for a new Outkast album, being a fan and always being behind the scenes and seeing what it took and seeing the process of making records, and it was all just fascinating to me.”
Killer Mike, who got his start with the Dungeon Family, shared a message about Wade’s passing on Saturday.
“I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am Praying for your wife and Children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all,” the Run the Jewels rapper wrote on Instagram.
“I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya’ll.”
He concluded,
“This is a part of the journey. You told me ‘It ain’t been hard throughout the journey, it’s been a Journey.’ The journey ain’t gonna be the Same Journey without U. Like U say tho Umma ‘Stay Down on it’……we all are.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also released a statement about Wade following his death.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Rico Wade,” Dickens wrote in a statement on the City of Atlanta’s website.
“Rico was a musical genius and one third of the Grammy Award-winning music production team Organized Noize.
A product of Atlanta Public Schools, he led in the creation of a hip-hop sound that has spanned decades and genres.
Without Rico Wade, the world may have never experienced The Dungeon Family, OutKast, Goodie Mob, Future and many more. Rico left an indelible mark on music and culture around the world and for that, the South will always have something to say.”
