Atlanta, GA
Rico Wade, trailblazing hip-hop producer from Atlanta, dies at 52, family says
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Rico Wade, a trailblazing songwriter and record producer from Atlanta, has died at 52, his family announced.
Wade was part of Organized Noize, a production team that worked with OutKast, Goodie Mob, TLC and other prominent hip-hop groups. He was also a founding member of The Dungeon Family, an Atlanta-based music collective made up of famous hip-hop, funk and soul artists.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade,” his family said in a statement. “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.”
In a joint news release, Organized Noize and The Dungeon Family described Wade as the “cornerstone” of the groups.
“The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend,” they said. “We will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team.”
Notable Atlanta figures have taken to social media to mourn the artist. Killer Mike, an Atlanta rapper and activist, said he is praying for Wade’s family.
“I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss,” he wrote on Instagram. “I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya’ll.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens called Wade a “musical genius.”
“A product of Atlanta Public Schools, he led in the creation of a hip-hop sound that has spanned decades and genres,” Dickens wrote. “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.”
Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.
Search for missing Atlanta teen enters fourth day
The search for 16-year-old Benjamin Brath remains active in southwest Atlanta as classmates and family members gather to plead for his safe return, according to Atlanta police and school leaders.
ATLANTA – Benjamin Brathwaite, a 16-year-old student at KIPP Atlanta Collegiate, has been missing since Monday night after leaving his Southwest Atlanta home.
Community rally for missing teen
What we know:
Classmates, teachers, and family members held a rally Friday afternoon to plead for the safe return of the 6-foot-5 teenager. Brathwaite was last seen Monday night leaving his home in the Regency Trace neighborhood off County Line Road.
He was reportedly wearing a black hoodie, black joggers, and Nike running shoes when he disappeared. His family noted that he left without his cellphone or any of his belongings.
Ongoing police search efforts
What we don’t know:
Investigators have not yet determined where Brathwaite may have gone or what his current destination might be. Police have not released a specific motive or reason for why the teen left his home Monday night.
While the search remains active, authorities have not indicated if they have found any physical evidence or leads during their ground and air sweeps.
Law enforcement response
What they’re saying:
“As we speak, we have the helicopter flying over the house, the area, and checking the area,” a police investigator said. “We have our K-9 unit, our drone unit, checking the areas. We will not stop.”
School principal Authur Washington also delivered a message to the student. “Your doors, home, they are open to you, you have friends here, and they want to see you,” Washington said.
Family plea on father’s birthday
The backstory:
The search is now in its fourth day, coinciding with a difficult milestone for the family. Friday is the birthday of Brathwaite’s father.
“The only gift he wants is for you to come home, to be able to wrap his arms around you,” the teen’s brother, William “BJ” Brathwaite, said during the rally.
Next steps in search
What’s next:
A prayer vigil is scheduled for Friday night at Cascade United Methodist Church to support the family and the search efforts.
Community search parties plan to continue looking for the teenager throughout the weekend. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Atlanta Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from a FOX 5 news script and broadcast transcript featuring interviews with Benjamin Brathwaite’s family, his school principal, and the Atlanta Police Department.
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
A historic showcase of Christian Dior’s fashion, including pieces never before seen in a public exhibition, is now on view at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film. Dior: Crafting Fashion showcases carefully preserved toiles, Lady Dior handbags, and exquisite gowns worn by celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Demi Moore. “This exhibition is a master class in the magic of a legendary maison,” says SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace.
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
The exhibit tells the story of the French Couture House’s designers, from Christian Dior to Jonathan Anderson. It shares who they were before they became household names and how they put their own stamp on their collections. It also presents their early design sketches, gardens that inspired them, and some of their most iconic looks.
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Not only does Christian Dior rarely partner with universities; this exhibit marks its first presentation in the Southeast. The design house was likely inspired to come to SCAD’s Atlanta campus by the blockbuster success of 2025’s Christian Dior: Jardines Rêvés at SCAD FASH’s Lacoste location in Provence, France. That exhibit enjoyed record-breaking attendance and rave reviews.
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ATLANTA – A man is recovering after he was shot during a crowd dispute early Thursday morning in northwest Atlanta.
What we know:
Atlanta police say the shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. in the 1500 block of Joseph E. Boone Boulevard NW. Investigators determined the gunfire started during a dispute within a crowd gathered in the area.
When officers arrived at the scene, the crowd had already run away. The man who was shot was alert and conscious when he was taken to a nearby hospital.
What we don’t know:
Police have not yet identified the person who opened fire or released the name of the victim.
It is also unclear what exactly sparked the dispute or the current medical status of the man who was shot.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Atlanta Police Department.
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