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Legendary Atlanta hip-hop producer Rico Wade laid to rest

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Legendary Atlanta hip-hop producer Rico Wade laid to rest


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – On Friday legendary Atlanta hip-hop producer Rico Wade was laid to rest. The music icon died at age 52 earlier this month.

A private service was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, led by Rev. Raphael Warnock.

“In a real sense his music has been a part of the soundtrack of our lives. And while I’m the pastor of this church and a Senator from Georgia, we are roughly the same age. He’s a couple years younger than me, so to see someone like him come from where he came from, telling the stories of kids like him, I think is so important,” Rev. Warnock said.

Wade was a trailblazing and innovative musical talent known for discovering hip-hop duo OutKast and helping launch the careers of artists like TLC and Goodie Mob. 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.

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“I grew up with him all through the music and all that, so I’m going to miss him a whole lot. He’s been a very big influence on hip hop in Atlanta,” Gregory Gibbs said.

“Just to be here on the day he marks his ending on the earth, just you know, his blessings will still outpour on others,” Mekisha Smith said.

After the service, Wade’s casket was loaded into a horse-drawn carriage and driven through his hometown streets. Atlanta rappers Killer Miker, 2 Chainz, and T.I. were all in attendance.

“It takes a great spirit, a person with a generous heart to summon this crowd to one place at one time,” Rev. Warnock said.

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta native, radio personality Ryan Cameron signs new multi-year deal

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Atlanta native, radio personality Ryan Cameron signs new multi-year deal


ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 02: Ryan Cameron speaks onstage during the premiere of AJC’s “The South Got Something To Say” documentary screening at Center Stage Theater on November 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Atlanta native and award-winning radio personality, actor, comedian and community advocate Ryan Cameron has signed a multi-year agreement with Urban One Atlanta and Reach Media for the “Ryan Cameron Uncensored Show”.

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The radio veteran’s top-rated afternoon show is on WAMJ-FM Majic 107.5/ 97.5 and syndicated with Reach Media across the country.

Cameron is a two-time Emmy Award winner and member of the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame. Cameron holds the distinction as the first Black P.A. announcer in the history of the Atlanta Hawks. His signature “for3eeeeeeeee” call is featured in the popular NBA 2k video game and he has also voiced a role in the NFL Pro Era video game.

In 2015, Cameron was named one of Atlanta’s 55 Most Powerful by Atlanta Magazine and is one of The Source’s Top 20 Influencers in hip-hop for 10 years running. In 2016, he was ranked by Radio Facts as the number one non-syndicated radio show in the country. In 2002, he founded The Ryan Cameron Foundation Leadership Academy, which recruits high school students and provides them with opportunities in academic, leadership, and career development along with community engagement for healthy lifestyles and anti-violence.

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Joining Ryan Cameron on RCUS are Executive Producer Sam Sirmons and Raymond “Big Ray” Dyer. 



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Atlanta, GA

WATCH: Two years after indictment, Young Thug’s Atlanta trial resumes

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WATCH: Two years after indictment, Young Thug’s Atlanta trial resumes


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Two years to the day he was indicted, Young Thug’s historic gang trial in Atlanta resumes Thursday.

Jeffery Williams – Young Thug’s real name – was indicted on May 9, 2022; he’s on trial in Fulton County in a massive RICO case involving himself and five other defendants. Young Thug himself is facing eight criminal counts under a federal law that was originally enacted to fight organized crime. Georgia is one of 33 states that has its own RICO law, but in the Peach State, the alleged criminal enterprises do not have to have existed as long as the federal law.

Defense attorneys have raised concerns the trial could go years based on the number of witnesses the state plans to call up. Attorneys for Williams argue the artist is not the leader of an alleged gang like prosecutors claim.

A total of 18 jurors have been selected, with six of them being alternates. Two jurors have already been excused; one had a medical emergency, and the other moved out of Fulton County.

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On Wednesday defense attorneys cross examined Tyrone Dennis, a retired Atlanta police investigator who has been on the stand for the last few days.

Max Schardt, who represents Shannon Stillwell, questioned the witness about his prior police reports. At one point the judge excused the jury to tell Schardt that his examination borders on condescension.

“Your conduct cannot be improper toward our witnesses, okay?” Judge Ural Glanville said.

“I wasn’t directing anything toward the witness, I think he understands my question,” replied Schardt. He said he felt he was not being allowed to ask questions as the state kept objecting while he was cross-examining Dennis.

Earlier in the day the judge scolded defense attorneys for the continued delays and for not flagging motions and objections earlier so they can be address before the jury and witnesses are called in.

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The jury selection process for Young Thug’s trial lasted longer than any other trial in Georgia history, and was repeatedly plagued by arrests, charges, and disruptions. The trial itself could last for more than a year. Georgia’s longest jury selection and its longest trial both came in the Atlanta Public Schools teacher scandal of 2014-15.

Opening statements began on Nov. 27, 2023.

Defense attorneys for Williams and his remaining co-defendants say YSL (Young Slime Life or Young Stoner’s Life) is Young Thug’s record label. Prosecutors are attempting to show YSL is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous offenses.

Williams is also charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of codeine with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine; possession of a firearm; and possession of a machine gun.

Prosecutors have indicated they have about 150 witnesses they still plan to call.

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Atlanta News First is broadcasting gavel-to-gavel coverage of Young Thug’s trial on its live stream and YouTube channel.

How can I watch the Young Thug trial?

Atlanta News First will be covering the trial live on our ANF+ livestreams, which you can watch on our website, on Youtube or on Roku, Fire TV and AppleTV. We will also report on the events online.

Young Thug’s trial: Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Download our Atlanta News First app for the latest details on Young Thug’s historic trial.



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Atlanta, GA

Man wanted for stealing car, credit cards, Atlanta police say

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Man wanted for stealing car, credit cards, Atlanta police say


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Atlanta police are seeking the public’s help looking for a person of interest in a northeast Atlanta burglary.

Police said officers responded to a home on Oakdale Road NE just before 7:45 a.m. Friday. The homeowner told police a man had stolen a backpack containing the keys to their car and their credit cards. The homeowner also said their cards has been used “at a number of locations” by the man.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477. There is a reward of up to $2,000.

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