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.