Rico Wade, the pioneering Atlanta-based hip-hop producer of Organized Noize and leader of the Dungeon Family, has died. He was 52 years old.
Wade’s passing was confirmed by a representative on Saturday. No cause of death has been given at this time. In a statement, his family wrote, “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. 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.”
Known for his contributions to Southern hip-hop, Wade had a hand in the development of the scene’s sound, producing tracks for OutKast, Goodie Mob, Killer Mike, and many others. Alongside Sleepy Brown and Ray Murray, he was a member of the production team Organized Noize, responsible for hits like TLC’s “Waterfalls,” En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go (Love),” all of Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, and more.
As leader of the Dungeon Family, Wade opened doors and provided mentorship for his community. The collective was named after the studio he used in the basement of his mother’s home, dubbed the “Dungeon,” and eventually grew to include artists like Janelle Monáe, Joi, Bubba Sparxxx, Wade’s cousin Future, and many more.
In a statement shared to Instagram, Killer Mike paid tribute to Wade. “I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss,” he wrote. “I am Praying for your wife and Children. I am raying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all… I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without y’all.”
Continuing, Killer Mike wrote, “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. Love and Respect, Michael.” See Killer Mike’s full statement below.
Other tributes have been posted in the wake of Wade’s death, even including one from the mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens. “Rico was a musical genius,” he wrote. “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, Killer Mike, 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.”
In 2016, Organized Noize were the subject of the documentary The Art of Organized Noize, directed by Quincy Jones III. That same year, many members of the Dungeon Family reunited to headline the ONE Musicfest in Atlanta.