Organized Noize Producer Rico Wade Dead at 52
UPDATE (APRIL 13):
The family of Rico Wade has released a statement regarding the producer's death. "We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade. 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," the statements reads.
ORIGINAL STORY (APRIL 13):
Organized Noize producer Rico Wade has passed away at the age of 52.
Organized Noize Producer Rico Wade Dies at 52
Rico Wade, a legendary Atlanta producer of the production group Organized Noize and the founding member of the Dungeon Family, has died. He was 52. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
Grammy Award-winning rapper Killer Mike announced the sad news on his Instagram page on Saturday (April 13). He wrote, in part: "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. I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya'll."
Killer Mike continued: "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."
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Who Is Organized Noize Producer Rico Wade?
As one-third of the production group Organized Noize, Rico Wade, along with Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown, played a prominent role in shaping the sound of Southern hip-hop and work with developing The Dungeon Family collective, including OutKast, Goodie Mob, Cool Breeze and others. Additionally, the trio was involved in producing R&B hits for TLC ("Waterfalls") and Mista ("Blackberry Molasses"), among many others.
Rico, who is the older cousin of rapper Future, was able to tell his story regarding the history of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family in the 2016 documentary, The Art of Organized Noize.
In a 2017 interview with Albumism, Rico expressed pride in the successes the Dungeon Family have achieved through the years including many Grammy wins, gold and platinum plaques.
"Music is life," Rico stated. "It's a blessing we have the monuments. We got some stuff that wasn't a waste of time. It was truly time well spent."
On Instagram, Organized Noize posted a heartfelt tribute to their fallen leader. It reads:
"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. - Organized Noize and The Dungeon Family"
Upon hearing the sad news of Rico Wade's death, several rappers including Juicy J and Phonte as well as veteran producers Jermaine Dupri and Mike Will Made-It and others posted their condolences on social media.
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Read Killer Mike's Tribute to Rico Wade and more below.
