The Atlanta hip-hip icon who helped launch OutKast's career is remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike shortly after he is confirmed to have passed away.
- Apr 14, 2024
AceShowbiz - Atlanta rapper and music legend Rico Wade, known for his groundbreaking work with Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, has passed away at the age of 52. His family confirmed the tragic news in a statement on Saturday morning, April 13, expressing their deep sorrow over his "sudden and unexpected passing."
Wade's family has requested privacy during this time of mourning. Details surrounding his death have not been disclosed.
Wade, a native of Georgia, rose to prominence as a pivotal figure in the Atlanta hip-hop scene in the early 1990s. Alongside Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown, he co-founded Organized Noize, a production trio that revolutionized the city's musical landscape. Their innovative sound, which blended funk, soul, and hip-hop, became synonymous with the city's emerging music scene.
Beyond his masterful production skills, Wade played a crucial role in nurturing and promoting talent within the Dungeon Family, a collective that included iconic acts like OutKast, Goodie Mob, and Killer Mike. His contributions to OutKast's albums, including "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik," "ATLiens," and "Aquemini," solidified his legacy as a visionary producer.
Organized Noize's influence extended beyond the Dungeon Family, with hits for TLC and others. Their collaboration with OutKast on tracks like "So Fresh, So Clean" from "Stankonia" further cemented their status as pioneers of the genre.
As one of the founding members of the Dungeon Family, his legacy helped launch the careers of artists like Janelle Monae and his cousin Future. He dedicated himself to creating a space where talent could flourish and the culture could evolve.
His collaborators, fans, and the entire hip-hop community are reeling from this loss. Killer Mike, a close friend and fellow Dungeon Family member, expressed his profound sense of grief on Instagram, saying, "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."
Cee-Lo Green reacted to Wade's passing with a crying emoji. Jack Antonoff and Kid Cudi also paid tribute to the late musician.
Wade's legacy as a musical visionary and a compassionate supporter of his fellow artists will continue to inspire generations to come. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten in the annals of hip-hop history.
