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Who Was Rico Wade? All About Organized Noize Member And Outkast Producer As He Passes Away At 52
Rico Wade, a renowned music producer passed away at 52 on April 13. Read on as we explore more about the Organized Noize member and Outkast producer.
Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of death.
Atlanta Rap legend Rico Wade, a key member of the pioneering Atlanta-based production trio Organized Noize and a key early Outkast collaborator, passed away on April 13, 2024, according to an Instagram post by his close friend Killer Mike and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was 52 and no cause of death was cited, according to Variety.
Here we explore more about Rico Wade, the Organized Noize member and Outkast producer.
Who was Rico Wade?
Rico Wade is an American songwriter and record producer from East Point, Georgia. He is one-third of the successful Atlanta-based production team of Organized Noize, which has created hits for acts such as OutKast, Goodie Mob, and TLC. For the unversed, TLC's Waterfalls was penned by Wade and Organized Noize's Sleepy Brown and Ray Murray, per IMDb.
Wade was the pioneer of Organized Noize songwriting-production team which also featured Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown. It was formed in the early ‘90s and played a pivotal role in early releases by Outkast, TLC, Goodie Mob, and many others, and were frequently shouted out or featured on those recordings.
Along with Rapper Jermaine Dupri, their sound, which was as indebted to classic R&B as hip-hop, defined the Atlanta city’s burgeoning scene of the era, which would lay the framework for Atlanta’s dominance as a hip-hop capital in the coming decades.
Wade’s studio in the city’s East Point neighborhood, the Dungeon, was not only the birthplace of many of the era’s hits, it featured in many of them as well — “We havin’ a smokeout in the Dungeon with the mary jane,” Outkast rapped on Ain’t No Thang, from their galvanizing 1994 debut.
Meanwhile, the extended collective around the scene was known as the Dungeon Family, which also included Killer Mike and Big Rube, per Variety.
Rico Wade passes away at age 52
The news about Rico Wade’s death was made public by his close friend Killer Mike and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In his post, Mike mourned his friend Rico Wade’s loss and prayed for his family. He also praised Wade’s acceptance into the Dungeon family and expressed gratitude for his music career.
“I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss,” Killer Mike wrote. He added, “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 y’all.”
Wade’s family released a statement about his passing, writing, “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.”
Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family also put out a statement focusing on his legacy and meaning to the collectives. Their statement read: “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.”
Rico Wade’s prolific songwriting and producing finest Atlanta rap records made him one of the most remarkable music celebrities of his time. Even though he is no more, the rap icon will be cherished by his fans and loved ones.
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