Rico Wade, Organized Noize Producer & Founding Member Of The Dungeon Family, To Be Laid To Rest In Private Ceremony In Atlanta

Rico Wade

Rico Wade, Organized Noize Producer & Founding Member Of The Dungeon Family, To Be Laid To Rest In Private Ceremony In Atlanta

Update (April 24, 2024): Rico Wade’s loved ones will say their goodbyes to the producer on Friday, April 26.

His celebration of life, held at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta will be a private, invitation-only occasion. Details about the ceremony are scarce, however, Clark Atlanta University’s 68-person band will be present to perform some of Organized Noize’s biggest hits outside of the church.

New York Times’ Christopher Weingarten said of the late producer:

“Wade’s open doors and nurturing vision became the engine of Atlanta’s creative explosion, tilting the spotlight away from New York and Los Angeles and toward the homegrown sounds of artists like Outkast, Goodie Mob, Killer Mike, Janelle Monáe and eventually Wade’s younger cousin Future.”

Original Story (April 14, 2024):

Prayers up for the family of Atlanta based producer Rico Wade.

Yesterday (April 13th), family and friends of one of southern hip-hop’s pioneers announced that he has sadly passed away at the age of 52.

Rico Wade

One of Rico Wade’s deer friends, Grammy award winning rapper Killer Mike, was one of the first big names to publicly confirm the producer’s transition from life. Sharing several images of Rico Wade, Killer Mike wrote to his Instagram:

“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.”

He added:

“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 #RipRicoWade#WeDF#OrganizedNoize#MusicalGenius” 

Other hip-hop veterans such as Chuck D, Juicy J, Biz Markie, and more have also shared their condolences on social media over Wade’s death. As Killer Mike noted, Wade is credited with being instrumental in shaping the sound of southern hip-hop music alongside his Organized Noize production company co-founders Ray Murry and Sleepy Brown. The trio are also famously known for developing The Dungeon Family Collective, which held artists such as Killer Mike, OutKast, Ceelo Green, Wade’s younger cousin Future, and more.

The Dungeon Family Collective

Additionally, Organized Noize were also reportedly involved in producing a few notable R&B hits, including as TLC’s “Waterfalls” and Mista’s “Blackberry Molasses.” At this time, there have not been many details shared regarding the nature of Wade’s passing. His family did release a statement on the matter, however, 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.”

Rico Wade

[VIA]

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