Legendary hip-hop producer Rico Wade dies aged 52 as tributes pour in

13 April 2024 , 16:57

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He was part of Organized Noize (Image: 2023 Paras Griffin)

Rico Wade, who was part of the Atlanta-based production trio Organized Noize, has died at the age of 52.

His death was announced by Grammy Award-winning rapper Killer Mike on Saturday on Instagram. The cause of death has yet to be revealed. He started the post by writing: "I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss.

He continued: "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."

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Rico Wade died at 52 years old

He ended the post, writing: "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."

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Tributes have been pouring in for the iconic hip-hop producer, with Ceelo Green sharing a crying emoji in the comments section. Film producer Dario M. Harris commented: "Damn…Rico will always be one of the best things that happened to Atlanta music." Ludacris also commented, writing: "Best Human Being On 2 Feet." Hot 97's Ebro in the Morning host, Ebro Darden, showed his respects and wrote: "This human was great. Thank you for gifts."

Killer Mike announced the death on Instagram

The Organized Noize songwriting-production team featured Rico, Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown, and was formed in the 1990s. The trio played a role in Outkast's early releases and worked with TLC Goodie Mob and more. They were known as the Dungeon Family. which also included Killer Mike, Big Rube, André "André 3000" Benjamin and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton.

Rico's music adventure started in the Atlanta music scene of the 1980s, which was a thriving cultural backdrop. He was surrounded by the sounds of hip-hop, soul and funk, which influences his style of music production. He also worked with artists like Ludacris and Janelle Monáe.

Rico was also cousin's with rapper Future and played a pivotal role in his music career. Future has not posted anything about his cousins passing on any of his social media platforms.

Scarlett O'Toole